Apricot Hickory BBQ Chicken Drumsticks: Easy Crockpot Dinner

This Crockpot chicken drumsticks recipe is the definition of easy weeknight cooking. With just four ingredients and five minutes of prep, you can have a dinner that tastes like it simmered all day—because it did.

Sweet apricot preserves and smoky hickory BBQ sauce create a sticky, caramelized glaze that clings to every piece of tender, fall-off-the-bone chicken. It's a crowd-pleaser that makes the slow cooker do all the work.

These Apricot Hickory BBQ Chicken Drumsticks are a set-it-and-forget-it dinner that delivers big on flavor. The combination of fruity preserves, savory onion, and smoky sauce creates a perfect balance of sweet and tangy.

Simply layer the ingredients in your slow cooker, walk away, and come back to a meal that's ready to serve. Whether it's a busy weeknight or a casual weekend gathering, this dish is sure to become a favorite.

Ingredients

Why this recipe works

The slow cooker does the heavy lifting here, breaking down the chicken's connective tissue over several hours until it's impossibly tender.

The low, moist heat gently coaxing the drumsticks to fall-off-the-bone perfection while the sauce melds and thickens into a rich glaze. This hands-off method means you can prep other parts of the meal or simply relax while dinner cooks itself.

The combination of apricot preserves and hickory BBQ sauce is a match made in heaven. The apricot adds a bright, fruity sweetness that cuts through the smoky, tangy BBQ, while the onion melts into the sauce, adding a subtle savory depth. As the sauce reduces, it clings to the chicken, creating a glossy, caramelized coating that's both beautiful and delicious.

Notes and substitutions

For the best results, choose a good-quality hickory BBQ sauce that you enjoy eating on its own, as its flavor will be the backbone of the dish. Sweet onion, such as Vidalia, adds a mild, sweet note that complements the apricot without overpowering it. If you prefer a spicier kick, you can add a pinch of cayenne or a dash of hot sauce to the mix.

This recipe is incredibly versatile. You can use chicken thighs or wings instead of drumsticks, adjusting the cooking time as needed.

If you're short on time, the high setting works well, but low and slow yields the most tender results. The sauce can be thickened further by simmering it on the stovetop after cooking, or you can leave it as is for a saucier dish.

• apricot preserves: peach preserves or orange marmalade for a similar sweet, fruity note.
• hickory brown-sugar BBQ sauce: any smoky BBQ sauce, or a mix of ketchup, brown sugar, and liquid smoke.
• sweet onion: yellow onion or shallots for a slightly sharper flavor.
• chicken drumsticks: chicken thighs or wings, adjusting cooking time as needed.

Equipment

• 6-quart slow cooker
• Measuring cups
• Cutting board
• Chef's knife
• Serving spoon