Slow cooker meals have their own kind of magic, especially when it involves something as comforting as bone-in chicken legs. There’s something about the mix of gentle heat and time that transforms simple ingredients into a dish that feels like a warm hug after a long day.
I remember one evening when I tossed these chicken legs into the slow cooker, intending to check on them in about four hours. But then—life happened. I got sidetracked by a random phone call, and I didn’t peek until closer to five hours in. When I finally did, the kitchen smelled incredible, a little smoky, with hints of garlic and paprika that made my mouth water. The skin was soft, but the meat was falling off the bone. I wasn’t sure if I’d overcooked them, but honestly, that extra time just made them even more tender. Sometimes the best meals come from unexpected pauses.
- Cooked slowly, the chicken turns incredibly tender without drying out.
- The spice blend is simple but layered, bringing warmth without overpowering.
- It’s simple — and that’s kind of the point; no fuss, no stress.
- Using bone-in legs means more flavor, but it takes a bit longer to cook than boneless.
- Finishing under the broiler can add crispiness, but I often skip that step when I’m in a hurry.
If you’re worried about whether the chicken will dry out or be too bland, don’t be. The slow cooker keeps everything juicy and flavorful. I usually pair this with something green or a light salad to balance the richness.
PrintSlow Cooker Bone-In Chicken Legs
Tender and flavorful bone-in chicken legs cooked low and slow in a slow cooker, seasoned with a simple blend of spices for an easy and delicious meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 4
Ingredients
8 bone-in chicken legs (drumsticks and thighs), skin on
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup chicken broth
Instructions
Pat the chicken legs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
In a small bowl, combine kosher salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and cayenne pepper.
Rub the olive oil evenly over all the chicken legs.
Sprinkle the spice mixture over the chicken legs, rubbing it in to coat all sides thoroughly.
Place the seasoned chicken legs in the slow cooker in a single layer.
Pour the chicken broth into the slow cooker around the chicken legs.
Cover and cook on low for 4 to 4 1/2 hours, or until the chicken legs reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the meat is tender.
Optional: For crispy skin, transfer the cooked chicken legs to a baking sheet and broil in the oven for 3-5 minutes until the skin is golden and crisp.
Serve the chicken legs hot with your favorite sides.
Don’t fret if your slow cooker size is a bit different; these chicken legs usually fit comfortably in most standard slow cookers without overlapping too much. For serving, mashed potatoes or roasted veggies work nicely — but I’ve even shredded the leftovers into sandwiches the next day. Sometimes, I’ve tried swapping smoked paprika for regular paprika or adding a splash of lemon juice before serving, but I’m still figuring out what works best.
Feel free to experiment, but don’t stress if it’s not perfect the first time. Slow cooker meals like this are forgiving and forgiving in a good way.
FAQ
Can I use boneless chicken legs instead?
Yes, but cooking times will be shorter, and the flavor might be a little less intense since bones add richness.
Is it necessary to broil the chicken after slow cooking?
Not at all — broiling adds crispiness to the skin, but the chicken is fully cooked and tender right out of the slow cooker.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Sure, you can season the chicken the night before and refrigerate it, then cook in the slow cooker the next day.
What if I don’t have smoked paprika?
Regular paprika works fine, but the smoky depth will be missing.
Ready to let your slow cooker do the work? Give these bone-in chicken legs a try and see how easy weeknight dinners can be.