Slow Cooker Sweet Baby Ray’s Chicken Drumsticks
Introduction
Looking for an easy, family-friendly dinner that’s packed with bold barbecue flavor? These Slow Cooker Sweet Baby Ray’s Chicken Drumsticks are tender, juicy, and coated in a rich, smoky barbecue sauce that practically falls off the bone. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, your slow cooker does all the work, making this recipe perfect for busy weeknights, game days, potlucks, or casual family dinners.
For an extra layer of flavor, finish the drumsticks under the broiler or on the grill for a delicious caramelized barbecue glaze.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
– Only a few simple ingredients
– Tender, fall-off-the-bone chicken
– Perfect for busy weeknights
– Great for meal prep and leftovers
– Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing
Ingredients
For the Chicken
– 10–12 chicken drumsticks
– 2 cups Sweet Baby Ray’s Original Barbecue Sauce
– ¼ cup honey
– 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– ½ teaspoon black pepper
– ½ teaspoon salt
Optional Garnish
– Chopped fresh parsley
– Sesame seeds
– Sliced green onions
Instructions
1. Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and black pepper.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce, honey, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
3. Arrange the drumsticks in the slow cooker.
4. Pour the barbecue sauce mixture evenly over the chicken, turning the drumsticks to coat them well.
5. Cover and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
6. For a caramelized finish, transfer the cooked drumsticks to a baking sheet and brush with additional barbecue sauce. Broil for 3–5 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
7. Garnish with parsley, sesame seeds, or green onions before serving.
Tips
– Remove excess skin if you prefer a lighter dish.
– For a thicker sauce, transfer the cooking liquid to a saucepan and simmer for a few minutes before serving.
– You can substitute chicken thighs or wings using the same flavorful sauce.
– Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these barbecue chicken drumsticks with creamy mashed potatoes, coleslaw, corn on the cob, baked beans, macaroni and cheese, roasted vegetables, or fluffy dinner rolls. A crisp green salad also makes a refreshing side.
Conclusion
These Slow Cooker Sweet Baby Ray’s Chicken Drumsticks are an effortless way to enjoy tender, flavorful barbecue chicken with minimal work. Whether you’re feeding the family or entertaining guests, this easy slow cooker recipe delivers juicy chicken coated in a sweet, smoky barbecue glaze that’s sure to have everyone coming back for seconds.