Can I cook frozen chicken leg quarters directly in the crockpot?

It is not recommended to place frozen chicken directly into the crockpot as it may result in uneven cooking and unsafe temperatures. Always thaw chicken in the refrigerator before slow cooking.

How can I get crispy skin on my crockpot chicken leg quarters?

Searing the chicken in a hot skillet for 4 minutes per side before slow cooking or broiling for 1-2 minutes after cooking adds a crispy, golden skin. For a crisp finish, you can also use an air fryer set at 400F for 4-6 minutes after cooking.

Can I make gravy from the leftover juices?

Yes. You can thicken leftover juices by stirring in flour or a cornstarch slurry while reheating in the crockpot to create a delicious gravy.

What vegetables pair well to cook with the chicken in a crockpot?

Root vegetables like carrots and potatoes, zucchini, and cabbage complement the flavors well and can be added into the crockpot for a complete meal.

Crockpot Chicken Leg Quarters: BBQ Sauce Slow Cooker Joy

Ingredients

Scale

4 chicken leg quarters, bone-in, skin-on
2 tablespoons barbecue sauce
2 tablespoons honey
5 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons ketchup
2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: ¼ cup apple cider vinegar, 2 teaspoons mustard, 1 ½ tablespoons paprika, ¼ cup brown sugar, 1 tablespoon avocado oil, 1 tablespoon chili powder, ½ cup sliced onion, ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Seasoning to taste: garlic salt, crushed red pepper, dill weed, chives, cilantro, small amounts of cinnamon, ginger

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Place chicken quarters in a single layer in the crockpot with the skin side up.
2. Combine barbecue sauce, honey, garlic, ketchup, soy sauce, and seasonings. Pour over the chicken.
3. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours, or on high for 4 hours. For a browned finish, broil in the oven for 1 to 2 minutes or brown in a hot skillet for 4 minutes per side before slow cooking.
4. Optional: Add sliced onions and additional spices for depth of flavor.
5. Optionally, thicken leftover juices to make gravy by stirring in flour while reheating in the crockpot.
6. Use broth from cooked chicken to make a stew with vegetables like cabbage, onion, and zucchini.

Last Step:

Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.

Notes

🔥 Keep the skin on for a juicier outcome.
🌡️ Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
🍳 Browning under the broiler or in a skillet before slow cooking enhances flavor.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Crockpot Cook Time: 6 hours on low
Cook Time: 7 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten-Free

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken leg quarter
Calories: 434
Sugar: 20 g
Sodium: 910 mg
Fat: 26 g
Saturated Fat: 6.5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 19.5 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 25 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 24.5 g
Cholesterol: 141 mg