Crockpot Dr. Pepper BBQ Chicken Legs are an easy to make and flavorful weeknight dinner! Tender, fall-off-the bone chicken drumsticks that are slow cooked in Dr. Pepper BBQ sauce everyone loves!
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BBQ crockpot chicken is a combination of tender chicken legs and sweet Dr. Pepper that creates a unique and flavorful dish. To make this chicken legs recipe all you need is a crockpot, chicken legs, Dr. Pepper, and a few other simple ingredients. The result is juicy, flavorful chicken legs that fall off the bone!
Dr. Pepper Drumsticks- An Easy Weeknight Dinner
Looking for a quick and easy dinner recipe for busy weeknights? Look no further than these delicious Dr. Pepper chicken drumsticks cooked in a crockpot! One of the best things about this recipe is that it requires minimal prep work. You can easily throw all the ingredients into the crockpot in the morning and come home to a delicious dinner in the evening. Plus, the leftovers make for great lunch options the next day.
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you want to enjoy a delicious home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen. It is also a great option for potlucks or parties, as it can easily be doubled or tripled to feed a crowd. Give Crockpot Dr. Pepper Chicken Legs a try and see for yourself how easy and delicious this recipe can be.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Chicken Dish
- Tender and juicy chicken: The chicken legs are slow-cooked in Dr. Pepper, which helps to keep them moist and tender. The result is succulent and flavorful chicken that falls off the bone.
- Versatility: Crockpot Dr. Pepper Chicken Legs can be served in many different ways. You can enjoy them as a main course with a side of vegetables, or shred the chicken and use it in tacos or sandwiches. The possibilities are endless!
- Kid-friendly: This recipe is perfect for picky eaters. The sweet and savory flavor of the Dr. Pepper sauce is sure to be a hit with kids of all ages.
Ingredients for Dr. Pepper BBQ Chicken Legs
Drumsticks: For the base of this dish, you need 3 lbs. of chicken drumsticks.
Pepper: Use 1 tsp of black pepper for a subtle spiced taste.
Paprika: Adding 1 tsp of smoked paprika gives the chicken a smoky and spicy flavor with hints of sweetness.
Onion powder: 1 tsp of onion powder adds both a sweet and mellow taste, with a spicy edge.
Garlic powder: For an earthy flavor you need 1 tsp of garlic powder to season this chicken well.
Cajun seasoning: Using ½ tsp of Cajun seasoning adds a bold and spicy flavor that pairs perfectly with the BBQ sauce and Dr. Pepper.
Honey: Help sweeten this dish by adding ½ cup of honey to the sauce.
BBQ sauce: You will need 2 cups of BBQ sauce for the base of the delicious sauce in this dish.
Dr. Pepper: Add one 7.5-oz can of Dr. Pepper to give this chicken a complex and flavorful taste that is simply irresistible.
Parsley (optional): Feel free to garnish this dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley if desired.
Directions for how to make Crockpot Dr. Pepper Drumsticks
Prep
Start by placing the chicken drumsticks in a 4.5 quart (or larger) slow cooker.
Then sprinkle the pepper, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and Cajun seasoning all over the chicken.
Next, in a small mixing bowl, whisk the honey, BBQ sauce, and Dr. Pepper until well combined. Proceed to pour ¾ of the sauce over the chicken legs.
Cook
Now cover the crockpot and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours.
Broil
Right before serving, place the drumsticks on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper.
Then brush the drumsticks with the remaining sauce and broil under the broiler until they are caramelized. Be careful to not let them burn! Keep a close on them under the broiler, you just want to crisp them up a bit.
Garnish with parsley, if desired, serve and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions for Dr. Pepper BBQ Drumsticks
Crockpot Dr. Pepper Chicken Legs can be served with a variety of accompaniments to enhance the flavor and presentation of the dish. Here are a few suggestions:
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasting vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and bell peppers can add a delicious and healthy side to the meal. Simply toss the vegetables in olive oil, salt, and pepper and roast in the oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes.
- Rice: A side of fluffy white rice can complement the sweet and savory flavors of Dr. Pepper Chicken Legs. Add a pinch of salt and a tablespoon of butter to the rice for added flavor.
- Cornbread: A classic southern side, cornbread can be a perfect pairing with the chicken legs. Serve warm with a dollop of butter and a drizzle of honey.
Crockpot Dr. Pepper BBQ Chicken Legs
Ingredients
- 3 lbs drumsticks
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp cajun seasoning
- ½ cup honey
- 2 cups bbq sauce
- 7.5 oz can Dr. Pepper
- Parsley for garnish optional
Instructions
- Prep: Place the chicken drumsticks in a 4.5 quart (or larger) slow cooker.
- Sprinkle the pepper, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder and cajun seasoning all over the chicken.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the honey, BBQ sauce and Dr. Pepper. Pour ¾ of the sauce all over the chicken legs.
- Cook: Cover and cook on LOW 5-6 hours or HIGH 3-4 hours.
- Broil: Right before serving place the drumsticks on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper.
- Brush the drumsticks with the remaining sauce and broil under the broiler until they are caramelized. Be careful to not let them burn! Keep a close on them under the broiler, you just want to crisp them up a bit.
- Garnish with parsley, if desired, serve and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
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Storage and Reheating Instructions for BBQ Drumsticks
If you have leftover Dr. Pepper Chicken Legs they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and will last up to 3-4 days. You can reheat the chicken in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, place the chicken in a microwave-safe dish and microwave until heated through.
Can you cook chicken drumsticks from frozen in a slow cooker?
It is not recommended to cook frozen chicken drumsticks in a slow cooker. Thaw the chicken completely before cooking to ensure that it cooks evenly and reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
What are tips for making tender Dr. Pepper chicken in a crockpot?
To make tender and flavorful Crockpot Dr. Pepper Chicken Legs, it is recommended to marinate the chicken in the Dr. Pepper and spice mixture for at least 30 minutes before cooking. Additionally, make sure to cook the chicken on low heat for 6-8 hours to allow it to cook slowly and become tender.
How can you adapt a Dr. Pepper chicken recipe for different cuts like thighs or wings?
To adapt a Dr. Pepper chicken recipe for different cuts of chicken, adjust the cooking time accordingly. Chicken thighs will take longer to cook than drumsticks, so increase the cooking time by 1-2 hours. Chicken wings will cook faster than drumsticks, so decrease the cooking time by 1-2 hours. Make sure to always check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure that it reaches a safe temperature of 165°F.
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Crockpot Dr. Pepper BBQ Chicken Legs are a perfect meal for weeknights or weekends when you want to enjoy a delicious home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen. BBQ crockpot chicken is a simple and delicious dish that can be prepared in a slow cooker with minimal effort.
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