Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken brings BBQ flavor indoors with zero grilling required. This family-friendly recipe uses America’s favorite barbecue sauce to create fall-apart tender chicken that satisfies crowds at potlucks, game day gatherings, or busy weeknights. Five simple ingredients and your slow cooker do all the heavy lifting while you handle life’s other demands.
Love More Crockpot Recipes? Try My Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes or this Sweet Hawaiian Crock Pot Chicken next.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Only 5 ingredients – Sweet Baby Ray’s sauce plus basic pantry items
- Fall-apart tender – Slow cooking makes chicken incredibly moist
- Crowd-pleaser – BBQ flavor everyone recognizes and loves
- Multiple serving styles – Whole pieces or shredded for sandwiches
Equipment Needed
- 4-5 quart slow cooker
- Small mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Two forks for shredding
Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken
- Total Time: 4 hours 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken brings BBQ flavor indoors with zero grilling required. This family-friendly recipe creates fall-apart tender chicken that satisfies crowds with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless chicken breasts
- 1½ cups Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce, divided
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup light brown sugar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
Instructions
1. Place room-temperature chicken breasts in slow cooker in single layer.
2. Whisk together 1 cup BBQ sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes until smooth.
3. Pour sauce over chicken to coat. Cover and cook on low 4-5 hours until chicken reaches 165°F and shreds easily.
4. Remove lid and brush remaining ½ cup BBQ sauce over chicken. Cook uncovered on high 30-45 minutes until sauce thickens.
5. Serve whole or shred with two forks. Spoon extra sauce from crockpot over top.
Notes
- Use crockpot liners for easy cleanup.
- Double recipe and freeze half for future meals.
- Add sliced onions underneath chicken for extra flavor.
- Serve on buns for BBQ chicken sandwiches.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 501
- Sugar: 49g
- Sodium: 1375mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 49g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 lbs boneless chicken breasts
- 1½ cups Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce, divided
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup light brown sugar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
Ingredient Notes
Sweet Baby Ray’s: Original flavor works best. Sweet heat or honey varieties change flavor profile but work fine.
Apple cider vinegar: Adds tangy balance to sweet sauce and tenderizes chicken during long cooking.
Brown sugar: Enhances caramelization and creates richer glaze than sauce alone provides.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep Chicken
Place room-temperature chicken breasts in slow cooker in single layer. Cold chicken works but adds cooking time.
Step 2: Mix Sauce
Whisk together 1 cup BBQ sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes until smooth.
Step 3: Cook Covered
Pour sauce over chicken to coat. Cover and cook on low 4-5 hours until chicken reaches 165°F and shreds easily.
Step 4: Add Final Sauce
Remove lid and brush remaining ½ cup BBQ sauce over chicken. Cook uncovered on high 30-45 minutes until sauce thickens.
Step 5: Serve
Serve whole or shred with two forks. Spoon extra sauce from crockpot over top.
Pro Tips & Cooking Hacks
- Use crockpot liners for easy cleanup
- Double recipe and freeze half for future meals
- Add sliced onions underneath chicken for extra flavor
Tips & Variations
Protein swaps: Boneless pork chops or chicken thighs work with same timing.
Spicy version: Double red pepper flakes or add cayenne pepper.
Serving Suggestions
Serve over mashed potatoes or [Internal link: Macaroni Salad]. Make BBQ chicken sandwiches on toasted buns with coleslaw.
Common Mistakes
- Don’t use frozen chicken – Thaw completely first for food safety
- Don’t skip uncovered cooking – Sauce won’t thicken properly
- Avoid overcooking – Chicken becomes dry past 165°F
What to Serve With Sweet Baby Ray’s Chicken
Classic BBQ sides like corn on the cob, baked beans, or potato salad complete the meal. Coleslaw adds cooling crunch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different BBQ sauce?
Yes, any bottled BBQ sauce works. Flavor profile changes but method stays same.
How do I prevent watery sauce?
Cook uncovered during final 30-45 minutes to evaporate excess liquid.
Can I make this ahead?
Yes, refrigerate up to 3 days or freeze up to 2 months in airtight containers.
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