Get ready to fall in love with dinner all over again, because this Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken Recipe is comfort food made ridiculously easy. Juicy chicken breasts luxuriate all day in a velvety barbecue sauce that soaks up brown sugar sweetness and a tangy kick—then basically shreds itself at the finish line. Whether you pile it onto soft rolls, spoon it over fluffy rice, or sneak forkfuls straight from the crockpot (no judgement!), this recipe delivers big crowd-pleasing flavor with a hands-free, weeknight escape. Once you try Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken Recipe, it absolutely will earn a permanent spot in your family dinner rotation.

Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This stovetop-free masterpiece relies on just a handful of bold pantry staples and tender chicken. Each ingredient plays a starring role, from bringing the perfect smoky sweetness to ensuring your chicken is soft enough to melt in your mouth.

Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Lean, tender, and ideal for soaking up all that gorgeous sauce.
Sweet Baby Ray’s Barbecue Sauce: The star of the show, providing that irresistibly rich, sweet, and tangy barbecue flavor.
Brown Sugar: Gives a caramel undertone and deepens the signature sweet notes of the sauce.
Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a savory, umami punch that rounds out the sweetness with a bit of depth.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Brings the essential tanginess, balancing sweetness and cutting through richness.
Garlic Powder: Subtle pungency for a punch of savory flavor in every bite.
Onion Powder: Layers in earthy, mellow sweetness that melds perfectly with garlic.
Salt and Pepper: Finishes the flavor profile and lets you adjust everything to your liking.

How to Make Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Layer the Chicken

Start by arranging your boneless skinless chicken breasts at the base of a 6-quart slow cooker. Make sure they fit in a single layer so every piece gets plenty of that saucy goodness. Give them a light sprinkle of salt and pepper—just enough to season both sides and wake up the flavor.

Step 2: Whisk Up the Sauce

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the Sweet Baby Ray’s barbecue sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, and onion powder. Whisk until it’s smooth and glistening, with all the sugar dissolved—think of this step as crafting the magic potion your chicken will savor for hours!

Step 3: Pour and Coat

Pour the barbecue sauce mixture right over the chicken in your slow cooker, making sure to cover every single piece. Use a spoon or spatula to nudge the chicken around if needed so each breast is completely smothered—this maximizes juiciness and guarantees every shred is flavorful.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Tender Perfection

Cover your slow cooker and set it to low for 5–6 hours, or high for 3–4 hours. This low and slow magic lets the chicken fall-apart tender and full of that savory-sweet sauce. Avoid peeking (tempting, I know!) as that lets out precious heat and slows things down.

Step 5: Shred and Toss

Once the chicken easily comes apart with a fork, you’re ready for that satisfying shred. Use two forks to tease the chicken into bite-sized shreds directly in the slow cooker—then stir everything well so the meat gets thoroughly coated in that luscious sauce. At this stage, it will smell so good your family might come running!

How to Serve Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley, slivers of green onion, or a handful of crispy fried onions for a burst of color and flavor. If you like a little kick, extra red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce over the top adds some spark. A scoop of creamy coleslaw right on top is classic and adds a cool, crunchy counterpoint.

Side Dishes

This chicken shines with all kinds of comfort sides—think creamy macaroni and cheese, buttery corn on the cob, tangy pickles, or a big scoop of baked beans. For something lighter, serve it over simple steamed rice, quinoa, or alongside a crisp green salad for a wholesome twist.

Creative Ways to Present

Make Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken Recipe the star of a DIY sandwich bar with toasted sliders, brioche buns, or even baked potatoes for loading up. Roll it into tortillas for quick BBQ chicken tacos, stuff it into quesadillas, or toss it in a skillet with veggies and spoon over nachos. There’s really no wrong way to serve up all that saucy goodness!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let leftovers cool and transfer them to an airtight container. In the refrigerator, Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken Recipe will keep for up to 4 days without losing any of its flavor or juicy texture—making it perfect for meal prep.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully! Just portion the cooled shredded chicken into resealable freezer bags or containers, removing as much air as you can. It’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, simply pop the chicken in the microwave on medium power, stirring occasionally, or warm it gently on the stovetop in a saucepan over low heat. If the sauce thickened up in the fridge, add a splash of water or barbecue sauce to loosen things up and keep everything moist.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs get just as tender and absorb the flavors beautifully. They’ll offer a slightly richer texture, so use whichever you prefer or happen to have on hand.

Is this recipe spicy?

The classic Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken Recipe is all about sweet, tangy, and savory flavors, but not heat. If you want to kick it up a notch, feel free to sprinkle in red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.

Can I double this to feed a crowd?

Definitely! Just make sure your slow cooker is large enough to handle the extra chicken. You might want to give everything a little extra time, ensuring all the chicken is cooked through and perfectly tender.

What’s the best way to shred the chicken?

You can go old-school with two forks right in the crockpot, or if you’re prepping a large batch, use a hand mixer on low speed for speedy shredding. Either way, get it nice and saucy by stirring it back into the remaining barbecue mixture.

Is Sweet Baby Ray’s barbecue sauce gluten-free?

Most varieties of Sweet Baby Ray’s barbecue sauce are gluten-free, but it’s always best to check the label or their website, especially if you need your Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken Recipe to be completely gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

Dinner doesn’t get simpler—or more delicious—than this Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken Recipe. It’s the kind of effortless, craveable meal you’ll reach for again and again, whether you’re feeding family, guests, or just your own BBQ cravings. Give it a try and let it become your new weeknight favorite!

Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 4 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 6 hours 5 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken recipe is a delicious and easy way to enjoy tender, flavorful chicken with a sweet and tangy BBQ sauce. Perfect for busy days when you want a satisfying meal without much effort!

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 1/2 cups Sweet Baby Ray’s barbecue sauce
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Place the chicken breasts: In the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker, season lightly with salt and pepper.
Prepare the sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth.
Cook: Pour the sauce over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated. Cook on low for 5–6 hours or on high for 3–4 hours until tender.
Shred and serve: Shred the chicken in the slow cooker, mixing well with the sauce. Serve on buns, over rice, or with coleslaw.