Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken is an easy, comforting slow cooker meal made with tender chicken simmered in a rich, sweet, and smoky barbecue sauce. This recipe uses Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce as the star ingredient, creating a sticky, glossy coating that clings perfectly to the chicken as it cooks low and slow. The result is juicy, fall-apart chicken with bold barbecue flavor, perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or meal prep. It’s simple, reliable, and always a crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Made with only a few pantry ingredients
- Slow cooker does all the work
- Sweet, smoky, and savory flavor
- Chicken stays juicy and tender
- Perfect for sandwiches, rice, or potatoes
- Family-friendly and great for leftovers
Ingredients
- 2 to 2½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1½ cups Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ Sauce
- ½ cup chicken broth or water
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Black pepper, to taste
- Sliced green onions or parsley, for garnish (optional)
Preparation Steps
Step 1: Prepare the Crockpot
Lightly spray the inside of the crockpot with non-stick cooking spray. Place the chicken in the bottom in an even layer.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce, chicken broth, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper until smooth.
Step 3: Add Sauce to Chicken
Pour the barbecue sauce mixture over the chicken, making sure all pieces are fully coated.
Step 4: Slow Cook
Cover and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours or on HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and very tender.
Step 5: Shred or Serve Whole
For shredded chicken, remove the chicken and shred with two forks, then return it to the crockpot and stir into the sauce. For whole pieces, simply spoon the sauce over the chicken before serving.
Cooking Notes
- Chicken thighs are juicier, but breasts work great too
- Avoid lifting the lid during cooking to keep moisture in
- Sauce thickens naturally as it cooks
- If sauce is too thin, cook uncovered for 15 minutes on HIGH
- Taste before serving and adjust sweetness or salt
Variations
- Add sliced onions to the crockpot for extra flavor
- Stir in a little honey for a sweeter sauce
- Make it spicy with hot sauce or red pepper flakes
- Add pineapple chunks for a sweet BBQ twist
- Use Sweet Baby Ray’s Honey BBQ or Hickory & Brown Sugar flavor
Serving Suggestions
- Serve over mashed potatoes or rice
- Use for BBQ chicken sandwiches or sliders
- Pair with coleslaw or corn on the cob
- Serve with roasted vegetables or baked beans
- Use leftovers in wraps or tacos
Tips
- Trim excess fat from chicken before cooking
- Don’t overcook on HIGH to avoid dry chicken
- Shredded chicken absorbs more sauce
- Double the recipe easily for large families
- Leftovers taste even better the next day
Prep Time / Cooking Time / Total Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 5–6 hours (LOW) or 3–4 hours (HIGH)
Total Time: About 6 hours
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Approx. 360 calories
32g protein
8g fat
38g carbohydrates
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but thawing first gives the best texture and even cooking.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, store cooked chicken in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Can I freeze Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken?
Yes, freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
Is this recipe spicy?
No, it’s sweet and smoky, but you can add heat if you like.
Can I use bone-in chicken?
Yes, just increase cooking time slightly and remove bones before serving.
Conclusion
Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken is a simple, dependable slow cooker recipe that delivers big barbecue flavor with minimal effort. The chicken cooks until tender and juicy, soaking up the sweet and smoky sauce that makes this dish so irresistible. Whether served over potatoes, tucked into sandwiches, or enjoyed on its own, this recipe is guaranteed to become a regular favorite in your meal rotation.