Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken Thighs and Legs – Easy Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken

Introduction

Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken Thighs and Legs is the ultimate slow cooker comfort meal—simple, flavorful, and completely hands-off. This recipe combines juicy dark-meat chicken with the bold, sweet, smoky flavor of Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce, creating a fall-off-the-bone dinner that practically cooks itself.

Chicken thighs and drumsticks are perfect for the crockpot because they stay moist and tender even after long cooking times. As they slowly simmer in BBQ sauce, spices, and seasonings, the chicken absorbs deep flavor while becoming incredibly soft and juicy. The result is a crowd-pleasing dish that tastes like it came straight from a backyard barbecue—with none of the grilling effort.

This recipe is ideal for busy weeknights, family dinners, potlucks, and meal prep. With minimal prep and simple pantry ingredients, you can feed a crowd with almost no stress. Serve it with classic sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or cornbread, and you’ve got a complete, satisfying meal.

If you’re looking for an easy slow cooker recipe that delivers bold flavor and guaranteed tenderness, this Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken Thighs and Legs recipe is a must-make.

Ingredients

2 pounds chicken thighs

2 pounds chicken drumsticks (legs)

1½ cups Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

½ teaspoon black pepper

Salt, to taste

1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)

Preparation
Step 1:

Pat the chicken thighs and drumsticks dry with paper towels. Season evenly with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.

Step 2:

Lightly brush or toss the chicken with olive oil to help the seasoning stick and enhance flavor.

Step 3:

Place the seasoned chicken pieces in the bottom of the crockpot, arranging them evenly.

Step 4:

In a bowl, mix Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce with brown sugar and Worcestershire sauce (if using). Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken.

Step 5:

Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. Optional: broil for 3–5 minutes after cooking for a caramelized finish.

Variations

Spicy BBQ Chicken: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce

Honey BBQ: Replace brown sugar with honey

Smoky Style: Add liquid smoke or chipotle powder

Boneless Option: Use boneless thighs and reduce cook time

Oven Finish: Transfer to baking sheet and broil for crisp skin

Cooking Note

For thicker sauce, remove chicken after cooking and simmer the sauce on the stovetop for 5–10 minutes until reduced. Pour back over chicken before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with mashed potatoes or mac and cheese

Pair with coleslaw or corn on the cob

Serve over rice for a hearty meal

Add buttered green beans or baked beans

Use leftovers for BBQ chicken sandwiches

Tips

Dark meat works best for slow cooking

Do not overcrowd the crockpot

Taste sauce before cooking and adjust sweetness

Broiling adds a grilled-style finish

Store leftovers in airtight containers

Prep Time:

10 minutes

Cooking Time:

6–7 hours (LOW)

Total Time:

6 hours 10 minutes

Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate)

Calories: 540

Protein: 38g

Sodium: 780mg

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken?
For best texture and safety, thaw chicken before slow cooking.

Do I need to add liquid?
No. The chicken releases juices while cooking.

Can I cook this on high?
Yes, but low heat gives the most tender results.

How do I make it less sweet?
Use less BBQ sauce or skip the brown sugar.

Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes. Freeze cooked chicken in sauce for up to 2 months.

Conclusion

Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken Thighs and Legs is an effortless, flavor-packed dinner that delivers juicy, tender chicken coated in rich BBQ sauce every single time. Perfect for busy days, family meals, or feeding a crowd, this recipe proves that simple ingredients and a slow cooker can create unforgettable comfort food. Once you try it, it’ll become a regular on your dinner menu.

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