There’s something truly special about a recipe that brings back memories from simpler times, and these Slow Cooker Sweet Baby Ray’s Chicken Drumsticks do just that. With roots in classic Midwestern home cooking, this dish reminds me of Sunday gatherings when family would come together to share stories and laughter over a hearty meal. These drumsticks, bathed in Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce, are fall-off-the-bone tender and bursting with flavor. Perfect for those who want to savor a taste of home and nostalgia with minimal effort.
These chicken drumsticks are divine when paired with classic comfort sides. Consider serving them with creamy mashed potatoes, buttery corn on the cob, or a crisp coleslaw to cut through the richness of the BBQ sauce. If you're looking for a touch of greens, steamed green beans with a sprinkle of sea salt and a pat of butter would complement these drumsticks beautifully.
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Slow Cooker Sweet Baby Ray’s Chicken Drumsticks
Servings: 4-6 servings
Ingredients
3 pounds chicken drumsticks
2 cups Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ Sauce
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ Sauce
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
1. Rinse and pat dry the chicken drumsticks. Season them lightly with salt and pepper.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce, honey, soy sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder.
3. Place the drumsticks in the slow cooker and pour the sauce mixture over them, ensuring they are fully coated.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the drumsticks are cooked through and tender.
5. Once cooked, you can place the drumsticks on a baking sheet and broil in the oven for a few minutes if you desire a crispy texture.
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6. Serve hot, spooning extra sauce over the drumsticks if desired.
Variations & Tips
For a smoky kick, try adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the sauce mixture. If you're a fan of heat, a dash of hot sauce or some crushed red pepper flakes can spice things up. For a tangier taste, mix in a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. And if you're short on time, you can use store-bought pre-seasoned chicken drumsticks and just add the remaining sauce ingredients directly to the slow cooker.