Crock Pot Chicken Leg Quarters
Tender chicken leg quarters slow-cooked in a homemade sweet and tangy barbecue sauce until they are fall-off-the-bone tender.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs chicken leg quarters about 680 g
- 1 cup ketchup 240 ml
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar 60 ml
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar 55 g
- 1/2 medium onion sliced
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic about 2 cloves
- 1 1/2 tablespoons paprika
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup water 120 ml
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, minced garlic, paprika, chili powder, Dijon mustard, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until the mixture is smooth.
- Pour the water into the bottom of a 6-quart or larger slow cooker.
- Arrange the sliced onions in an even layer at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Place the chicken leg quarters on top of the onions.
- Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the chicken pieces, ensuring they are well coated.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6 to 7 hours, or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours.
- The chicken is done when it is tender and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
- Carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker and serve hot, with extra sauce from the pot spooned over the top.
Notes
For a richer flavor, you can sear the chicken before slow cooking. Heat a tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and brown the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side, then transfer to the crock pot.
If you prefer a crispier skin, place the cooked chicken on a baking sheet and broil for 2-4 minutes. Watch it closely to prevent it from burning.
Food Safety: Always cook poultry to a safe minimum internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) as measured with a food thermometer.
The sauce will be thin from the chicken juices. To thicken it, pour the sauce into a small saucepan and simmer over medium heat for 5-10 minutes until it reduces.