Name: Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional); Salt and black pepper, to taste; 1 bottle (18 oz) Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce; 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (optional); 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional)

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This Sweet Baby Ray’s crockpot chicken is a flavorful, no-fuss dinner that I throw together with just a few pantry staples. It’s made with tender chicken breasts slow-cooked in Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce, giving it that perfect blend of sweet, smoky, and tangy flavor. It’s juicy, shredded easily, and goes great over rice, in sandwiches, or with a side of coleslaw.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s one of the easiest dinners I make—and everyone always wants seconds. The slow cooker does all the work, and the result is fall-apart tender chicken coated in a rich, bold BBQ sauce. It’s perfect for meal prep, feeding a crowd, or just making weeknights stress-free. I can serve it in different ways depending on what I’m craving. Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 bottle (about 18 oz) Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (optional, for added tang)
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)

Directions

I start by placing the chicken breasts in the bottom of my slow cooker.
I season them with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
I pour the BBQ sauce over the chicken, making sure it’s well-coated. If I want extra depth, I stir in a bit of apple cider vinegar and brown sugar into the sauce first.
I cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is very tender.
I shred the chicken with two forks right in the crockpot and stir it into the sauce. I let it sit for another 10–15 minutes to soak up the flavor before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 6 servings. It takes 5 minutes to prep and cooks for 6–7 hours on low or 3–4 hours on high in the slow cooker.

Variations

Sometimes I use chicken thighs for extra richness, or I mix in a bit of hot sauce or cayenne for a spicy version. I’ve also added a splash of Worcestershire sauce or Dijon mustard to deepen the flavor. When I want to serve it sandwich-style, I top the shredded chicken with coleslaw for added crunch.

storage/reheating

I store leftover BBQ chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It reheats beautifully in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or extra sauce to keep it moist. It also freezes well for up to 3 months—perfect for future meals.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken in the slow cooker?

I prefer thawing the chicken first for even cooking, but if I use frozen, I make sure to cook it on high and check the temperature carefully.

What’s the best way to shred the chicken?

I usually use two forks, but sometimes I toss it in a stand mixer with a paddle attachment for faster shredding.

Can I use a different BBQ sauce?

Yes, but I always come back to Sweet Baby Ray’s because of its thick, rich flavor that really holds up in the slow cooker.

How can I use this shredded BBQ chicken?

I serve it on buns, over baked potatoes, in wraps, tacos, quesadillas, or even with mac and cheese. It’s incredibly versatile.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, I make it a day in advance and reheat it when I’m ready to serve. The flavor deepens after sitting overnight.

Conclusion

Sweet Baby Ray’s crockpot chicken is my go-to when I need something simple, satisfying, and crowd-pleasing. It’s flavorful, juicy, and incredibly easy to make—whether I’m meal prepping for the week or hosting friends for a casual dinner. This one’s always a hit.