Description
Juicy slow cooker spiced chicken legs bring Mediterranean warmth to dinner tables with rich, aromatic spices that dance across tender meat. Comfort meets flavor in this simple one-pot meal that delivers maximum satisfaction with minimal kitchen effort.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 8 chicken drumsticks
Spices and Seasonings:
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Liquid and Oil:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
Instructions
- Thoroughly blot chicken drumsticks with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring optimal seasoning adherence.
- Combine all dry spices – smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, ground cumin, salt, and pepper – in a small mixing bowl to create a robust seasoning blend.
- Massage the spice mixture comprehensively over each drumstick, coating every surface evenly for maximum flavor infusion.
- Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, creating a golden searing environment for the chicken legs.
- Carefully brown chicken drumsticks on all sides for 2-3 minutes per surface, developing a rich caramelized exterior that locks in juices.
- Transfer beautifully seared drumsticks into the slow cooker, arranging them in a single layer for uniform cooking.
- Gently pour chicken broth or water around the drumsticks, providing moisture and preventing potential burning.
- Secure slow cooker lid and cook on low setting for 6-7 hours or high setting for 3-4 hours, ensuring chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
- Once fully cooked, allow chicken to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving alongside complementary side dishes like creamy mashed potatoes or vibrant steamed vegetables.
Notes
- Ensure chicken is completely dry before seasoning to achieve maximum spice adherence and better browning results.
- Searing chicken legs creates a rich, caramelized exterior that locks in flavor and provides beautiful color before slow cooking.
- For gluten-free option, verify all spices are certified gluten-free and use homemade or gluten-free chicken broth.
- Reduce sodium by using low-sodium broth and cutting salt quantity in spice blend for heart-healthy modifications.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-7 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg