Crockpot Cherry Cola Chicken Drumsticks is a delightful dish bursting with sweet and savory flavors. The tender chicken drumsticks simmer in a rich sauce made from cherry cola and barbecue sauce, resulting in a sticky, flavorful glaze that’s hard to resist. You’ll love how the slow cooker transforms simple ingredients into a comforting meal with minimal effort. The magic of this dish lies in its ability to turn everyday flavors into something extraordinary, perfectly balancing sweet, tangy, and smoky notes.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Crockpot Cherry Cola Chicken Drumsticks
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Crockpot Cherry Cola Chicken Drumsticks

This recipe has a special place in my heart, reminding me of cozy family dinners spent around the table. There’s something about the ease of a slow cooker meal that takes away the stress of cooking. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend gathering, these Crockpot Cherry Cola Chicken Drumsticks are always a hit. They are a true crowd-pleaser, and I’m sure they’ll soon become a favorite in your home too!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With just 20 minutes of prep, then let the slow cooker do all the work.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of cherry cola and barbecue sauce gives the chicken a sweet and tangy taste that’s simply delicious.
Eye-Catching Appeal: These sticky, glistening drumsticks are perfect for impressing guests or family alike.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a backyard BBQ, they fit any occasion beautifully.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free diets by using gluten-free barbecue sauce.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2½ pounds chicken drumsticks: The star of the dish, these juicy cuts cook beautifully in the slow cooker and soak up all the delightful flavors.
1 teaspoon salt: This essential seasoning enhances the natural flavors of the chicken and balances the sweetness of the sauce.
½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a hint of warmth and complements the sweetness.
½ teaspoon smoked paprika: Imparts a lovely smoky depth that works exceptionally well with the cherry cola.
1 tablespoon oil: For searing the chicken, this helps to lock in moisture and flavor before slow cooking.
1 cup cherry cola: The secret ingredient that gives this dish its distinct sweet flavor; regular cola can be used in a pinch.
¾ cup barbecue sauce: Choose your favorite brand for a smoky, savory kick that melds perfectly with the sweetness of the cola.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic adds fragrant depth; if you’re in a hurry, jarred garlic can work too.
¼ cup brown sugar: It enhances the caramelization of the sauce, combining beautifully with the barbecue sauce and cherry cola.
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: A savory component that intensifies flavor complexity and adds richness.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: For an extra boost of garlic flavor, combining well with the fresh garlic.
2 teaspoons cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce towards the end of cooking, giving it that perfect sticky glaze.

How to Make Crockpot Cherry Cola Chicken Drumsticks

Season the Chicken: Start by generously seasoning the 2½ pounds of chicken drumsticks with 1 teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of black pepper, and ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika. This will create a flavorful base for your dish.
Sear the Drumsticks: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear the drumsticks for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until they are lightly browned. This step enhances the flavor and texture, creating a nice crust.
Transfer to the Slow Cooker: After searing, transfer the drumsticks directly into the slow cooker, allowing the juices to flow into the slow-cooked dish.
Make the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together 1 cup of cherry cola, ¾ cup of barbecue sauce, 2 cloves of minced garlic, ¼ cup of brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 2 teaspoons of cornstarch until everything is well combined.
Pour the Sauce Over the Chicken: Pour the prepared sauce mixture over the chicken drumsticks, ensuring they’re well coated in that delicious concoction.
Cook: Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for about 5–6 hours. The chicken will become incredibly tender as it absorbs all those fabulous flavors.
Thicken the Sauce: In the last 30 minutes of cooking, remove the lid to let the sauce thicken slightly. This will enhance the stickiness for a glaze that clings perfectly to each drumstick.

Storing & Reheating

To store leftovers, let the drumsticks cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they will keep for up to 4 days. If you’d like to freeze some, pack them in individual containers or freezer bags, and they’ll last up to 3 months. For reheating, simply place the chicken in a microwave-safe dish and cover it; heat on high for about 2-3 minutes, checking until heated through. Be aware that the texture might change slightly, but a little extra barbecue sauce drizzled before serving will bring back that delightful moisture.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcooking the chicken: Cooking past the recommended time can make the chicken dry. Keep an eye on the texture as it nears the end of cooking.
For maximum flavor, let the chicken marinate in the seasoning for a few hours or overnight before cooking.
If you like a bit of heat, consider adding a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture for a spicy kick.
For easier cleanup, line your slow cooker with a liner, making it a breeze to enjoy this delicious meal without the hassle.

There’s so much to love about these Crockpot Cherry Cola Chicken Drumsticks! With their perfect balance of flavors and simple preparation, don’t be afraid to get creative and make this dish your own. Experiment with different barbecue sauces or even add in some chopped onions or peppers for a more robust dish. Soon, you’ll be cooking this easy, flavorful recipe regularly. Enjoy!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use other cuts of chicken?

Absolutely! Bone-in chicken thighs or breasts lend themselves well to this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as breasts may cook faster than drumsticks.

Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Yes, adding vegetables like carrots or potatoes can enhance the meal. Just place them at the bottom of the slow cooker, then layer the chicken on top. They’ll soak up all the delicious flavors.

How can I thicken the sauce if it’s too runny?

If you find the sauce is thinner than you’d like, mix an additional teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water. Stir this mixture back into the slow cooker in the last 30 minutes of cooking and let it thicken.

Can the recipe be made in advance?

Certainly! You can prep everything ahead of time, season the chicken, and refrigerate it with the sauce. In the morning, transfer it to the slow cooker to cook while you’re away.

More Main Dishes Recipes

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

Crockpot Cherry Cola Chicken Drumsticks

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews

Author: Peter
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 380 minutes
Total Time: 6 hours 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Main Dishes
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Description

These Crockpot Cherry Cola Chicken Drumsticks are infused with irresistible flavors and require minimal prep. Perfect for a quick dinner, this dish combines juicy chicken with a sweet and tangy sauce for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

2½ pounds chicken drumsticks
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
1 tablespoon oil
1 cup cherry cola
¾ cup barbecue sauce
2 cloves garlic minced
¼ cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon garlic powder
2 teaspoons cornstarch

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Season the drumsticks with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat and sear the drumsticks until lightly browned on all sides.
Transfer the drumsticks to the slow cooker.
In a bowl, whisk together the cherry cola, barbecue sauce, minced garlic, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and cornstarch until well combined.
Pour the sauce over the chicken drumsticks.
Cover and cook on low for 5–6 hours, until the chicken is very tender.
During the last 30 minutes of cooking, remove the lid to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.

Notes

Ensure to sear the drumsticks for added flavor and texture.
Feel free to adjust the sweetness by using more or less brown sugar.
Serve with rice or a side salad for a complete meal.