Crockpot Cherry Cola Chicken Drumsticks

Sometimes it’s fun to switch things up from the usual BBQ chicken, and these crockpot cherry cola BBQ drumsticks do exactly that! The chicken slow cooks in a sweet, tangy sauce made with cherry cola, barbecue sauce, and a few simple seasonings, creating tender drumsticks coated in a sticky, flavorful glaze.

It’s an easy slow cooker dinner that feels a little different but still uses simple ingredients you probably already have on hand. 

5 Reasons Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fun and a little different: Cherry cola adds a sweet twist that makes this BBQ chicken stand out. Perfect if you’re bored with your usual chicken rotation! 

• Family-friendly: The sweet, tangy flavor is a hit with both kids and adults.

• Budget-friendly: Made with affordable ingredients and pantry staples. If you need a cheap dinner that doesn’t feel like a compromise, this is it. 

• Great for feeding a crowd: This recipe serves about 6, making it perfect for big families or game day gatherings.

• Easy slow cooker meal: Minimal prep and the crockpot does the rest. You’ll need to commit about just 20 minutes of hands-on time. I like to throw these into the crockpot around lunchtime then dinner’s sorted without any rush later on! 

If you’re new here, don’t miss more of my reader-favorite crockpot dinners! I think you’ll also enjoy my crockpot Carolina gold BBQ chicken thighs, crockpot honey chipotle chicken wings, and crockpot Korean chicken wings. 

Ingredients

Here I’m going to cover ingredient notes and extra tips. If you want to grab the printable recipe card and run, you’ll find it at the bottom of this post! 

How To Make Crockpot Cherry Cola Drumsticks 

• 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.

Storage & Reheating 

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

You can also freeze the drumsticks in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or on the stove until heated through. If the sauce has thickened in the fridge, you can stir in a small splash of water or broth to loosen it back up. I actually prefer eating the leftovers cold, but you do you! 

Recipe Notes 

Searing the drumsticks first adds extra flavor and color. It’s a quick step that helps build a deeper, more savory base for the sauce.

Removing the lid near the end of cooking helps the sauce thicken. This allows some of the liquid to cook off so the glaze becomes richer and more concentrated.

Spoon the sauce over the chicken before serving so each drumstick is nicely coated and glossy. It also makes the dish look extra inviting on the plate, if that’s your thing!

Substitutes & Variations 

• Honey: Honey can be used instead of brown sugar if you prefer a slightly lighter sweetness.

• Boneless chicken thighs: These work well in place of drumsticks, but they may cook a little faster, so keep an eye on the cooking time.

• Add some heat: Sprinkle in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if you’d like the sauce to have a little kick.

• Caramelized finish: For sticky, slightly crispy edges, place the cooked drumsticks under the broiler for a few minutes before serving.

Serving Ideas 

My favorite way to serve these cherry cola BBQ drumsticks is over a big scoop of mashed potatoes. The creamy potatoes soak up that sweet and tangy sauce perfectly.

You can also serve them with rice, buttered noodles, or roasted potatoes if you want another hearty base for the sauce.

For a lighter side, add coleslaw, corn on the cob, green beans, or a simple side salad to balance the richness of the chicken.

Another great option is to shred the chicken and pile it onto sandwich buns for easy BBQ chicken sandwiches. Add a little extra sauce and some crunchy coleslaw on top for a really satisfying meal.

Print Recipe

Crockpot Cherry Cola Chicken Drumsticks

These crockpot cherry cola BBQ chicken drumsticks are tender, juicy, and coated in a sweet and tangy sauce with a hint of cherry flavor. The drumsticks slow cook until they’re fall-apart tender while the sauce thickens into a sticky BBQ glaze. It’s an easy slow cooker dinner that’s fun, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights.

Prep Time20 minutes mins

Cook Time6 hours hrs

Total Time6 hours hrs 20 minutes mins

Course: Main Course

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 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

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.