Crockpot Chicken Legs (Printable)

Tender slow-cooked chicken legs seasoned with herbs and spices for an effortless family dinner.

# What You'll Need:

→ Chicken

01 - 8 chicken legs (drumsticks), skin on or off as preferred

→ Seasoning & Flavorings

02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - 1 teaspoon salt
04 - ½ teaspoon black pepper
05 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
06 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
07 - 1 teaspoon onion powder
08 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
09 - ½ teaspoon dried oregano

→ Aromatics

10 - 1 large onion, sliced
11 - 4 garlic cloves, minced

→ Liquid

12 - ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth

→ Optional Garnish

13 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

# Directions:

01 - Pat the chicken legs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture for better seasoning adherence.
02 - In a small bowl, combine salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and oregano. Mix thoroughly to distribute spices evenly.
03 - Rub the chicken legs with olive oil, then coat evenly with the seasoning mixture, ensuring full coverage on all sides.
04 - Place the sliced onion and minced garlic in the bottom of the crockpot to create a flavorful bed for the chicken.
05 - Arrange the seasoned chicken legs on top of the onions in a single layer for even cooking.
06 - Pour the chicken broth around (not over) the chicken legs to maintain seasoning integrity while providing moisture.
07 - Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 7 hours, until the chicken is tender and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
08 - For crispy skin, transfer the cooked chicken legs to a baking sheet and broil under high heat for 2–4 minutes until golden and crisp.
09 - Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley before serving. Pairs well with rice, mashed potatoes, or fresh salad.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The meat falls off the bone with practically zero effort while you go about your day
  • One pot creates its own rich savory sauce while the chicken becomes impossibly tender
  • Kids and adults both ask for seconds and nobody needs to know how simple it was
02 -
  • Never lift the lid during cooking time or you will add 30 minutes to your cook every single time
  • The broth creates a simple pan sauce that is perfect over mashed potatoes or rice
03 -
  • Patting the chicken completely dry before seasoning is the difference between flavorful and bland
  • Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving so the juices redistribute throughout the meat

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