If you’re looking for a simple, mouthwatering dinner with minimal prep, Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken is the perfect recipe. This slow-cooked BBQ chicken is juicy, tender, and packed with smoky-sweet flavor, all thanks to the magic of Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ Sauce and the convenience of a crockpot.
This easy meal is perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, potlucks, game days, and meal prep for the week.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
- How to make the best Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken
- The best ingredients and variations
- What to serve with BBQ chicken
- FAQs about cooking chicken in a crockpot
Let’s get started.
Table of contents
- What is Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken?
- Essential Ingredients for Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken
- How to Make Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken (Step-by-Step Guide)
- What to Serve with Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken
- Frequently Asked Questions About Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken
- Conclusion & Final Tips
What is Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken?
The Magic of Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ Sauce
Sweet Baby Ray’s is one of the most popular barbecue sauces in the U.S. It’s known for its perfect balance of sweetness, smokiness, and tangy flavor, making it the ideal ingredient for crockpot BBQ chicken.
When slow-cooked with chicken, it creates a rich, caramelized BBQ flavor, tender fall-apart chicken that’s easy to shred, and a versatile dish for sandwiches, tacos, rice bowls, and more.
If you love BBQ chicken but want a crispier version, check out these BBQ Chicken Tenders for a delicious alternative.
Why Use a Crockpot for BBQ Chicken?
A slow cooker is the best way to make BBQ chicken because it locks in moisture, prevents overcooking, and allows flavors to develop fully. Unlike stovetop or oven methods, crockpot cooking requires little effort and ensures that the chicken stays tender and juicy.
Essential Ingredients for Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken
To make the best Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken, you need a handful of simple yet flavorful ingredients. Choosing the right type of chicken, seasonings, and add-ins can enhance the taste and texture of this dish.
1. Chicken – Best Cuts to Use
The type of chicken you use affects how tender and juicy your final dish will be. Here’s a breakdown of the best options:
| Chicken Type | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts | Lean, easy to shred | Can dry out if overcooked, so monitor cooking time |
| Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs | Juicier, richer flavor | More forgiving and less likely to dry out |
| Bone-In Chicken Thighs or Drumsticks | Deep, slow-cooked flavor | Remove bones before shredding |
Both chicken breasts and thighs work well in this recipe, but thighs are recommended if you want a juicier and more flavorful result.
Looking for a sweeter BBQ chicken recipe? Try this Brown Sugar BBQ Chicken for a rich, caramelized twist.
2. Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ Sauce
The signature ingredient in this dish is Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ Sauce. The original version is a fan favorite, but you can try different flavors for variety:
- Honey BBQ – Adds extra sweetness and caramelization
- Hickory & Brown Sugar – Enhances the smoky depth of flavor
- Sweet & Spicy – Adds a bit of heat for those who love spice
You can also mix in other sauces, like hot sauce or mustard-based BBQ sauce, for a unique twist.
Want a Hawaiian-style twist? Check out Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken for a tropical BBQ-inspired variation.
3. Seasonings & Add-Ins for Extra Flavor
While Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce brings plenty of flavor, adding a few seasonings enhances the depth of the dish.
- Garlic Powder & Onion Powder – Adds savory depth
- Smoked Paprika – Enhances the smoky flavor
- Salt & Black Pepper – Balances the sweetness of the BBQ sauce
- Apple Cider Vinegar – Adds a tangy kick to cut through the sweetness
- Brown Sugar or Honey – For extra caramelization and richness
For a spicier version, you can add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or a splash of hot sauce.
4. Optional Ingredients for Texture & Variety
- Diced Onions – Adds natural sweetness and texture
- Worcestershire Sauce – Deepens the umami and smoky notes
- Pineapple Juice – Introduces a tropical sweetness that pairs well with BBQ flavors
These optional ingredients can be adjusted based on personal taste preferences.
How to Make Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken (Step-by-Step Guide)
Making Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken is incredibly easy. With just a few steps, you can have a flavorful, tender, and juicy BBQ chicken ready to serve. Follow this step-by-step guide for the best results.
1. Gather Your Ingredients
Before you begin, make sure you have:
- 2 to 3 pounds of chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 to 2 cups of Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ Sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional for tanginess)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional for a smoky depth)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey (optional for extra sweetness)
2. Prepare the Crockpot
- Lightly grease the slow cooker with nonstick spray or a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Place the chicken breasts or thighs in the bottom of the crockpot.
3. Season the Chicken
- Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper evenly over the chicken.
- Add apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar or honey if using.
4. Add the BBQ Sauce
- Pour Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce over the chicken, making sure it’s evenly coated.
- Use a spoon or tongs to toss the chicken in the sauce, ensuring all sides are covered.
5. Slow Cook the Chicken
- Cover the crockpot with the lid.
- Set the slow cooker to:
- Low for 6-7 hours (best for tender, juicy chicken)
- High for 3-4 hours (quicker, but watch for overcooking)
Avoid opening the lid during cooking, as it releases heat and extends the cooking time.
6. Shred the Chicken
- Once the chicken is fully cooked and fork-tender, remove it from the slow cooker.
- Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and mix it with the remaining BBQ sauce.
7. Let It Simmer & Thicken
- Allow the shredded chicken to simmer in the sauce for another 15-20 minutes on low.
- This helps the chicken absorb even more flavor and makes it extra juicy.
8. Serve & Enjoy
Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken is now ready to serve! Use it in:
- BBQ Chicken Sandwiches – Serve on toasted buns with coleslaw.
- BBQ Chicken Tacos – Fill soft tortillas with shredded chicken, cheese, and avocado.
- BBQ Chicken Bowls – Serve over rice with roasted vegetables.
- BBQ Chicken Pizza – Spread on pizza dough with cheese and red onions.
Looking for another easy crockpot meal? Try this Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti for a creamy, comforting dish.
What to Serve with Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken
Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken is a flavorful, tender dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. Whether you’re serving it as a sandwich, in tacos, or as a main dish, here are the best sides to complement its smoky-sweet BBQ flavor.
1. Classic BBQ Side Dishes
These traditional barbecue sides pair perfectly with slow-cooked BBQ chicken.
- Coleslaw – A crunchy, tangy contrast to the sweet BBQ sauce.
- Baked Beans – Smoky, sweet, and rich in flavor.
- Mac and Cheese – Creamy, cheesy comfort food that balances the BBQ’s bold taste.
- Cornbread – Slightly sweet and buttery, great for soaking up extra sauce.
- Potato Salad – A creamy or mustard-based salad adds a cool, refreshing bite.
2. Lighter & Healthier Options
If you’re looking for something on the lighter side, these fresh and healthy options work well.
- Grilled Vegetables – Bell peppers, zucchini, and asparagus complement the smoky chicken.
- Steamed or Roasted Broccoli – A simple, nutritious side to balance the richness.
- Cauliflower Rice – A low-carb alternative to traditional rice.
- Garden Salad – A fresh mix of greens, cucumbers, tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette.
3. Starches & Carbs for a Hearty Meal
For a more filling meal, serve BBQ chicken with these satisfying sides.
- Rice (White, Brown, or Cilantro Lime Rice) – A neutral base that soaks up BBQ sauce.
- Mashed Potatoes – Creamy and buttery, perfect for a homestyle comfort meal.
- Sweet Potato Fries – The natural sweetness pairs well with BBQ flavors.
- Hawaiian Rolls – Soft, slightly sweet rolls that are perfect for making sliders.
4. Fun Serving Ideas
Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken is extremely versatile and can be used in creative ways.
- BBQ Chicken Sliders – Serve on mini buns with pickles and slaw.
- BBQ Chicken Tacos – Add avocado, shredded cheese, and fresh cilantro.
- BBQ Chicken Pizza – Spread over pizza dough with mozzarella and red onions.
- BBQ Chicken Stuffed Baked Potatoes – Load up a baked potato with shredded chicken and cheddar cheese.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken
Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken pairs well with classic BBQ sides like coleslaw, mac and cheese, baked beans, and cornbread. For a lighter option, try serving it with grilled vegetables, a fresh salad, or cauliflower rice. You can also use it in sandwiches, tacos, sliders, or even on pizza for a creative meal.
Yes, you can cook raw chicken in barbecue sauce. The slow cooking process allows the chicken to absorb the flavors of the sauce while ensuring it reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). If the sauce thickens too much during cooking, you can add a small amount of broth or water to maintain moisture.
No, chicken does not need to be fully submerged in liquid in a slow cooker. Since chicken releases its own juices while cooking, adding too much liquid can make it watery. A generous coating of BBQ sauce is enough to keep it moist without making it soupy.
Yes, it is completely safe to put raw chicken in a slow cooker, as long as it reaches a minimum internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) before serving. The slow cooker’s low and steady heat cooks the chicken evenly and safely.
Conclusion & Final Tips
Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken is a simple, delicious, and foolproof recipe that brings bold barbecue flavors to your table with minimal effort. Whether you serve it on sandwiches, in tacos, or alongside classic BBQ sides, this dish is sure to be a hit.
Final Tips for Perfect BBQ Chicken
- Use boneless chicken thighs if you want extra juiciness, but chicken breasts work well too.
- Cook on low for 6-7 hours for the best texture. Cooking on high may dry out the chicken.
- Shred the chicken and let it sit in the sauce for at least 15 minutes before serving to enhance flavor.
- Experiment with different Sweet Baby Ray’s flavors like Honey BBQ or Hickory & Brown Sugar for variety.
- Store leftovers properly in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for longer storage.
This easy slow cooker BBQ chicken is perfect for meal prep, parties, or a quick family dinner. With so many ways to serve it, you’ll never run out of delicious meal ideas.
