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Slow Cooker Chicken Legs with Smoked Paprika and Garlic Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 105 reviews
  • Author: Simon
  • Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes to 6 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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)

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

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Find it online: https://kitchenofsimon.com/slow-cooker-chicken-legs-with-smoked-paprika-and-garlic-recipe/