Slow Cooker Chicken Drumsticks – Hawaiian BBQ Style

Tender, juicy Slow Cooker Chicken Drumsticks coated in a sweet and tangy Hawaiian BBQ sauce—this is one of those slow cooker recipes I reach for when I need an easy weeknight dinner that’s packed with bold flavor and guaranteed juicy chicken.

These Hawaiian BBQ drumsticks are a regular in our dinner rotation. I love that they use simple ingredients I already have on hand, and the slow cooker does most of the work. The combo of BBQ sauce, pineapple juice, and soy sauce gives them that sweet-and-savory flavor that makes the chicken tender, juicy, and full of flavor—perfect for busy weeknights when I need an easy meal the whole family will enjoying eat.

I usually throw everything into the crock pot after school drop-off. The ingredients are simple—things I already have on hand—but they come together into something that tastes way more exciting than the effort involved. Sometimes I’ll double the recipe and freeze half in a freezer-safe bag for those chaotic nights when cooking feels impossible.

Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker Chicken Drumsticks

• Simple Ingredients: Just a handful of everyday ingredients, making it a go-to simple recipe.
• Quick Prep Time: Only minutes of prep time—your slow cooker does the rest of the work!
• Tender, Juicy Chicken: Cooking chicken drumsticks low and slow results in juicy chicken with deliciously crispy skin after a quick broil.
• Family Favorite: An easy meal that even picky eaters will love, making dinner time stress-free.
• Versatile: Perfect for serving at casual dinners, game day parties, or prepping ahead in a freezer-safe bag.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Chicken Drumsticks: Using chicken drumsticks provides tender chicken that’s flavorful and perfect for slow cooking.
• Pineapple Juice: Adds a tropical sweetness and helps tenderize the chicken, enhancing the Hawaiian BBQ flavor.
• Soy Sauce: Opt for low sodium. You can add more salt later if necessary.
• Brown Sugar: Sweetens the sauce and helps it caramelize for that signature BBQ glaze.
• Ketchup: Adds tanginess and helps create that classic BBQ sauce base.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Just a splash! Brings a deeper savory note and rounds out the sauce.
• BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite BBQ sauce to bring smoky, tangy flavor to the whole dish.
• Cornstarch or Arrowroot Powder: Thickens the sauce so it coats the chicken perfectly.
• Water: Mixed with cornstarch to prevent clumping when thickening the sauce.
• Cilantro (for garnish): Adds a pop of fresh flavor and color.
• Fresh Pineapple (for serving): Offers a sweet contrast and bright tropical finish to the dish.

How To Make Slow Cooker Chicken Drumsticks

When it comes to slow cooker chicken recipes, this one’s a keeper. You’ll only need a few minutes of prep time before the crock pot takes over.

1. Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, ground black pepper, salt, and BBQ sauce. In a separate ramekin or small bowl, mix cornstarch and water, then add to the BBQ mixture. Set aside ¼ cup of sauce.
2. Cook the Drumsticks: Arrange the chicken drumsticks in a single layer inside the slow cooker. Pour the BBQ sauce mixture over the drumsticks. Cover and cook on low heat for 5-6 hours or high heat for 3-4 hours.
3. Crisp the Skin: Transfer the cooked drumsticks onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Brush generously with the remaining sauce. Place under the broiler on medium heat for about 5 minutes, until the skin becomes crispy and caramelized.
4. Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve alongside fresh pineapple slices for a delicious meal everyone will love.

Easy Variation Ideas

Although I love this chicken drumsticks recipe as it is, there are some yummy variation ideas you can try too. Here are a few of them:

• Sugar alternatives: Substitute brown sugar with maple syrup or honey for a different sweetness profile. For a less sweet BBQ sauce, simply omit the brown sugar.
• Thickening options: Use arrowroot powder in place of cornstarch for the same thickening power.
• Protein swaps: You can use chicken thighs, boneless chicken breasts, or even swap the chicken for pork or beef in this slow cooker recipe.
• Add vegetables: Toss in chopped bell peppers or broccoli to turn this into a full meal.
• Spice it up: Add jalapeños or cayenne pepper flakes for a spicier version.
• Marinate for more flavor: If you have time, marinate the chicken for up to 30 minutes before cooking to boost the flavor.
• Fresh pineapple for brightness: Stir in chunks of fresh pineapple at the end for a burst of tropical sweetness.

Storing and Meal Prep

Storage: Store leftover chicken drumsticks in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Meal Prep: This Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Drumsticks recipe is perfect for meal prep. To freeze, mix the sauce as directed and pour it into a freezer-safe ziplock bag over the raw chicken drumsticks. Press out as much air as possible before sealing. Lay flat to freeze for easier storage. When you’re ready to cook, thaw the bag in the refrigerator overnight, then pour everything into your slow cooker and follow the usual instructions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs or chicken breasts instead?

Yes, boneless chicken thighs or breasts work well. Adjust cooking times slightly, reducing by about 1 hour.

How do I reheat leftover chicken drumsticks?

Reheat on a baking sheet at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. Cover loosely with foil to prevent drying.

Can I make these chicken drumsticks without broiling?

Broiling is optional but recommended for crispy skin. Skipping this step will still be delicious but softer skin.

Is this recipe spicy?

No, this recipe is mild. For heat, add chipotle BBQ sauce or sprinkle in, jalapeños, or red pepper flakes.

Other Slow Cooker Chicken Recipes

• Slow Cooker Chicken Marsala
• Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Soup
• Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos
• Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip
• Slow Cooker Cream Cheese Chicken Chili
• Slow Cooker Barbacoa Beef Tacos

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