Name: Slow Cooker Dijon-Thyme Chicken Legs Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 5 h
Total time: 5 h 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8-10 skin-on chicken drumsticks (about 2 lbs. depending on their size); 1 Tbsp. ghee (or avocado oil for dairy-free), divided; 3 Tbsp. Tessemae’s Dijon Mustard; 3/4 cup bone broth (homemade or store-bought); 2-3 dates, pitted and finely chopped (may substitute 1 Tbsp. honey if not Whole30); 1 tsp. ground cumin; 1½ tsp. dried thyme; ½ tsp. paprika (smoked or sweet); Salt & pepper to taste; Arrowroot starch (for Whole30) or corn starch for thickening the gravy

If you’re looking for a dish that feels like a warm hug after a busy day, you’ve got to try this Slow Cooker Dijon-Thyme Chicken Legs Recipe. It’s one of those recipes I turn to when I want something flavorful, fuss-free, and comforting. The combination of tangy Dijon mustard and aromatic thyme slowly infuses the chicken as it cooks low and slow, making the legs fall-off-the-bone tender every single time. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a staple in your meal rotation.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Cooking: Toss everything in your slow cooker and let it do the magic while you relax or get on with other tasks.
Deep Flavor Development: The Dijon and thyme marry beautifully, creating a savory, slightly tangy sauce that’s irresistible.
Family-Friendly: My family goes crazy for this dish—it’s tender, juicy, and full of flavor without being spicy or complicated.
Customizable: Whether you’re Whole30, dairy-free, or just want to add your own twist, this recipe easily adapts.

The image shows a white plate with three main sections: at the top left is a mound of creamy mashed potatoes with a smooth, slightly lumpy texture, topped with a pool of brown gravy and a sprig of green thyme. To the right of the potatoes is a small pile of bright green, soft steamed broccoli florets with a slightly shiny finish. At the bottom of the plate are two golden-brown roasted chicken drumsticks with a light herb garnish and some gravy drizzled on them. The plate sits on a white marbled surface next to a black fork and some fresh thyme sprigs with a white cloth with thin black stripes nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this Slow Cooker Dijon-Thyme Chicken Legs Recipe may seem simple, but they pack a punch when combined. I always recommend using high-quality bone broth and fresh spices to get the best flavor — it really makes a difference! Plus, the touch of sweetness from dates balances the tang of Dijon perfectly.

Chicken drumsticks (skin-on): Opt for fresh, good-quality drumsticks with the skin on for juicy, crispy results.
Ghee or avocado oil: I love using ghee for richness, but avocado oil is a great dairy-free alternative.
Dijon mustard: Look for a smooth, tangy Dijon to give the sauce its signature flavor.
Bone broth: Homemade or store-bought, bone broth adds deep, savory notes and keeps the chicken moist.
Dates: These bring natural sweetness without refined sugar; swap with honey if you’re not following Whole30.
Ground cumin: Adds a subtle earthiness that complements the thyme and mustard.
Dried thyme: Essential herb for this recipe that brings a fragrant touch.
Paprika (smoked or sweet): I often use smoked paprika for a tiny hint of depth and smokiness.
Salt & pepper: Season to taste to bring out all the flavors.
Arrowroot or corn starch (optional): For thickening the sauce, arrowroot works great for Whole30 compliance.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love making this Slow Cooker Dijon-Thyme Chicken Legs Recipe my own based on what I have on hand or the season. Feel free to experiment a little — cooking should be fun and personal, after all!

Adding garlic or shallots: Sometimes I toss in minced garlic or shallots for an extra flavor boost that complements the thyme beautifully.
Using fresh herbs: If you have fresh thyme, swap the dried for fresher, brighter notes.
Spicy kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat (my husband loves this). But keep it mild if serving to kids.
Make it paleo/whole30: Stick with ghee or avocado oil and use arrowroot starch for thickening, plus dates for a natural sweetener.

How to Make Slow Cooker Dijon-Thyme Chicken Legs Recipe

Step 1: Sear the Chicken for Extra Flavor

Start by heating half the ghee or oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken drumsticks on all sides—this step adds a beautiful golden color and depth of flavor you just can’t beat in slow cooker dishes. Don’t skip it! It only takes about 5-7 minutes, and you’ll notice the difference in both taste and appearance.

Step 2: Mix the Sauce Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, bone broth, chopped dates, ground cumin, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. This sauce is where all the magic happens—be sure to taste and adjust seasoning to your preference before pouring it over the chicken.

Step 3: Layer and Slow Cook

Place the seared chicken legs into your slow cooker, skin-side up if you can. Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken so every piece gets coated. Cover and cook on low for about 4.5 to 5 hours, or until the chicken is tender and falling off the bone. If you’re short on time, the high setting for 2.5-3 hours also works, but low is best for melding flavors.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)

If you want a thicker gravy to serve alongside, remove the chicken to a plate and stir in a slurry made from arrowroot or corn starch mixed with a little cold water directly into the slow cooker. Turn to high and cook uncovered for 15-20 minutes until it thickens to your liking. Spoon this luscious sauce over your chicken when serving.

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Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Dijon-Thyme Chicken Legs Recipe

Always brown your chicken first: It creates that golden skin and richer flavor you can’t get from the slow cooker alone.
Don’t skip the dates: Their natural sweetness balances the tangy mustard wonderfully and keeps the sauce mellow.
Cook skin-side up: This helps keep the chicken skin from getting soggy, preserving a bit of texture.
Adjust seasoning last: Once the chicken is cooked, taste the sauce and season again if needed before serving.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Dijon-Thyme Chicken Legs Recipe

A white plate holds three main parts: two golden brown cooked drumsticks with a slight glaze and small green herb bits on them at the bottom left, a mound of pale creamy mashed potatoes in the center topped with brown gravy and a small sprig of green herb, and a serving of bright green broccoli florets on the right side. The plate is set on a white marbled surface with a silver fork with a black handle placed diagonally in the bottom right corner. In the background, there is a white bowl filled with more drumsticks and a bottle of Dijon mustard. A white cloth with black stripes is draped partially on the surface to the left of the plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I like to garnish this dish with freshly chopped parsley or thyme sprigs to brighten up the plate and add a fresh herbal note. A wedge of lemon on the side is also fantastic to squeeze over for a little pop of acidity that complements the creamy mustard sauce.

Side Dishes

This chicken is so hearty I often serve it with mashed potatoes or creamy cauliflower puree to soak up the sauce. Roasted seasonal vegetables or a crisp green salad round out the meal perfectly and add color and crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served these chicken legs on a rustic wooden board layered with fresh thyme sprigs and lemon zest, making a pretty presentation that feels cozy and inviting. You can also use a cast iron skillet to bring the chicken straight from the slow cooker with a drizzle of the thickened sauce over the top—it’s a crowd-pleaser every time.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and they keep well for 3-4 days. The chicken stays tender, and the sauce actually deepens in flavor overnight. Just make sure to cool it down before refrigerating to keep everything safe and fresh.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully. I like to portion the chicken and sauce into freezer-safe containers or bags, label them, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring the sauce occasionally to prevent it from drying out. Adding a splash of broth if the sauce has thickened too much helps keep everything luscious and juicy.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of drumsticks in this recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully in this Slow Cooker Dijon-Thyme Chicken Legs Recipe. Since thighs have similar cooking times and rich flavor, you’ll still get tender, juicy results. Just adjust the quantity based on size and desired servings.
Is it necessary to brown the chicken before slow cooking?

While you can skip browning, I highly recommend it because searing the chicken first locks in flavor and gives the dish that beautiful golden-brown look. It really elevates the overall taste and presentation.
What if I don’t have dates or don’t want to use them?

No worries! You can substitute the dates with a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup if you’re not following Whole30. The goal is to balance the tangy mustard with a natural sweetness.
Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot instead of a slow cooker?

You can! Use the sauté function to brown the chicken, then pressure cook on high for about 10 minutes with a natural release. Just be sure to adjust the liquid slightly and watch for doneness.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Dijon-Thyme Chicken Legs Recipe truly feels like a little kitchen secret I’m thrilled to share. I remember the first time I made it — my family devoured every last bite and asked for more! It’s simple enough for busy weeknights but special enough to serve when friends come over. I hope you’ll enjoy making it as much as I do. Once you try it, you might just find yourself reaching for your slow cooker every week!