Simple BBQ Wings and Drumsticks
This recipe is one of my favorite "dump-and-go" meals. Simply add everything to the crockpot, let it cook low and slow, and finish with a quick broil if you want those sticky, caramelized edges that everyone loves. These Simple BBQ Wings and Drumsticks are the easiest crowd-pleasing party food, perfect for an easy dinner, or game day appetizer. They’re tender, juicy, packed with smoky BBQ flavor, gluten-free, and require almost no effort thanks to your slow cooker. Plus, I included my easy and delicious homemade BBQ rub and sauce or you can use your own.
Ingredients
- 20 bone-in chicken wings or drumsticks
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1 1/2 tbsp BBQ Dry Rub Seasoning (Included below or use your favorite bbq sauce)
- 2 cups Balsamic BBQ Sauce (Included below or use your favorite bbq sauce)
Balsamic BBQ Sauce: (makes about 2 cups)
- 1 cup balsamic vinegar
- 3 tbsp honey
- 8 oz tomato sauce
- 2 tbsp coconut aminos
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
BBQ Dry Rub Seasoning: (makes abut 1/2 cup)
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp sea salt
- 1 tbsp coconut sugar
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried tyme
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
Instructions
To Make Rub:
- Combine all ingredients well & store in an airtight container.
To Make BBQ Sauce:
- Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat & simmer on medium for about 20 minutes or until thickened. Taste and add more honey if you want it sweeter. Set aside.
To Make Drumsticks or Wings:
- Rub chicken with bbq rub seasoning & salt. Place chicken in a slow cooker & pour 1/2 cup bbq sauce over the top. Cover & cook on low for 3-4 hours.
- Once cooked, preheat oven broiler on low. Cover a large baking sheet in foil & transfer chicken to baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes. Warm remaining bbq sauce & brush sauce on chicken to coat.
Notes
This recipe is very adaptable & you can use any bbq rub or bbq sauce you like.
BBQ Rub & Sauce: I like to make a couple batches of my BBQ Rub & Balsamic BBQ Sauce to use in multiple meals. Store the rub in an airtight container, like a mason jar, at room temperature. The sauce can be stored in an airtight container, like a mason jar, in the refrigerator for up to a month & freezes perfectly too.
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