There’s something so comforting about slow-cooked chicken, especially when it’s infused with a sauce that balances sweet, tangy, and a little kick of heat. This Slow Cooker Chicken Drumsticks with Peach BBQ Sauce Recipe quickly became one of my go-to dishes for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers because it’s hands-off but impressively flavorful. The peach BBQ sauce adds a fruity twist that’s unexpected but totally delicious, making this recipe stand out from your typical BBQ chicken.

I love how the slow cooker does most of the work, resulting in tender drumsticks that practically fall off the bone. If you’re someone who wants an effortless yet crowd-pleasing meal, this Slow Cooker Chicken Drumsticks with Peach BBQ Sauce Recipe is exactly what you need in your dinner rotation. Once you try it, I’m betting it’ll be one you make again and again, whether for family dinners or friendly weekend hangouts.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this recipe comes down to a few simple but thoughtfully paired ingredients that create a perfect balance of flavor and texture. You’ll want to choose your favorite BBQ sauce since it’s the star behind the peach preserves and jalapeño combo, giving the sauce both sweetness and a touch of heat.

Chicken drumsticks: I recommend getting fresh chicken drumsticks with skin on for the best flavor and texture.
Cornstarch: This helps give the chicken skin a nice texture and helps the sauce thicken a bit while cooking.
Salt: Enhances all the other flavors—don’t skip this!
Ground black pepper: Adds a subtle kick that balances the sweetness.
Garlic powder: Brings depth and warmth to the seasoning.
Chili powder: Provides a smoky undertone without being overpowering.
Green onions: Fresh garnish that adds color and a mild onion crunch.
BBQ sauce: Use your favorite brand or homemade sauce to tailor the flavor.
Peach preserves: This is where the sweet, summery fruitiness comes in to make the sauce unique.
Low sodium soy sauce: Adds savory umami to balance the sweetness of the peaches.
Fresh jalapeños: Diced to add a fresh, bright heat that lifts the sauce.

Variations

One of the best things about this Slow Cooker Chicken Drumsticks with Peach BBQ Sauce Recipe is how easy it is to customize based on your mood or what’s in your pantry. I often tweak the heat levels or swap out ingredients to add my own spin.

Milder version: When I’m serving kids or guests who aren’t fans of spice, I leave out the jalapeños or use milder peppers like pimentos.
Spicy kick: For a bolder heat, I sometimes add a pinch of cayenne or a dash of smoked chipotle powder.
Gluten-free: Just ensure the BBQ sauce and soy sauce you pick are gluten-free to keep this dish friendly for all diets.
Fruit swaps: I’ve tried swapping peach preserves with apricot or mango preserves for a different fruity undertone.

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Drumsticks with Peach BBQ Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Season the Drumsticks

Start by placing the chicken drumsticks in the slow cooker (I like using a slow cooker liner—it saves so much cleanup). Sprinkle the cornstarch, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and chili powder evenly over the drumsticks. Then, toss them gently with your hands or a spoon to coat each piece thoroughly. This seasoning mix is simple but crucial—it not only flavors the meat but helps the sauce cling beautifully to each drumstick.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Peach BBQ Sauce

In a separate bowl, combine the BBQ sauce, peach preserves, low sodium soy sauce, and diced jalapeños. Whisk everything together until it’s fully blended and smooth. This sauce is going to be your flavor powerhouse, so taste it and adjust if you want it sweeter or spicier before pouring it over the chicken.

Step 3: Slow Cook Until Perfect

Pour the peach BBQ sauce mixture evenly over the seasoned drumsticks, making sure they’re well coated. Cover your slow cooker with the lid and cook on high for 2 to 3 hours, or on low for 4 to 5 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is tender and falling off the bone—this slow and steady cooking makes all the difference.

Step 4: Optional Broil for Crispy Skin

If you’re like me and love a little crispiness on your drumsticks, preheat your oven’s broiler on low. Transfer the cooked chicken to a baking sheet and broil for 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce caramelizes and the skin crisps up slightly. Just keep a close eye on it to avoid burning.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Drumsticks with Peach BBQ Sauce Recipe

The image shows a white oval dish filled with nine glazed drumsticks in a dark brown sauce. The drumsticks have a shiny, slightly rough texture and are coated evenly with the sauce. Scattered on top are small pieces of bright green chopped scallions, adding a fresh contrast. The dish sits on a white marbled surface, flanked by a white plate of green leafy salad at the upper left corner and another white bowl with golden toasted bread cubes and a cloth napkin toward the right edge. The overall look is warm and inviting with a mix of dark and light textures. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I always finish this dish with a sprinkle of thinly sliced green onions. They add a fresh flavor contrast and a lovely pop of color that makes the dish look as good as it tastes. Sometimes, I toss on some chopped fresh cilantro or a little toasted sesame seeds for a different flair.

Side Dishes

This Slow Cooker Chicken Drumsticks with Peach BBQ Sauce Recipe pairs beautifully with classic BBQ sides like coleslaw, cornbread, or grilled vegetables. I love serving it with creamy mashed potatoes or even simple steamed rice to soak up every bit of that luscious sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I’ve served these drumsticks on a wooden platter lined with banana leaves for a rustic, tropical vibe that complements the peach flavor. Also, stacking the drumsticks in a circular pattern around a small bowl of leftover sauce makes for a fun appetizer-style presentation if you’re hosting friends.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of the Slow Cooker Chicken Drumsticks with Peach BBQ Sauce Recipe store really well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I make sure the drumsticks are cooled slightly before sealing them up—this keeps the meat juicy without it drying out.

Freezing

I’ve frozen the cooked drumsticks successfully by placing them in freezer-safe bags with a bit of sauce to lock in moisture. When you want a quick meal later, just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.

Reheating

To reheat, I find warming the drumsticks in the oven at 350°F wrapped loosely in foil helps maintain tenderness and prevents the sauce from drying out. Microwave works in a pinch but can sometimes make the skin a bit rubbery.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of drumsticks?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative and will cook similarly in the slow cooker. They’re also tender and juicy, so feel free to swap if that’s what you have on hand.
Is peach preserves necessary for the sauce?

While peach preserves give the sauce its signature fruity sweetness, you can substitute with apricot, mango preserves, or even a bit of fresh peach puree with added sugar if needed.
How do I keep the chicken skin crispy?

Slow cooking won’t crisp skin directly, but broiling the drumsticks for a few minutes after they’re cooked is a simple trick I use to caramelize the sauce and crisp up the skin.
Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?

You can! Use the sauté function to sear the drumsticks briefly, then switch to pressure cook for about 15 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release. Adjust cooking times slightly since it’s much faster than a slow cooker.
Any tips for slicing jalapeños safely?

Wear gloves to avoid skin irritation, remove the seeds if you want less heat, and always wash your hands well afterward. This little step makes a big difference in comfort and flavor control.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Chicken Drumsticks with Peach BBQ Sauce Recipe has quickly earned a special spot in my recipe box because it marries a comforting cooking method with a playful, flavorful sauce. It’s genuinely one of those dishes that feels like you’ve put in a lot of effort, even though your slow cooker is doing most of the work. I hope you give it a try soon—you’ll love how the peachy sweetness and gentle spice brighten up your weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings. Trust me, once you’ve made it, you’ll be thinking about what you can pair it with next!