Slow Cooker Dr. Pepper BBQ Drumsticks

These Slow Cooker Dr. Pepper Drumsticks are a great dinner any day of the week. They’re smothered in a rich BBQ sauce and cooked low and slow until they’re fall-off-the-bone tender. This is one of those recipes that’s really easy and tastes amazing. The use of Dr. Pepper adds such a unique flavor that you’re going to love as much as I do.

 

Crock Pot Dr Pepper Chicken Drumsticks 

I’ve also used Dr. Pepper in BBQ was when I made this BBQ Pulled Pork. The flavors and texture of the sauce are simply incredible. That’s why I knew these drumsticks were going to be a hit. They are seasoned to perfection and smothered in BBQ sauce. The Dr. Pepper had a unique flavor profile to the BBQ sauce and it thickens and sweetens as it cooks.

Cooked low and slow, the sweet, smoky sauce soaks into the chicken, infusing every bite. If you’re always on the lookout for new recipes to change up an ordinary chicken dinner, this easy meal is a must-try. One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s a set-and-forget crockpot meal that’s ideal for busy weeknights or those times when you’re feeding a crowd. 

Why We Love This Recipe

• Unique flavor – The combination of Dr. Pepper and BBQ sauce creates a sweet and smoky taste that’s truly unique.
• Easy dinner – This amazing recipe is made with simple ingredients and the slow cooker does the rest of the work for you. 
• Tender Chicken – Slow cooking the drumsticks makes them incredibly tender and juicy. 

Ingredients

• Chicken drumsticks – You’ll need about three pounds of drumsticks for this recipe.
• Seasonings – Use a blend of black pepper and smoked paprika. Onion powder, garlic powder, and Cajun seasoning.
• BBQ sauce – I like Sweet Baby Rays but you can use your favorite BBQ sauce.
• Honey – Adds the perfect balance of sweetness and stickiness to the sauce. 
• Dr. Pepper – You’ll want to use regular and not diet soda for this recipe. 
• Parsley – This is optional but it’s great as a garnish to add a pop of color.  

How to Make Dr Pepper BBQ Chicken

Step One: Add the Chicken to the Slow Cooker and Season the Chicken

• Place all your drumsticks in your slow cooker.
• Sprinkle the pepper, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and cajun seasoning all over the chicken.

Step Two: Add the Sauce

• In a mixing bowl combine the honey, barbecue sauce and Dr. Pepper.
• Pour 3/4 of the sauce all over the chicken legs.

Step Three: Cook and Serve

• Cover and cook on low 5-6 hours or high 3-4 hours.
• To give them extra color and to thicken the sauce, 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. Keep a close eye on them under the broiler, you just want to crisp them up a bit.
• Garnish with parsley, and serve.

Slow Cooker Dr. Pepper BBQ Chicken Variations 

• Chicken- You can make this recipe with skinless chicken breasts or skinless chicken thighs if you prefer. You can even shred them and add them to sandwiches or nachos. You can also make this recipe with chicken wings. 
• Brown sugar– If you don’t have honey on hand, you can add that touch of sweetness by mixing some brown sugar into the BBQ sauce mixture. Start with 1-2 tablespoons and adjust to taste.
• Spicy kick– If you like a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the BBQ sauce mixture.
• Fresh herbs– You can add a pop of freshness by adding chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or thyme. Just be careful not to add too much, or they will overpower the flavors in the sauce. 
• Apple cider vinegar– Add a little tang and balance the sweetness with a splash of apple cider.
• Soy Sauce– Next time, give them an Asian twist by mixing in a splash of soy sauce before you pour the mixture over the chicken. 

Storage Instructions

• Fridge- Allow any leftover drumsticks to cool to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. 
• Freezer-You can also freeze them for later. Freeze the cooled drumsticks in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date and freeze for up to 2–3 months.
• Reheating– Reheat thawed drumsticks in the microwave, oven, or on the stovetop until heated through.   

How Do I Know When Drumsticks Are Done?

There are a couple of ways to determine if your Crockpot chicken drumsticks are done. The best way is to make sure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit when measured with an instant-read meat thermometer. If you don’t have a thermometer, you can check by slicing into the thickest part of the drumstick. The meat should appear white throughout, with no traces of pink remaining.

Can I Use Another Type of Soda?

Absolutely! While Dr. Pepper adds a unique flavor, you can experiment with other sodas to create slightly different flavors.  Coca-Cola will give the chicken a slightly sweeter and more classic BBQ flavor, while root beer will add a subtle sassafras flavor. You can also use ginger ale for a lighter, citrusy twist. 

​Can I Bake These Drumsticks?

You certainly can and it takes less time. Just place the seasoned drumsticks in a baking dish, pour the BBQ sauce mixture over them, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F for about 45–60 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.

More Crockpot Recipes

• Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup
• Slow Cooker Ranch Pork Loin
• Crockpot Smokies
• Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki
• Crockpot Beef Stew
• Simple Slow Cooker Chili
• Crockpot Meatballs
• Slow Cooker Southwest Chicken
• Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore