Slow Cooker Sweet Baby Ray’s Chicken Drumsticks are a crowd-pleasing dish that combines tender chicken drumsticks with the sweet and tangy flavors of Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ Sauce, honey, and savory spices. This easy slow cooker recipe is perfect for busy days when you want a delicious meal without a lot of hands-on cooking time. The slow cooker method allows the flavors to meld together while keeping the chicken moist and flavorful.
Table of Contents
- Overview of the Recipe
- Ingredients
- Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook’s Tips for Success
- Variations and Creative Twists
- FAQs About Slow Cooker Sweet Baby Ray’s Chicken Drumsticks
- Conclusion
1. Overview of the Recipe
Slow Cooker Sweet Baby Ray’s Chicken Drumsticks are a simple yet satisfying dish that’s great for family dinners, parties, or game day gatherings. The combination of Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ Sauce, honey, and spices creates a sticky, finger-licking glaze that coats the chicken drumsticks beautifully. Serve them with your favorite sides for a complete meal everyone will enjoy.
2. Ingredients
- 3 pounds chicken drumsticks
- 2 cups Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ Sauce (or your favorite BBQ sauce)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
3. Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation:
- Gather all the ingredients and prepare your slow cooker.
1. Prepare the Chicken Drumsticks:
- Pat dry the chicken drumsticks with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
2. Mix the Sauce:
- In a bowl, whisk together Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ Sauce, honey, soy sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder until well combined.
3. Layer in the Slow Cooker:
- Place the seasoned chicken drumsticks in the slow cooker insert.
- Pour the BBQ sauce mixture over the drumsticks, ensuring they are well coated.
4. Cook in the Slow Cooker:
- Cover the slow cooker with the lid.
- Cook on low heat for 4-5 hours or on high heat for 2-3 hours, or until the chicken drumsticks are cooked through and tender.
5. Optional Step (Crisp the Skin):
- If desired, transfer the cooked drumsticks to a baking sheet lined with foil.
- Broil in the oven for 3-5 minutes until the skin is crispy, watching carefully to prevent burning.
6. Serve:
- Garnish with chopped parsley or sesame seeds if desired.
- Serve the chicken drumsticks hot with additional BBQ sauce on the side for dipping.
4. Cook’s Tips for Success
- Chicken Drumsticks: For best results, use skin-on chicken drumsticks for a juicier texture.
- BBQ Sauce: Adjust the amount of BBQ sauce based on your preference for sauciness.
- Honey: Add more honey for a sweeter glaze or reduce it for a less sweet flavor.
- Broiling: Broiling the drumsticks after slow cooking helps to crisp up the skin for a more appealing texture.
5. Variations and Creative Twists
Spicy BBQ Drumsticks:
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the BBQ sauce mixture for a spicy kick.
Asian-Inspired BBQ Drumsticks:
- Substitute Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ Sauce with a teriyaki or hoisin sauce for an Asian twist.
Smoky Maple BBQ Drumsticks:
- Mix in a tablespoon of smoked paprika and replace honey with maple syrup for a smoky-sweet flavor.
6. FAQs About Slow Cooker Sweet Baby Ray’s Chicken Drumsticks
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of drumsticks? A: Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs for drumsticks. Adjust the cooking time accordingly as thighs may cook faster.
Q: How do I store leftovers? A: Store any leftover chicken drumsticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven before serving.
Q: Can I freeze cooked chicken drumsticks? A: Yes, you can freeze cooked drumsticks in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Q: Can I make this recipe in advance? A: Yes, you can prepare the sauce and season the chicken drumsticks in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator until ready to cook in the slow cooker.
Slow Cooker Sweet Baby Ray’s Chicken Drumsticks are a flavorful and convenient dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing a weeknight dinner, or craving a tasty meal, these chicken drumsticks are sure to satisfy. Enjoy the sticky, sweet BBQ glaze and tender chicken with your favorite sides for a delicious and memorable mealtime experience!
