Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken is a slow-cooked, BBQ-flavored chicken dish that combines the rich, sweet, and tangy notes of Sweet Baby Ray’s Barbecue Sauce with tender, juicy chicken. This versatile dish is perfect for family dinners, meal prepping, or serving as a filling for sandwiches, sliders, or wraps.
When it comes to creating a flavorful, finger-licking chicken dish, Sweet Baby Ray’s Barbecue Sauce is a go-to ingredient for many home cooks and grill masters. Known for its rich, sweet, and tangy flavor, Sweet Baby Ray’s elevates any meal it’s added to, making it the perfect base for an easy yet impressive crockpot chicken recipe. Slow-cooking the chicken with this sauce not only infuses the meat with deep flavors but also guarantees a tender and juicy result that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual family gatherings.

Table of Contents

Sweet Baby Ray's Crockpot Chicken Recipe

Using a crockpot, or slow cooker, simplifies the cooking process, allowing you to set everything up in the morning and come home to a delicious, ready-to-eat dinner. The low-and-slow method ensures that the chicken absorbs the BBQ sauce’s smokiness and sweetness, making it fall-apart tender. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, this recipe delivers a BBQ masterpiece without the need for a grill.

In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about making Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken, from selecting the right chicken cuts to getting the perfect balance of flavors. Plus, we’ll share tips, variations, and serving ideas to take this dish to the next level. By the end of this article, you’ll have a go-to BBQ chicken recipe that you’ll want to make again and again!

Why You’ll Love Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken Recipe

Convenient and Effortless: Minimal prep work is required, making this recipe ideal for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
Versatile: The chicken can be served in many ways—over rice, in sandwiches, with veggies, or as a topping for baked potatoes.
Family-Friendly Flavor: Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce provides a flavor profile that appeals to all ages, with a perfect balance of sweetness, tanginess, and smokiness.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and use the leftovers for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Selecting the Ingredients

Choosing the right ingredients is essential to get the best results from your Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken recipe. Here’s a rundown of what you’ll need:

Chicken: You can use chicken breasts, thighs, or a combination of both. Boneless, skinless cuts are the most convenient for this recipe, but bone-in pieces will deliver even more flavor and juiciness.
Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ Sauce: This is the star ingredient of the dish. Feel free to choose the original version or experiment with flavors like Hickory & Brown Sugar, Sweet ‘n Spicy, or Honey BBQ for added variety.
Onion and Garlic: These aromatics add depth to the sauce, enhancing the overall flavor of the chicken.
Apple Cider Vinegar: A little acidity balances the sweetness of the BBQ sauce and adds a subtle tang.
Brown Sugar or Honey: While optional, a touch of brown sugar or honey can intensify the sweetness, making the chicken even more irresistible.
Seasonings: Simple seasonings like salt, pepper, paprika, and chili powder can be used to enhance the flavor profile.
Worcestershire Sauce: A splash of Worcestershire sauce adds a savory, umami flavor that complements the sweetness of the BBQ sauce.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by seasoning the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, paprika, and chili powder. This base seasoning helps to layer the flavors from the start. If you’re using chicken breasts, consider cutting them into smaller pieces to ensure they cook evenly and absorb more sauce.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken (Optional)

For added flavor and texture, you can sear the chicken in a hot skillet for 2-3 minutes on each side before placing it in the crockpot. This step is optional but can add a delicious caramelized crust to the chicken.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce Mixture

In a bowl, combine Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, and a tablespoon of brown sugar or honey (if using). Mix well to ensure all the flavors are evenly incorporated.

Step 4: Layer the Ingredients in the Crockpot

Place sliced onions at the bottom of the crockpot to create a flavorful base for the chicken. Add the seasoned chicken on top, then pour the BBQ sauce mixture over the chicken, ensuring it’s well-coated.

Step 5: Cook the Chicken

Set the crockpot to low and cook for 4-5 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours. The chicken should be tender and easily shreddable when done. If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the lid for the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow the liquid to reduce.

Step 6: Shred and Serve

Once cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the crockpot or remove the pieces and shred on a cutting board. Stir the shredded chicken back into the sauce and let it sit for a few minutes to soak up the flavors before serving.

Tips for Success

Choose the Right Cut of Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are ideal for this recipe as they remain juicy even after hours of cooking. Chicken breasts work well too but may require a shorter cooking time.
Don’t Skip the Searing (If Possible): While searing the chicken is optional, it adds an extra layer of flavor by caramelizing the outside of the meat.
Keep an Eye on the Cooking Time: Overcooking can lead to dry chicken, especially when using breasts. Check the chicken for doneness at the lower end of the cooking time range.
Adjust the Sauce Consistency: If you find the sauce too thin, transfer it to a saucepan and simmer until it reaches your desired thickness.

Serving Suggestions

Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken is incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:

Over Rice or Quinoa: The BBQ sauce acts as a delicious gravy when served over fluffy rice or quinoa.
In Sandwiches or Sliders: Pile the shredded BBQ chicken on a bun and top with coleslaw for an easy, satisfying sandwich or slider.
On Baked Potatoes: Spoon the chicken and sauce over a baked potato, and add toppings like cheese, sour cream, and chives.
With Roasted Vegetables: Serve the chicken alongside roasted veggies like broccoli, carrots, or green beans for a complete meal.

Variations

Sweet and Spicy BBQ Chicken: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the BBQ sauce mixture for a spicy kick.
Honey Garlic BBQ Chicken: Substitute half of the BBQ sauce with honey and add extra garlic for a sweet, garlicky twist.
BBQ Chicken and Bacon: Mix crumbled bacon into the shredded chicken for a smoky, savory addition that complements the BBQ flavors.

Conclusion

Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken is a foolproof recipe that delivers rich, smoky, and sweet flavors with minimal effort. It’s perfect for busy cooks looking to prepare a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. This versatile dish can be served in various ways, making it ideal for family dinners, meal prepping, or even casual parties. The combination of tender chicken and Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce is simply unbeatable, ensuring that every bite is packed with flavor.

Whether you’re a BBQ enthusiast or just looking for an easy, crowd-pleasing recipe, Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken is a must-try. With its straightforward instructions and irresistible taste, this dish will quickly become a staple in your recipe rotation. So, grab your crockpot, gather the ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a mouthwatering BBQ chicken meal that’s sure to impress!