Description
This Crock Pot Chicken Legs recipe features tender, juicy chicken legs slow-cooked in a rich homemade Southern Soul BBQ sauce. The chicken is first seared to lock in flavor before being simmered in the crock pot, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture perfect for a comforting family meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken legs
- 2 teaspoons Kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley
BBQ Sauce
- 2 ½ cups homemade Southern Soul BBQ Sauce
Instructions
- Make the BBQ Sauce: Prepare your homemade Southern Soul BBQ sauce according to your preferred recipe or a pre-prepared mix while you prepare the chicken.
- Season and Sear the Chicken: Season the chicken legs generously on all sides with Kosher salt and black pepper. Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken legs and sear them on all sides until they are golden brown. This step locks in the juices and adds a flavorful crust.
- Cook in the Crock Pot: Remove the seared chicken legs from the skillet and place them in the crock pot. Pour the homemade BBQ sauce evenly over the chicken. Turn the chicken legs in the sauce to ensure they are fully coated. Cover the crock pot with the lid and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Serve: Carefully transfer the chicken legs to a serving platter. Sprinkle them with fresh chopped parsley for a bright, fresh finish. Serve hot with your favorite side dishes.
Notes
- Searing the chicken before slow cooking enhances the flavor and texture.
- Use bone-in, skin-on chicken legs for juicier and more flavorful results.
- Cooking times may vary depending on your crock pot model; test doneness by ensuring chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- The homemade BBQ sauce can be prepared in advance and stored refrigerated for up to a week.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 chicken legs (about 200g)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg
