Slow Cooker Chicken Legs with Savory Garlic Butter

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Get ready for the most tender, fall-off-the-bone chicken you’ve ever tasted. These slow cooker chicken legs are the absolute pinnacle of “set it and forget it” cooking. We’ll simmer them in a rich, savory garlic butter sauce until they are incredibly juicy and packed with flavor. This recipe is your new secret weapon for busy weeknights, delivering a gourmet taste with minimal effort. It’s a family-friendly meal that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or new to the world of slow cooking, this dish is practically foolproof. The magic happens over several hours as the low, gentle heat breaks down the chicken, making it unbelievably succulent. We also have a simple trick to get that perfect crispy skin finish right at the end.

Chicken legs being coated in a savory garlic butter sauce inside a slow cooker before cooking. — Just 10 minutes of prep and the slow cooker does the rest.

Why This Is the Best Slow Cooker Chicken Legs Recipe

This isn’t just another chicken recipe; it’s a game-changer for your dinner routine. The simplicity and flavor are truly unmatched.

Effortless Preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep time, your slow cooker does all the heavy lifting. Just mix the sauce, pour it over the chicken, and walk away.
Incredibly Tender: The low and slow cooking method guarantees the most succulent, juicy chicken that literally falls off the bone.
Amazing Flavor: The combination of butter, garlic, herbs, and a touch of soy sauce creates a rich, savory glaze that coats every single piece of chicken.
Versatile and Family-Friendly: This dish is a certified crowd-pleaser. It’s mild enough for kids but flavorful enough for adults. For a different twist, try our Creamy Ranch Chicken.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe is its simple, pantry-friendly ingredient list. You likely have most of these items on hand already.

Chicken Legs: You’ll need about 2 pounds of chicken legs (drumsticks). You can use bone-in, skin-on for the best flavor and texture.
Butter: We use unsalted butter as the base of our rich sauce.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides the best, most aromatic flavor.
Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce adds a deep, savory, umami flavor that complements the chicken perfectly.
Herbs: A combination of dried parsley and oregano adds a lovely, earthy note.
Paprika: Smoked paprika gives the chicken a beautiful color and a subtle smoky taste.
Onion Powder: For an extra layer of savory flavor.
Salt and Black Pepper: To taste.

A close-up shot of three juicy crock pot chicken drumsticks glistening with a garlic butter sauce, showcasing their tender texture. — Fall-off-the-bone tender every single time.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making these crock pot chicken legs couldn’t be easier. Follow these simple steps for a perfect result every time.

1. Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce

In a small bowl, melt the butter. Whisk in the minced garlic, soy sauce, parsley, oregano, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper until everything is well combined. This sauce is the key to the entire dish!

2. Arrange and Cook the Chicken

Pat the chicken legs dry with a paper towel and place them in the bottom of your slow cooker. Pour the garlic butter sauce evenly over the chicken, turning the legs to ensure they are fully coated. Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours.

3. The Secret to Crispy Skin (Optional but Recommended!)

For that irresistible crispy skin, preheat your oven’s broiler. Carefully remove the cooked chicken legs from the slow cooker and place them on a baking sheet lined with foil. Brush them with some of the remaining sauce from the crock pot. Broil for 3-5 minutes, watching closely, until the skin is golden brown and crispy. This step takes the dish to a whole new level.

What to Serve with Your Chicken Legs

These versatile chicken legs pair beautifully with a variety of sides. Create a complete and satisfying meal with these delicious options.

Potatoes: You can never go wrong with potatoes. Try serving them with creamy Gouda Mashed Potatoes or simple Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes.
Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, green beans, or a simple side salad add a fresh, healthy component to the meal.
Rice or Pasta: Spoon the extra garlic butter sauce over a bed of fluffy white rice or your favorite pasta for a truly comforting dish. Our Lemon Herb Quinoa is another fantastic choice.

Tips for Success

Here are a few extra tips to ensure your slow cooker chicken legs are perfect every single time.

Don’t Overcrowd: Arrange the chicken in a single layer if possible to ensure even cooking.
Skin-On for Flavor: Using skin-on chicken legs adds more flavor and moisture to the dish, even if you don’t plan to broil it at the end.
Check for Doneness: The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is tender.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can use the microwave or warm them in a 350°F oven until heated through. Reheating in the oven will help to re-crisp the skin slightly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen chicken legs for this recipe?

It is generally not recommended to cook frozen chicken in a slow cooker, as it can spend too long in the ‘danger zone’ where bacteria can grow. For best and safest results, thaw your chicken legs completely before cooking.

Do I need to add liquid to the slow cooker with chicken?

For this recipe, the melted butter and soy sauce, along with the natural juices released from the chicken, provide plenty of liquid to keep the chicken moist and prevent it from drying out. No extra water is needed.

How do you get crispy skin on slow cooker chicken legs?

The best way to get crispy skin is to place the cooked chicken legs on a baking sheet and broil them in the oven for 3-5 minutes after they are done in the slow cooker. This crisps the skin up beautifully.

How long does it take to cook chicken legs in the slow cooker?

It typically takes 4-5 hours on the LOW setting or 2-3 hours on the HIGH setting. The chicken is done when it’s tender and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

What can I serve with these chicken legs?

These chicken legs are very versatile! They pair wonderfully with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, rice, pasta, or a fresh side salad.

Share Your Creation!

We are certain your family will fall in love with these easy and delicious Slow Cooker Chicken Legs. They are the perfect solution for a hassle-free, satisfying dinner. If you make this recipe, please leave a comment below and let us know how it turned out! Don’t forget to save it to your favorite board on Pinterest!