The sweet and tangy taste of root beer BBQ sauce on tender crockpot chicken leg recipes – it’s a match made in heaven, folks! I mean, who doesn’t love coming home to a delicious, fall-off-the-bone meal that’s been cooking away in the crockpot all day? I know I do! Today, we’re talking about a game-changing recipe that combines the richness of root beer with the convenience of a crockpot: Root Beer BBQ Crockpot Chicken Drumsticks. Are you ready to give your taste buds a party?
Root Beer BBQ Crockpot Chicken Drumsticks
This recipe rocks because it’s ridiculously easy to make and packed with flavor. I mean, have you ever tried soda chicken? It’s a total thing, and for good reason – the acidity in the soda helps break down the connective tissues in the meat, making it super tender.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken drumsticks
- 1 cup root beer
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Season the chicken drumsticks with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
2. Place the chicken in the crockpot and pour in the root beer.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. After 6 hours, mix the BBQ sauce and brown sugar in a small bowl.
5. Brush the BBQ sauce mixture onto the chicken drumsticks.
6. Cook for an additional 30 minutes to 1 hour, or until the chicken is fully coated in the sauce.
Why You’ll Love It
You’ll love this recipe because it’s a total pulled chicken legs hack – the root beer and BBQ sauce make the meat so tender, it just falls off the bone. Plus, it’s ready in under 8 hours, making it perfect for a busy day. And let’s be real, who doesn’t love the combination of sweet and tangy?
Spicy Root Beer BBQ Crockpot Chicken Drumsticks
Are you ready to kick things up a notch? This variation adds a spicy twist to the original recipe, because who doesn’t love a little heat?
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken drumsticks
- 1 cup root beer
- 1/2 cup spicy BBQ sauce
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Season the chicken drumsticks with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
2. Place the chicken in the crockpot and pour in the root beer.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. After 6 hours, mix the spicy BBQ sauce and hot sauce in a small bowl.
5. Brush the BBQ sauce mixture onto the chicken drumsticks.
6. Cook for an additional 30 minutes to 1 hour, or until the chicken is fully coated in the sauce.
Why You’ll Love It
You’ll love this recipe because it adds a spicy kick to the original, making it perfect for those who like a little heat. The sweet bbq chicken flavor is still there, but it’s balanced out by the spiciness. Plus, it’s just as easy to make as the original!
Root Beer BBQ Crockpot Chicken Drumsticks with a Honey Twist
Okay, so you like a little sweetness in your life? This variation adds a drizzle of honey to the recipe, because why not?
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken drumsticks
- 1 cup root beer
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Season the chicken drumsticks with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
2. Place the chicken in the crockpot and pour in the root beer.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. After 6 hours, mix the BBQ sauce and honey in a small bowl.
5. Brush the BBQ sauce mixture onto the chicken drumsticks.
6. Cook for an additional 30 minutes to 1 hour, or until the chicken is fully coated in the sauce.
Why You’ll Love It
You’ll love this recipe because it adds a touch of sweetness to the original, making it perfect for those with a sweet tooth. The honey balances out the tanginess of the root beer, creating a crockpot chicken leg recipe that’s both sweet and savory.

In conclusion, these Root Beer BBQ Crockpot Chicken Drumsticks recipes are a total game-changer. They’re easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for a busy day. Whether you like your chicken sweet, spicy, or a combination of both, there’s a variation here for you. So go ahead, give them a try, and experience the magic of soda chicken for yourself! With their pulled chicken legs texture and sweet bbq chicken flavor, you’ll be hooked from the very first bite. Happy cooking!
