Are you craving a mouthwatering, flavor-packed chicken dish that won't derail your low-carb lifestyle? Look no further! These Crock Pot Old Bay Chicken Legs are about to become your new obsession. Imagine tender, juicy chicken legs infused with the iconic Old Bay seasoning, slow-cooked to perfection and practically falling off the bone. This recipe is so simple yet so incredibly delicious, you'll want to make it again and again – guaranteed to impress your family and leave them begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 5 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken legs
- 2 tablespoons Old Bay seasoning
- 1 cup chicken broth
Instructions
- Remove chicken legs from refrigerator and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure crisp skin and better seasoning adhesion.
- Generously sprinkle Old Bay seasoning over entire surface of chicken legs, ensuring complete and even coverage. Gently massage seasoning into chicken skin and meat.
- Prepare crock pot by lightly spraying interior with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Place seasoned chicken legs into crock pot, arranging them in a single layer without overcrowding to ensure even cooking.
- Pour chicken broth carefully around the sides of the chicken legs, taking care not to wash off the seasoning.
- Cover crock pot with lid and set to low heat setting, which allows for slow, gentle cooking that keeps chicken tender and juicy.
- Cook chicken legs for 6 hours, maintaining consistent low temperature to achieve perfectly cooked, fall-off-the-bone meat.
- After cooking time completes, check internal temperature of chicken using meat thermometer - it should read 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Optional: For crispy skin, transfer cooked chicken legs to broiler-safe pan and broil for 3-5 minutes until skin becomes golden and slightly crisp.
- Let chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum flavor and moisture.
Tips
- Pat the chicken legs completely dry before seasoning to ensure the Old Bay adheres perfectly and helps create a more flavorful exterior.
- Don't skip the gentle massage of seasoning into the chicken – this helps the flavors penetrate deeper into the meat.
- Avoid overcrowding the crock pot. A single layer ensures even cooking and maximum flavor distribution.
- Use a meat thermometer to guarantee food safety and perfectly cooked chicken. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- For those who love crispy skin, the optional broiling step is a game-changer. Just a few minutes under the broiler can transform your chicken from good to absolutely incredible.
- Let the chicken rest after cooking. This crucial step allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is as moist and flavorful as possible.
- If you're meal prepping, these chicken legs store beautifully in the refrigerator and can be reheated gently without losing their tenderness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 561kcal
Carbohydrates: 2g
Protein: 56g
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 170mg
