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There’s something comforting about a recipe that wraps you up in memories — the kind that makes you pause mid-bite and think, “Yeah, Grandma would’ve loved this.” These Slow Cooker Sweet Baby Ray’s Chicken Drumsticks hit that sweet spot.
Back when Sundays felt a little slower, my family would cram into a warm kitchen, laughter echoing off the walls, stories flowing right alongside the gravy. Someone was always sneaking a drumstick off the tray before dinner was even called. And honestly? That first stolen bite was always the best.
Now, life moves faster. But these drumsticks — they slow it all down, just enough.
Why We Still Love These Drumsticks
Here’s the thing: you don’t need to stand over a hot stove for hours to make food that tastes like you did. That’s the quiet magic of a slow cooker — toss everything in, go live your life, come back to something that smells like Sunday at Grandma’s.
And Sweet Baby Ray’s? If you know, you know. It’s that thick, sticky-sweet barbecue sauce you swipe off your fingers at cookouts. A Midwestern staple. Put it in a slow cooker with tender drumsticks, and it does half the work for you.
No Fuss, All Flavor
Let’s break it down — because you probably don’t want a dinner that feels like a second job.
Here’s what you’ll need:
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3 pounds of chicken drumsticks (grab whatever’s on sale)
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2 cups of Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ Sauce
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1/4 cup honey
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1/4 cup soy sauce
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1 tablespoon garlic powder
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1 tablespoon onion powder
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Salt and pepper to taste
Give those drumsticks a quick rinse, pat ‘em dry, sprinkle on some salt and pepper. That’s your prep — easy enough to do with your morning coffee in hand.
Now, grab a big bowl. Pour in the Sweet Baby Ray’s, drizzle the honey (use the good stuff if you’ve got it), splash in the soy sauce, and sprinkle the garlic and onion powder. Give it a good stir.
Toss those drumsticks in the slow cooker, pour the sauce right over them, and make sure they’re all cozy and coated. Lid on. Set it on low for 6–7 hours (or crank it to high for 3–4 if you’re in a rush). That’s it — your kitchen’s about to smell like heaven.
If you like a bit of crisp on your chicken — and who doesn’t? — lay them on a baking sheet once they’re cooked and broil for a couple of minutes. Watch ‘em though — they’ll go from perfect to “oops” fast.
Serve It Up Like Sunday Dinner
Alright, you’ve got these sticky, fall-off-the-bone beauties ready — but what goes with them? Honestly, you can’t go wrong with the classics:
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Creamy mashed potatoes (the more butter, the better)
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Buttery corn on the cob — bonus points if you grill it a bit
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A crisp, tangy coleslaw to balance that sweet BBQ sauce
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Maybe some green beans, steamed just right with a knob of butter and a sprinkle of sea salt
These sides turn a simple crock of drumsticks into a full-on comfort feast. Perfect for a lazy Sunday, an easy weeknight dinner, or heck — bring a batch to your next tailgate and watch ‘em disappear.
Little Twists to Make It Yours
Love a smoky vibe? Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika to that sauce. Craving heat? A dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes does wonders. Want that BBQ sauce to hit you with a tang? Stir in a splash of apple cider vinegar — trust me.
And if you’re really pressed for time, cheat a little. No shame in grabbing pre-seasoned drumsticks and just tossing ‘em with Sweet Baby Ray’s and honey. The slow cooker still works its magic.
Bringing It All Back Home
You know what? These drumsticks aren’t just dinner — they’re a little reminder that good food doesn’t have to be complicated. A few pantry staples, a slow cooker humming away, and suddenly the kitchen feels like it did when we were kids.
So go on — try it. Sneak one off the tray before you call everyone to the table. That first bite’s always the best, anyway.
And when you do, maybe you’ll hear your own stories and laughter echoing off the walls. That’s the real magic.
Slow Cooker Sweet Baby Ray’s Chicken Drumsticks
Ingredients
- 3 lbs chicken drumsticks skin-on or skinless as preferred
- 1 1/2 cups Sweet Baby Ray’s Barbecue Sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar packed
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Lightly season chicken drumsticks with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
- Place drumsticks in the slow cooker in an even layer.
- In a medium bowl, mix Sweet Baby Ray’s Barbecue Sauce, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar until combined.
- Pour the sauce over the drumsticks, making sure they are well coated.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or until chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Optional: Broil drumsticks on a baking sheet for 3-5 minutes for a caramelized finish.
