Some of the best family dinners start with the simplest pantry ingredients, and this easy slow cooker meal is a perfect example. It is the kind of fuss-free recipe that works on busy school nights, lazy weekends, or anytime you want something hearty cooking away in the background while you handle the rest of the day.
These sweet and savory drumettes are especially good with creamy mashed potatoes, buttery rice, baked beans, coleslaw, or simple corn on the cob. For a lighter plate, add carrot sticks, cucumber slices, or a crisp green salad, and keep extra sauce from the slow cooker nearby for spooning over the side dishes.
Slow Cooker 3-Ingredient Coca-Cola Chicken Drumettes
Servings: 6
Ingredients
3 lb raw chicken drumettes
1 can (12 oz) cola
1 bottle (18 oz) barbecue sauce
Directions
1. Place the raw chicken drumettes in the slow cooker in an even layer.
2. Pour the cola evenly over the chicken.
3. Spoon or pour the barbecue sauce over the top, then gently turn the drumettes to coat them as evenly as possible.
4. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
5. If you would like the sauce a little thicker, remove the lid for the last 20 to 30 minutes of cooking. Turn the drumettes once more in the sauce before serving.
6. Serve warm with some of the sauce spooned over the top.
Variations & Tips
For picky eaters: Use a sweeter, milder barbecue sauce if your family does not like smoky or spicy flavors. This version tends to go over especially well with kids because the sauce turns rich and familiar.
Make it a little smokier: If your pantry allows for a tiny extra add-in beyond the three main ingredients, a small spoonful of smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke can give the sauce a deeper cookout flavor. It is not necessary, but it is tasty for adults who like bolder barbecue notes.
Keep the texture just right: Drumettes can become so tender that they want to slip off the bone, so use tongs carefully when stirring near the end. If you need to keep them looking nice for serving, avoid over-mixing once they are fully cooked.
Easy party idea: Transfer the cooked drumettes to a platter and sprinkle with a little chopped parsley if you want a fresh pop of color. Set out extra napkins and let everyone help themselves; these are wonderful for game day, family movie night, or casual weekend get-togethers.