Slow cookers, such as the Crock-pot®, are renowned for their ability to cook a variety of different meals more conveniently than stove-tops. Crock-pot® chicken legs are among many meals that can be made solely in a slow cooker. To add to the convenience, cooks can make the chicken legs in a variety of different ways all while using the same appliance. Barbecue, herb, and garlic versions are among some of the most popular flavors of the chicken legs. There are other slow cooker techniques that can be utilized in order to save even more time and effort when preparing such meals.
Different cuts of chicken are widely used in slow cookers. Chicken legs are a favorite among being chefs because the slow cooking process keeps the meat tender and the skins have the tendency to slide off easily when eating. Drumsticks can also be substituted easily for any Crock-pot® chicken legs recipe, and users can use as many pieces as the slow cooker will allow. For reduced-fat recipes, cooks might consider removing the skins from the chicken pieces prior to the placement in the Crock-pot®.
There are a variety of different types of Crock-pot® chicken legs, which makes this dish particularly versatile. One of the easiest recipes is barbecue chicken legs; a bottled sauce tends to work just as well in the slow cooker as does a homemade version. Herb chicken legs are a favorite in many regions due to the succulent flavors and ease of cooking them. Common ingredients include garlic, thyme, and rosemary as well as a dash of salt and pepper. In order to retain moisture, many cooks add chicken broth to the mix.
Crock-pot® chicken legs are usually easier to make in slow cookers because the dish requires less preparation and fewer dishes. Cooks generally place the chicken legs in the appliance before adding the ingredients on top. Generally, such dishes are cooked on the lowest setting for eight hours. Making chicken legs in an oven or broiler requires constant attention to detail, whereas slow cookers are designed for users to place foods in them and not do anything until the meals are complete.
The exception to the ease of preparation for Crock-pot® chicken legs is the side dishes that chefs desire to use. Russet potatoes work particularly well along meats in slow cookers, as well as other vegetables such as carrots. A longer cooking time might be required, however, depending on the number of items added to the Crock-pot®.