Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken is a perfect blend of convenience and flavor. This recipe uses the famous Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce to coat tender, juicy chicken breasts or thighs that cook low and slow in your Crockpot. The result is a sweet, smoky, and savory chicken that’s ideal for a variety of meals.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

There are several reasons why Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken will win you over:

1. Convenience: This recipe is as easy as it gets! All you have to do is place the chicken in your Crockpot, pour in the BBQ sauce, and let the slow cooker do the work. No searing, no fuss—just set it and forget it.
2. Flavorful: Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce is known for its perfect balance of sweetness and smokiness, which infuses the chicken as it cooks. The result is tender chicken with a rich, flavorful sauce that’s ideal for serving over rice, in sandwiches, or as a main dish.
3. Versatile: You can serve Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken in various ways, from pulled chicken sandwiches to BBQ chicken bowls, making it a perfect option for different meals throughout the week.
4. Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the sweet and savory taste, making this an easy meal to please everyone at the dinner table.
5. Minimal Prep Time: With just a few ingredients and no complicated steps, this recipe allows you to enjoy a hearty meal without spending much time in the kitchen.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken

Use Chicken Thighs for Extra Juiciness: While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are commonly used, chicken thighs can add extra flavor and moisture. The slow cooking method helps thighs become tender and juicy, making them a fantastic option for this recipe.

Add Extra Flavor with Spices: While Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce is already packed with flavor, feel free to season your chicken with additional spices before adding the sauce. A bit of garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, or chili powder can take the flavor to the next level.

Avoid Overcooking: Crockpots are excellent for tenderizing meat, but if you leave your chicken in for too long, it can become dry. For tender, juicy chicken, aim for about 4 hours on high or 6-8 hours on low, depending on your slow cooker.

Make It Spicy: If you prefer a spicy kick, you can mix in some hot sauce, cayenne pepper, or chili flakes with the BBQ sauce. This will give the chicken a perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors.

Shred the Chicken for Easy Serving: If you want to make pulled chicken sandwiches or BBQ chicken bowls, simply shred the chicken with two forks once it’s cooked. The sauce will absorb into the chicken, creating a delicious, juicy texture.

Variations of Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken

Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken is a versatile recipe that can easily be modified to suit different tastes or dietary needs:

1. Add Vegetables: For a one-pot meal, add chopped onions, bell peppers, or even carrots to the Crockpot with the chicken. The veggies will cook down and infuse the chicken with additional flavor.
2. Make it a BBQ Chicken Salad: Once your chicken is cooked, shred it and toss it in a salad. Top with some crispy bacon, avocado, and your favorite salad greens for a light yet satisfying meal.
3. Add Pineapple for a Sweet Twist: For a tropical take on the recipe, add pineapple chunks along with the BBQ sauce. The sweet, tangy pineapple pairs beautifully with the rich flavors of the chicken and BBQ sauce.
4. Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Tacos: Shred the cooked chicken and serve it in soft or hard taco shells with your favorite toppings like coleslaw, jalapeños, or pickled onions for a fun and tasty twist.
5. BBQ Chicken Pizza: Use the shredded chicken as a topping for pizza. Spread the cooked chicken and BBQ sauce over your pizza dough and top with mozzarella cheese, red onions, and fresh cilantro for a delicious BBQ chicken pizza.

How to Serve Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken

This dish is highly versatile and can be served in various ways to suit your taste and meal plan:

• Pulled Chicken Sandwiches: Shred the chicken and serve it on a toasted bun with coleslaw or pickles for a classic BBQ sandwich.
• BBQ Chicken Bowls: Serve the chicken over a bed of rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a hearty and filling meal. You can top the bowls with corn, black beans, and avocado for a complete meal.
• With Sides: Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken pairs wonderfully with classic BBQ sides such as roasted potatoes, cornbread, coleslaw, or steamed vegetables.
• Wraps and Tacos: Shredded BBQ chicken is also great wrapped in tortillas or used as a filling for tacos. Add some tangy slaw and a squeeze of lime to balance the richness of the chicken.

How to Store Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, storing Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken is easy:

• Refrigeration: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The chicken will continue to soak up the BBQ sauce, making it even more flavorful the next day.
• Freezing: If you want to make this meal ahead of time, Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken can be frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze, place the shredded chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to eat, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken in the Crockpot? Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts or thighs in the Crockpot. Just be sure to increase the cooking time by 1-2 hours, and ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F before serving.

Can I add extra BBQ sauce? Absolutely! If you like your chicken saucy, feel free to add more Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce. You can always taste and adjust the sauce level to your liking before serving.

What is the best type of chicken to use for this recipe? Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are commonly used, but boneless, skinless thighs work well too, especially if you want a more moist and flavorful result.

Can I cook Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken on low for a longer time? Yes, cooking the chicken on low for 6-8 hours will yield tender, juicy chicken. Just make sure to check the chicken towards the end to prevent overcooking.

Can I use other BBQ sauces instead of Sweet Baby Ray’s? While Sweet Baby Ray’s is a fan favorite for its sweet and smoky flavor, you can use any BBQ sauce you prefer. Different brands will offer varying levels of sweetness, tanginess, and spice, so feel free to experiment with your favorite!

Final Thoughts

Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken is the perfect no-fuss, flavor-packed recipe for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. It’s versatile, easy to make, and always a hit. Whether you’re serving it over rice, in a sandwich, or on tacos, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. With minimal prep and a slow-cooked, tender finish, Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken is a meal that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. Enjoy!

Try other crockpot recipes:

• Crockpot Stuffing Chicken
• Crockpot Pineapple Chicken
• Crockpot Keto Chicken – Low Carb