Slow Cooker Chicken Legs with Smoked Paprika and Garlic Recipe

Introduction

Slow Cooker Chicken Legs make for an effortless and flavorful meal that’s perfect for busy days. With a simple blend of spices and tender cooking, this dish delivers juicy, fall-off-the-bone chicken every time.

Ingredients

• 2 lb. drumsticks (patted dry)
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp onion powder
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1/3 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup butter (diced)

Instructions

1. Step 1: If you haven’t already, use a paper towel to pat the chicken dry.
2. Step 2: Stir the smoked paprika, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and onion powder together in a small bowl. Sprinkle the dry rub over the chicken, using your hands to coat it evenly. Transfer the chicken to your slow cooker.
3. Step 3: Pour the chicken broth into the slow cooker, then sprinkle the diced butter and minced garlic over the chicken.
4. Step 4: Cook on LOW for 4-6 hours. You can cook on HIGH if pressed for time, but cooking low ensures the chicken falls off the bone and stays tender.

Tips & Variations

• For extra smoky flavor, add a dash of liquid smoke or smoked salt to the seasoning mix.
• Try adding sliced onions or bell peppers in the slow cooker for added sweetness and texture.
• If you prefer a crispy skin, briefly broil the chicken legs in the oven after slow cooking.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the oven or microwave until heated through to maintain tenderness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of drumsticks?

Yes, chicken thighs work well and will cook to a similar tenderness in the slow cooker.

Is it necessary to pat the chicken dry before seasoning?

Patting the chicken dry helps the seasoning stick better and promotes more flavorful skin, even though it will be cooked in the slow cooker.

Slow Cooker Chicken Legs with Smoked Paprika and Garlic Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 105 reviews

• Author: Simon
• Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes to 6 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This Slow Cooker Chicken Legs recipe delivers tender, flavorful drumsticks infused with smoked paprika, garlic, and Italian herbs. Easy to prepare and perfect for a no-fuss dinner, the slow cooking method ensures juicy chicken that falls off the bone, enhanced by a buttery garlic broth that keeps every bite deliciously moist.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Seasonings

• 2 lb. drumsticks (patted dry)
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp onion powder
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)

Liquids and Fat

• 1/3 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup butter (diced)

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Instructions

1. Pat Dry the Chicken: Use a paper towel to thoroughly pat the drumsticks dry, removing excess moisture. This step helps the seasoning stick better and promotes even cooking.
2. Apply the Dry Rub: In a small bowl, mix smoked paprika, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and onion powder. Sprinkle this spice blend evenly over the chicken drumsticks, using your hands to coat each piece thoroughly. Place the seasoned chicken into the slow cooker.
3. Add Broth, Garlic, and Butter: Pour the chicken broth into the slow cooker around the chicken. Then, scatter the minced garlic and diced butter over the top of the drumsticks to infuse them with rich flavor and moisture as they cook.
4. Slow Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 4 to 6 hours. Cooking at low temperature ensures the chicken becomes incredibly tender and falls off the bone. Alternatively, you can cook on HIGH for a shorter time, but LOW is recommended for optimal texture and flavor.
5. Serve and Enjoy: Once the cooking time is complete, carefully remove the chicken legs from the slow cooker. Serve hot with your favorite sides and enjoy the succulent, flavorful drumsticks.

Notes

• For extra crispy skin, you can broil the cooked drumsticks in the oven for 3-5 minutes after slow cooking.
• If fresh garlic isn’t available, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder can be used as a substitute.
• Ensure the slow cooker is not overcrowded to allow even cooking.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 1 month.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 4-6 hours
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: slow cooker chicken legs, slow cooked chicken drumsticks, easy chicken recipe, smoked paprika chicken, tender chicken legs