5 Simple Chicken Legs Slow Cooker Recipes

If you're a fan of easy, delicious meals, you'll love these 5 simple chicken legs slow cooker recipes. Chicken legs, often known as drumsticks, are not only flavorful but also quite forgiving, making them perfect for slow cooking. Let's dive into these recipes that will make your weeknights effortless yet delightful.

1. Honey Garlic Chicken Legs

Slow cooking chicken legs in a honey garlic sauce results in a sticky, sweet, and savory dish that can be served over rice or with a side of veggies.

• Ingredients:
  • 6-8 Chicken Legs
  • 1/2 cup Honey
  • 1/3 cup Soy Sauce
  • 1/4 cup Ketchup
  • 5 Garlic Cloves, minced
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil
  • 1 tbsp Cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp Water
  • Salt and Pepper to taste
• Instructions:
  1. Season chicken legs with salt and pepper.
  2. In a slow cooker, combine honey, soy sauce, ketchup, garlic, and olive oil.
  3. Add the chicken legs, ensuring they are well coated with the sauce.
  4. Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
  5. Remove chicken to a plate.
  6. Stir in the cornstarch mixture to thicken the sauce, then return the chicken to the cooker and mix to coat with thickened sauce.

🍯 Note: Adjust the honey and soy sauce ratio to suit your taste for sweetness or saltiness.

2. Lemon and Herb Chicken Legs

This recipe infuses chicken legs with bright citrus flavors and aromatic herbs, making for a refreshing twist to the usual chicken dishes.

• Ingredients:
  • 6-8 Chicken Legs
  • 1 Lemon, juiced and zested
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil
  • 2 tsp Dried Oregano
  • 2 tsp Dried Thyme
  • 4 Garlic Cloves, minced
  • Salt and Pepper to taste
• Instructions:
  1. Season the chicken legs with salt and pepper.
  2. In a bowl, mix lemon juice, zest, olive oil, oregano, thyme, and garlic.
  3. Place chicken legs in the slow cooker and pour the lemon herb mixture over them.
  4. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
  5. Optional: Broil the chicken legs for 2-3 minutes to crisp the skin.

These are just the beginning of a delightful journey with your slow cooker. Here's a summary of key points:

You've learned how to craft mouthwatering chicken legs with little to no effort, thanks to these simple slow cooker recipes. From the sticky, sweet honey garlic chicken to the refreshing lemon and herb variant, each dish promises to deliver flavor with minimal preparation time. These dishes not only save time but also bring a taste of comfort to your dining table, perfect for busy weekdays or relaxed weekends.

Can I use frozen chicken legs for these recipes?

+

Yes, you can use frozen chicken legs, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time. Ensure they are cooked thoroughly to an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C).

How can I make the chicken legs more crispy when slow cooking?

+

To achieve a crispy texture, you can briefly broil the chicken legs after they’ve been slow-cooked. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.

What side dishes go well with slow-cooked chicken legs?

+

Side dishes like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad complement the flavors of slow-cooked chicken legs nicely.

Can I use other parts of the chicken for these recipes?

+

Yes, these recipes can be adapted for chicken thighs or wings. Cooking times might vary slightly, so keep an eye on the internal temperature.