Let your slow cooker do the magic with this Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken recipe. Imagine tender chicken breasts gently simmered in a sweet and smoky BBQ sauce until juicy and flavorful. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity — it takes minimal effort and delivers maximum comfort food satisfaction.

Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this BBQ chicken pairs beautifully with classic sides like mashed potatoes, corn on the cob, or even a crisp coleslaw. Plus, the leftovers are just as delightful, sliding easily into sandwiches, wraps, or rice bowls.

What Kind of Chicken Works Best in the Crockpot?

For best results, boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are ideal. Breasts tend to shred easily after slow cooking, while thighs provide a bit more richness. If you prefer a leaner texture, stick with chicken breasts. For added flavor, thighs can be a fantastic alternative. Whichever you choose, make sure they are evenly sized for uniform cooking.

Ingredients for the Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken Recipe

Chicken Breasts
The protein base of the dish. Boneless and skinless cuts make shredding easier and cooking more uniform.

Sweet Baby Ray’s Barbecue Sauce
The signature sweet and tangy BBQ flavor is what sets this recipe apart. It infuses the chicken with deep caramelized notes.

Garlic Powder
Adds aromatic depth without overpowering the BBQ essence. A pantry staple for building savory flavor.

Onion Powder
Complements the BBQ sauce with a mild sweetness and a hint of umami.

Worcestershire Sauce
Provides a touch of acidity and complexity, balancing out the sweetness of the BBQ sauce.

Brown Sugar (optional)
For those who love it extra sweet and sticky, a tablespoon of brown sugar enhances the glaze.

Salt and Pepper
Simple seasonings to round out the flavor profile and enhance all the other ingredients.

How To Make the Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into the bottom of your crockpot. If using frozen chicken, ensure it’s fully thawed for even cooking. Patting the chicken dry with a paper towel helps the seasonings stick better.

Step 2: Mix the Sauce

In a medium mixing bowl, combine Sweet Baby Ray’s barbecue sauce with garlic powder, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar (if using). Stir until smooth and well blended. Taste and adjust seasoning if desired.

Step 3: Pour and Coat

Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the chicken breasts, using a spoon or spatula to make sure all pieces are thoroughly coated. This ensures even flavor distribution during cooking.

Step 4: Slow Cook

Set your crockpot to LOW and cook for 5 to 6 hours or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and is tender enough to shred easily with a fork.

Step 5: Shred and Return

Once the chicken is fully cooked, use two forks to shred it directly in the pot. Stir the shredded chicken well into the sauce, allowing it to soak up all the flavorful juices.

Step 6: Serve Warm

Spoon the saucy chicken onto buns, rice, or a plate alongside your favorite sides. Optionally garnish with chopped parsley or green onions for a fresh finish.

Serving and Storing Your Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken

This saucy BBQ chicken is as flexible as it is flavorful. Serve it on toasted brioche buns with a side of coleslaw for a classic BBQ sandwich. It’s also excellent over baked potatoes, in tacos, or stuffed into bell peppers for a low-carb twist. The flavors deepen even more the next day, making leftovers a tasty treat.

To store, allow the chicken to cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it in portioned bags for up to 3 months. Reheat gently in the microwave or stovetop with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, but it’s best to thaw it completely before cooking to ensure even heat distribution and safe internal temperatures.

What if I don’t have Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce?

Any thick and sweet barbecue sauce can be substituted, though the iconic flavor of Sweet Baby Ray’s makes this dish special.

Can I add vegetables to the crockpot?

Absolutely. Onions, bell peppers, or even pineapple chunks can be added for extra texture and flavor.

Is this dish spicy?

Not inherently. If you want to kick up the heat, consider adding chili flakes, hot sauce, or a spicy BBQ blend.

How do I make it less sweet?

Omit the brown sugar and consider using a tangier or more vinegar-based BBQ sauce to balance the sweetness.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just make sure your crockpot can accommodate the increased volume and adjust cooking time if needed.

Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken Recipe

Author: Julia Koch
Total Time: 30 minute
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken is an effortless dinner that brings tender, juicy chicken coated in a rich BBQ glaze to your table with minimal prep. This set-it-and-forget-it meal is perfect for busy days, casual gatherings, or easy leftovers.

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 1/2 cups Sweet Baby Ray’s Barbecue Sauce

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp onion powder

1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

1 tbsp brown sugar (optional)

Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Place chicken breasts into the bottom of a crockpot.
In a bowl, mix BBQ sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar.
Pour sauce over chicken, coating evenly.
Cook on LOW for 5–6 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Shred the chicken with two forks in the pot and stir to coat in sauce.
Serve warm over buns, rice, or with favorite sides.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5–6 hours on LOW or 3–4 hours on HIGH
Category: Dinner