If you’re craving tender, fall-off-the-bone chicken with that perfect tangy-sweet kick, then you’re going to absolutely love this Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Legs Recipe. I discovered this recipe a while back when I wanted something hands-off but flavor-packed, and let me tell you—it’s become a family favorite. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll find yourself reaching for the slow cooker more often just to enjoy this juicy goodness!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Meal Prep: Just sear and slow cook—the slow cooker does all the hard work while you relax.
Rich, Homemade BBQ Flavor: The Southern Soul BBQ Sauce infuses every bite with irresistible smoky-sweet goodness.
Juicy, Tender Chicken Legs: Thanks to the slow cooking, the meat just melts off the bone every single time.
Family Approved: My crew absolutely goes crazy for this recipe, and yours might too!

The dish shows two drumsticks covered with a shiny, thick brown sauce sprinkled with small green herb pieces. They sit on a bed of white mashed potatoes that look creamy and soft, slightly uneven in texture, with some sauce spilling onto them. The plate is white with a faint beige rim, placed on a white marbled surface. The colors contrast well, with the dark sauce making the white potatoes and green herbs stand out. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Legs, BBQ Chicken Legs, Easy Chicken Recipes, Juicy Chicken Thighs, Family Dinner Ideas

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Legs Recipe lies in the balance of quality ingredients working together—juicy chicken legs, rich olive oil for that perfect sear, salt and pepper for seasoning, and that unforgettable homemade Southern Soul BBQ Sauce. Shopping for fresh parsley to sprinkle on top really brightens everything up too!

Flat lay of bone-in, skin-on chicken legs arranged neatly, a small white bowl of rich homemade Southern Soul BBQ sauce, a few glistening tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a small white bowl, a small white bowl filled with coarse kosher salt crystals, a small white bowl with freshly ground black pepper, and a few sprigs of bright green chopped fresh parsley scattered artfully, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Legs, BBQ Chicken Legs, Easy Chicken Recipes, Juicy Chicken Thighs, Family Dinner Ideas

Bone-in, skin-on chicken legs: I recommend skin-on for extra flavor and moisture during slow cooking.
Homemade Southern Soul BBQ Sauce: Making your own sauce really elevates the dish—store-bought works too, but homemade is my go-to.
Extra virgin olive oil: Perfect for getting a golden, crispy sear on the chicken before slow cooking.
Kosher salt: Use kosher salt for better seasoning control and to bring out the chicken’s natural flavor.
Black pepper: Freshly cracked if possible, to add a subtle kick.
Fresh chopped parsley: Adds a lovely fresh pop of color and a mild herbaceous note at the end.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the things I love about this Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Legs Recipe is how flexible it is. I often tweak it depending on what we’re craving or what I have on hand. Don’t be shy to make it your own!

Swap the BBQ sauce: Tried using a smoky chipotle or honey mustard BBQ sauce for a punchier twist—both seriously delicious!
Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes if you like a little heat in your BBQ chicken.
Go gluten-free: Make sure your BBQ sauce is gluten-free, and you’re good to go—perfect for dietary preferences.
Steam veggies alongside: Throw in chopped bell peppers or onions half-way through for an easy one-pot meal.

How to Make Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Legs Recipe

Step 1: Season and Sear for Maximum Flavor

Start by seasoning your chicken legs all over with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper. I like to be generous here because seasoning is the backbone of flavor. Heat your extra virgin olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering—this little step is key. Then, carefully sear the chicken legs on all sides until they’re beautifully golden brown. This doesn’t just lock in moisture; it adds that irresistible caramelized flavor that turns a simple slow cooker meal into something spectacular. Don’t skip this part, even though it feels a bit extra, trust me!

Step 2: Low and Slow in Your Crock Pot

Once your chicken legs are perfectly seared, transfer them into the slow cooker. Pour over 2 ½ cups of that homemade Southern Soul BBQ Sauce, making sure to turn each piece so it’s coated well. Here’s a little secret I learned: turning halfway through cooking enhances flavor absorption, but it’s not a deal breaker if you forget. Set your crock pot on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours. The low and slow method yields incredibly tender meat that practically falls off the bone, but if you’re pressed for time, high heat still works wonderfully.

Step 3: Finish with a Fresh Touch

When the cooking time’s up, carefully transfer the chicken legs to a serving platter—trust me, your kitchen’s gonna smell amazing at this point! Sprinkle the fresh chopped parsley over the top for a lovely burst of color and a fresh balance to the rich BBQ sauce. This simple garnish really takes the dish to the next level and makes it pop visually and flavor-wise.

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Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Legs Recipe

Searing is Key: Don’t skip searing; it boosts depth of flavor and keeps the chicken juicy during slow cooking.
Homemade Sauce Upgrade: I used to buy bottled BBQ sauces but making your own Southern Soul style sauce really transforms the dish.
Patience Pays Off: Slow cooking on low yields the best texture – if you can, don’t rush it with the high setting.
Avoid Overcrowding: Give the chicken some space in the crock pot so the sauce can circulate and flavors meld perfectly.

How to Serve Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Legs Recipe

A white plate with a layer of fluffy, creamy mashed potatoes at the bottom, topped with two golden-brown cooked drumsticks. The drumsticks have a shiny, reddish-brown sauce being drizzled over them from a silver spoon above. Small green herb pieces are sprinkled on the drumsticks, adding a fresh touch. The setting has a white marbled surface beneath the plate with a fork in the foreground and a blurred jar of sauce in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Legs, BBQ Chicken Legs, Easy Chicken Recipes, Juicy Chicken Thighs, Family Dinner Ideas

Garnishes

I love sprinkling fresh chopped parsley over the chicken just before serving—it adds a nice bright contrast to the rich BBQ flavor. If you want to get a little fancy, a few thin lemon slices or a drizzle of extra BBQ sauce on the side never hurt anyone!

Side Dishes

My go-to sides with this Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Legs Recipe are creamy mashed potatoes (to soak up all that sauce), classic coleslaw for crunch and creaminess, and roasted corn on the cob. Sometimes I throw in a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance it all out—it’s a crowd-pleaser every time.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served these chicken legs on a big wooden board surrounded by fresh herbs and grilled veggies—perfect for a casual family feast or backyard BBQ vibe. You can also pile the chicken on a platter with cornbread wedges and BBQ sauce bowls for a colorful, inviting spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After your meal, any leftover chicken legs should go into an airtight container and store in the fridge. I’ve found they stay juicy and flavorful for up to 3-4 days, which makes for a super convenient next-day lunch or dinner.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, this recipe freezes beautifully. Just cool the chicken completely, then pack pieces and some sauce into freezer-safe containers or bags. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. When you defrost, the chicken stays tender, and the sauce tastes just as delicious.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, I gently warm the chicken in a covered dish in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. This method helps keep the meat moist and avoids drying out, unlike the microwave which often toughens the chicken.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of legs for this Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Legs Recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work just as well and are equally juicy. Just adjust cooking times slightly since thighs can cook a bit faster, especially if boneless. Keeping the skin on helps maintain moisture and flavor.
Do I need to sear the chicken before slow cooking?

Searing isn’t mandatory, but I highly recommend it. It locks in flavor, seals in juices, and gives the chicken a beautiful color and texture that slow cooking alone can’t provide.
Can I use store-bought BBQ sauce instead of homemade?

Yes, you can! While homemade Southern Soul BBQ Sauce gives the best result, any quality BBQ sauce you love will make this recipe quick and tasty. Just pick a sauce with flavors you enjoy.
How do I know when the chicken legs are fully cooked in the slow cooker?

The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). They should also be tender and fall slightly off the bone. Using a meat thermometer helps ensure perfect doneness without drying out the meat.
Can I double this Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Legs Recipe?

Yes! Just make sure your slow cooker can fit the extra chicken legs in a single layer or not too tightly packed. You might need to increase the cooking time slightly or cook in batches for best results.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Legs Recipe holds a special spot in my heart because it combines the best of both worlds—easy preparation with finger-licking good BBQ flair. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as my family and I do. Now, go ahead and fire up your crock pot—you’re in for a real treat!

Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Legs Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.6 from 68 reviews

Author: Lisa
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: Southern American

Print Recipe

Description

This Crock Pot Chicken Legs recipe features tender, juicy chicken legs slow-cooked in a rich, homemade Southern Soul BBQ Sauce. The chicken is first seared to lock in flavors and then simmered low and slow for hours, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth texture and a deeply flavorful dish perfect for a comforting family meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

8 bone-in, skin-on chicken legs
2 teaspoons Kosher salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley

BBQ Sauce

2 ½ cups homemade Southern Soul BBQ Sauce

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Instructions

Make the BBQ Sauce: Prepare the homemade Southern Soul BBQ Sauce according to your favorite recipe and keep it simmering to meld the flavors while you prepare the chicken.
Season and Sear the Chicken: Pat the chicken legs dry and season all sides evenly with Kosher salt and black pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the chicken legs on all sides until they develop a golden brown crust, about 3-4 minutes per side. This step locks in juices and adds depth of flavor.
Transfer to Crock Pot and Add Sauce: Remove the seared chicken legs from the skillet and place them into the crock pot in a single layer. Pour the simmering homemade BBQ sauce evenly over the chicken, turning the legs to ensure they are thoroughly coated in the sauce.
Slow Cook the Chicken: Cover the crock pot with the lid and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender, fully cooked, and easily pulls away from the bone.
Serve: Carefully transfer the cooked chicken legs to a serving platter. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top for a bright, fresh garnish. Serve warm with your favorite sides.

Notes

Searing the chicken before slow cooking enhances flavor but can be skipped for convenience.
You can use store-bought BBQ sauce if you prefer to save time, but homemade sauce yields the best taste.
Cooking times may vary slightly depending on your crock pot model and size of chicken legs.
For extra caramelization, place the cooked chicken under the broiler for 2-3 minutes before serving.
Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2 chicken legs with sauce
Calories: 480
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 850mg
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 18g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 40g
Cholesterol: 140mg