With prep time of under 5 minutes, these delicious fall-off-the-bone crockpot chicken legs practically make themselves, so they are perfect to put on the table on a busy night. Pair them with salad and potatoes for a no-fuss dinner, or dress them up with roasted veggies and garlic bread.
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I am a huge fan of my slow cooker, and when I can use it with a recipe that is easy on the budge, that is a double win. This frugal recipe for crockpot chicken legs is perfect when you are trying to feed a crowd on a tight budget. If you are looking for another budget-friendly crockpot meal, try this chicken with black beans, corn, and cream cheese. It's a family favorite.
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Why you'll love these Slow Cooker Chicken Legs
This is a true 5x5 recipe: 5 ingredients, 5 minutes prep. The result is fall-apart chicken packed with sweet and tangy flavor. It's perfect for busy weeknights.
What you need to make Crockpot Chicken Legs
- Chicken legs. If you can't get skinless drumsticks and don't want to skin them, substitute another skinless cut.
- Brown sugar. Adds just the right amount of sweetness to this sweet and tangy recipe.
- Tomato sauce. Tip: if using a 16 ounce can of tomato sauce, freeze the other half for later use in another recipe.
- Soy sauce. If you have tamari, it is even better.
- Garlic cloves. More garlic is always better, right? Feel free to add more to your preference.
See recipe card for quantities.
How to make Crockpot Chicken legs
Place skinless chicken legs in slow cooker (1). Mix the sauce ingredients and pour evenly over chicken (2 & 3).
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
Crockpot tip
You'll need to adjust the cooking time of this recipe based on your individual appliance. Slow cookers give different results based on brand, size, and how full they are, so keep that in mind when planning your cook time. A 6-quart crockpot will cook the same recipe much faster than a 4-quart or 3-quart crockpot.
On top of that, not all crockpots cook at the temperature they are supposed to (you can use this method to test your crockpot temperature). The bottom line is that unlike oven cooking, there is no way to exactly predict the time needed to perfectly cook in a crockpot because they vary so much.
I use a 6-quart crockpot—the size is perfect for the recipes I make, and it gives me the options I need without needing to learn complicated programming modes. I like the ability to choose how long to cook at high or low. It automatically switches to the "keep warm" function after the cooking time ends.
Substitutions
- Gluten-Free. Use a certified gluten-free soy sauce.
- Low Carb. Swap brown sugar for a stevia-based blend.
- Low-Sodium. Use a low-sodium soy sauce and tomato sauce with no added salt.
Storage and freezing
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
If freezing, remove meat from the bone first. This chicken gets super tender and won't hold is shape after thawing.
Make ahead freezer meal. Remove the skin from the chicken legs, place chicken in an airtight, leakproof, freezer-safe container, and pour sauce on top. Label as follows:
Fall-Off-the-Bone Crockpot Chicken legs Date____________________
Thaw in refrigerator overnight. Cook in slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours.
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken drumsticks?
Yes, but be sure they are fully thawed before cooking. Food safety guidelines warn against putting frozen meat directly into a crockpot for cooking because it is outside of safe temperatures for too long.
What sides pair well with crockpot chicken legs?
Serve with steamed rice or mashed potatoes and a fresh green salad or colorful veggies for a complete meal.
Recipe
Crockpot Chicken Drumsticks
Ingredients
- 3½ pounds skinless chicken legs
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces tomato sauce
Instructions
- Place 3½ pounds skinless chicken legs in a crockpot.
- Mince 2 cloves garlic.
- In a medium bowl, stir together ½ cup soy sauce, ¼ cup packed brown sugar, 8 ounces tomato sauce, and garlic. Pour sauce over chicken.
- Cover and cook on low for 6- 8 hours or until done.
Nutrition per serving
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