This 4-ingredient slow cooker chicken is the kind of easy dinner that saves the day when life is busy but everyone still wants something warm and comforting on the table. Using raw skinless chicken drumsticks keeps the cost down, and the slow cooker does all the heavy lifting while the chicken turns tender and flavorful. It has that classic homemade, crowd-pleasing feel that makes it a nice fit for a simple Parents' Day meal or any cozy weekend supper.
Serve these saucy drumsticks with mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, rice, or roasted vegetables to soak up every bit of the flavorful juices. A crisp green salad, steamed green beans, or sweet corn on the side helps round out the meal, and warm dinner rolls make it feel especially family-style and inviting.
4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Poor Man's Parents' Day Treat
Servings: 4 to 6
Ingredients
8 raw skinless chicken drumsticks
1 cup barbecue sauce
1 cup apricot preserves
1 packet dry onion soup mix
Directions
1. Lightly coat the inside of the slow cooker with nonstick spray if desired, then arrange the raw skinless chicken drumsticks in an even layer across the bottom.
2. In a medium bowl, stir together the barbecue sauce, apricot preserves, and dry onion soup mix until smooth and well combined.
3. Pour the sauce over the drumsticks, turning them gently if needed so all the chicken is coated.
4. Cover and cook on LOW for 5 to 6 hours or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is very tender and reaches a safe internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
5. Carefully transfer the cooked drumsticks to a serving platter and spoon some of the sauce from the slow cooker over the top before serving.
Variations & Tips
For picky eaters: If your family likes milder flavors, use a sweet, gentle barbecue sauce and be sure to mix the sauce thoroughly so the onion soup flavor is evenly distributed. You can also serve extra sauce on the side instead of heavily coating every drumstick.
Make it a full meal: Add baby carrots or a layer of thick onion slices under the chicken so they cook right along with the drumsticks. It is an easy way to stretch the meal and add a little extra comfort to the plate.
Thicken the sauce: If you want a stickier finishing sauce, remove the cooked chicken and pour the liquid into a saucepan. Simmer it on the stove for a few minutes until it reduces and thickens, then spoon it back over the chicken.
Storage tip: Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in a covered container. Reheat gently with a little extra sauce or a splash of water so the chicken stays nice and moist.