Sweet Baby Rays Crockpot Chicken

Name: Sweet Baby Rays Crockpot Chicken
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 270 min
Total time: 275 min
Ingredients: 4 large boneless skinless chicken breasts, (room temperature (2 pounds)); 1 ½ cups Sweet Baby Ray’s Original barbecue sauce,; 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar; ¼ cup light brown sugar, (packed); 1 teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon onion powder; ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes

chicken topped with Sweet Baby Rays and garnished with parsley on a plate

Sweet Baby Rays BBQ Chicken is a mouthwatering dish that combines tender chicken breasts with the irresistible flavors of Sweet Baby Ray's Original barbecue sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings, this recipe delivers a delicious meal with minimal effort.

Jump to Recipe

Prep Time5

Cook Time4 30

Total Time4 35

Servings

Table of Contents

Let’s Dish: About this Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken
Sweet Baby Rays BBQ Chicken Ingredients
Sweet Baby Rays Crockpot Chicken Substitutions and Additions
How To Make Sweet Baby Rays BBQ Chicken
How To Serve Crockpot Chicken With Sweet Baby Rays
When To Serve BBQ Chicken Breast In the Slow Cooker
How To Store Leftover Barbecue Chicken in a Slow Cooker
Why This Sweet Baby Rays BBQ Chicken Is The Best
Sweet Baby Rays Crockpot Chicken Frequently Asked Questions
More Recipes You’ll Love
JUMP TO RECIPE
Even More Recipes You’ll Love

This Sweet Baby Ray’s crockpot chicken is the ultimate blend of smoky, tangy, and sweet flavors that make weeknight dinners a breeze. With just a few simple ingredients and a hands-off cooking method, this recipe delivers tender, flavorful chicken perfect for sandwiches, sliders, or serving with your favorite sides. You’ll love how the sauce thickens in the last half-hour, creating a rich coating on each piece.

Let’s Dish: About this Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken

MAIN INGREDIENTS: boneless skinless chicken breasts, Sweet Baby Ray’s Original barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, light brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes

QUICK STEPS: Add chicken breasts to crockpot; mix barbecue sauce, vinegar, sugar, and spices; pour sauce over chicken; cook on LOW for 4-5 hours; add remaining barbecue sauce; cook uncovered on HIGH for 30-45 minutes to thicken

TOTAL TIME AND YIELD: 4 hours 35 minutes; serves 4

Why This Recipe

Perfectly Balanced Sweet and Spicy Taste: Our team tested the combination of apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes to ensure just the right balance of sweetness, tang, and a mild kick. It’s a crowd-pleaser that doesn’t overpower but adds depth to every bite.

Sweet Baby Rays BBQ Chicken Ingredients

Sweet Baby Rays Crockpot Chicken raw ingredients that are labeled

Ready to whip up some Sweet Baby Ray’s Crock Pot chicken? This easy recipe combines slow cooking with the bold flavor of Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ Sauce for a meal that’s bound to be a hit in your kitchen. It’s straightforward, delicious, and perfect for any day of the week.

You’ll Need:

2 pounds (4 large) boneless skinless chicken breasts, room temperature
1 ½ cups Sweet Baby Ray’s Original barbecue sauce, divided (1 cup to make a sauce for cooking and ½ cup to brush onto cooked chicken for serving)
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
¼ cup light brown sugar, packed
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes

Sweet Baby Rays Crockpot Chicken Substitutions and Additions

If you’re looking to customize our Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot chicken recipe to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs, we’ve got you covered with some easy substitutions and additions.

Sweet Baby Ray’s Original BBQ Sauce: Feel free to experiment with different flavors of Sweet Baby Rays barbecue sauce to switch up the taste. Whether you prefer Sweet Heat, Honey, or Hickory, each variation will lend its own unique flavor to the dish.

Homemade BBQ Sauce: You can substitute in a homemade BBQ sauce if you prefer. Our sweet and spicy Fireball BBQ Sauce is a great option!

Chicken Breasts: You can easily swap boneless chicken breast out for two pounds of boneless skinless chicken thighs for a richer, more succulent flavor. Adjust the cooking times as necessary.

Apple Cider Vinegar: Substitute with white vinegar or even lemon juice for a similar acidic punch.

Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, and Red Pepper Flakes: If you’re a fan of heat, amp up the spice level by adding more red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce. You can also try other seasonings, like smoked paprika, cumin, or thyme, for a unique twist on the recipe.

How To Make Sweet Baby Rays BBQ Chicken

Let’s get started on making this easy BBQ crockpot chicken. This recipe is all about the ease of slow cooking paired with the standout taste of Sweet Baby Ray’s Original barbecue sauce, creating a dish your family will ask for again and again.

STEP ONE: Set your four pieces of boneless skinless chicken breasts in a single layer in the bottom of your slow cooker.

PRO TIP: Use thawed, room-temperature chicken. Frozen chicken will add too much moisture to the sauce and won’t cook as evenly.

boneless skinless chicken breasts added to the crockpot

STEP TWO: Using a small bowl, whisk together one cup of Sweet Baby Ray’s original BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, light brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes.

Sweet Baby Ray's original BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, light brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes combined in a bowl

STEP THREE: Pour the sauce over the chicken breasts, being sure to evenly coat all the chicken with the sauce.

sauce poured over the chicken breast in the crockpot

STEP FOUR: Place the lid onto the slow cooker. Set it to low and allow the chicken to cook for four to five hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

STEP FIVE: Remove the lid to the Crock Pot and add the remaining ½ cup Sweet Baby Ray’s barbecue sauce, spreading it over the top of the chicken.

STEP SIX: Turn up the setting to high and cook, uncovered, for 30 – 45 minutes or until the sauce has thickened.

STEP SEVEN: Once the sauce is thick, turn off the heat to the Crock Pot. Remove the chicken and place it on a serving plate. Garnish with finely chopped parsley if desired, and serve hot.

How To Serve Crockpot Chicken With Sweet Baby Rays

After preparing your mouthwatering Sweet Baby Ray’s crockpot recipe, you’re ready to dive into serving up a meal that’s sure to please. This delicious BBQ chicken breast in the crockpot is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual party with friends.

Serve it for dinner tonight: Serve the cooked chicken on a platter, generously drizzled with the thickened barbecue sauce from the crockpot. Serve alongside classic barbecue sides such as cornbread, coleslaw, and baked beans for a comforting meal.

BBQ Chicken Sandwiches: Shred the cooked chicken and pile it high onto soft burger buns topped with extra barbecue sauce, sliced red onions, and pickles. Serve with a side of crispy sweet potato fries or potato salad.

BBQ Chicken Pizza: Spread a thin layer of barbecue sauce over a pre-made pizza crust or homemade dough. Top with shredded chicken, sliced red onions, bell peppers, and mozzarella cheese.

BBQ Chicken Salad: Slice the cooked chicken and arrange it on a bed of mixed greens and your favorite salad toppings. Drizzle with ranch dressing or a tangy vinaigrette.

BBQ Chicken Tacos: Fill soft or crispy taco shells with shredded BBQ chicken, chopped lettuce, diced tomatoes, and sliced avocado. Top with a drizzle of barbecue sauce and a dollop of sour cream, and serve with rice and beans for a complete dinner.

Beverage Pairing: Serve Crockpot BBQ Chicken with Sweet Baby Rays along with a glass of strawberry lemonade or iced tea.

When To Serve BBQ Chicken Breast In the Slow Cooker

Like other recipes with Sweet Baby Rays BBQ sauce, this moist and juicy chicken is perfect for plenty of occasions.

Toss chicken in the CrockPot for a casual weekend dinner or backyard BBQ. Serve with simple sides like corn on the cob and baked potatoes. Shred your chicken on game day for easy, pulled chicken sandwiches, or take a crockpot of BBQ pulled chicken to your office potluck.

It’s a recipe that is easy to serve and even easier to love!

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How To Store Leftover Barbecue Chicken in a Slow Cooker

After enjoying a delicious meal of Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken, you’ll want to know how to store any leftovers properly to enjoy again.

MAKE AHEAD: This recipe is perfect for making ahead or meal prep, as the flavors tend to meld and intensify over time. Follow the cooking instructions as usual, then allow the chicken to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to three days or in the freezer for longer storage.

IN THE FRIDGE: Allow the cooked chicken to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to three days.

IN THE FREEZER: Freeze the cooked chicken for up to two months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. When ready to enjoy,

thaw the chicken overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

HOW TO REHEAT:

To reheat your chicken in the oven, preheat to 350°F and place the chicken in a baking dish. Cover with foil, and bake for 15-20 minutes or until heated through.
For stovetop reheating, place the chicken in a skillet over medium heat, cover, and cook for five to ten minutes.
Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave on high for one to two minutes or until warmed to your liking.

Why This Sweet Baby Rays BBQ Chicken Is The Best

When it comes to Sweet Baby Ray’s Barbecue Chicken in the Crock Pot, there’s a lot to love about this simple yet delicious dish.

Reasons We Love This Recipe:

Easy and Convenient: The convenience of using a crockpot means you can set it and forget it, so the chicken cooks while you do more impotant things. Plus, it’s so simple to make. Just pour the sauce ingredients over the chicken and your work is done!

Family-Friendly Flavor: With its sweet and tangy barbecue sauce, Sweet Baby Ray’s chicken is always a satisfying and delicious choice. Plus, you can serve it in so many different ways.

Budget-Friendly Ingredients: This recipe is also budget-friendly and requires just a couple of pantry staples. Plus, you can easily scale the recipe up or down depending on the size of your family or any guests you’re serving.

Perfect for Meal Prep: Cook up a big batch of barbecue Crock PotcChicken on the weekend and enjoy it throughout the week in sandwiches, salads, tacos, or pasta dishes.

Sweet Baby Rays Crockpot Chicken Frequently Asked Questions

Can I double or halve this recipe?

Yes, you can easily adjust the quantities of ingredients to double or halve the recipe to suit your needs. Just be sure to use an appropriately sized crockpot for the amount of chicken you’re cooking.

Can I use a different type of meat, such as pork or beef, instead of chicken?

While this recipe is specifically designed for chicken, you can certainly experiment with different types of meat. Just be mindful of adjusting the cooking times and ensuring that the meat is cooked through.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

To add more heat to the dish, simply increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the barbecue sauce mixture.

Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot instead of a Crockpot?

Yes, you can adapt this recipe for an Instant Pot by adjusting the cooking times and settings. However, the texture and flavor may vary slightly.

Can I use a different brand of barbecue sauce?

Absolutely! While Sweet Baby Ray’s Original barbecue sauce is recommended for its delicious flavor, you can use any brand or flavor of barbecue sauce that you prefer.

Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ Chicken is a surefire hit for any meal. It’s easy to make with just a few ingredients and minimal prep. Whether you’re looking to spice up dinner or need a tasty dish for your next gathering, this chicken will not disappoint.

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Sweet Baby Rays Crockpot Chicken

5 from 2 votes

Sweet Baby Rays BBQ Chicken is a mouthwatering dish that combines tender chicken breasts with the irresistible flavors of Sweet Baby Ray’s Original barbecue sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings, this recipe delivers a delicious meal with minimal effort.

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 4 30

Total Time 4 35

Servings

Print Recipe Pin Recipe Review Recipe

Ingredients

4 large boneless skinless chicken breasts, room temperature (2 pounds)
1 ½ cups Sweet Baby Ray’s Original barbecue sauce, 18 ounce bottle, divided (1 cup to make sauce for cooking and ½ cup to brush onto cooked chicken for serving)
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
¼ cup light brown sugar, packed
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes

Instructions

To a 4-5 quart crockpot slow cooker, add the boneless skinless chicken breasts in a single layer.
In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup of the Sweet Baby Ray’s original barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, light brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes.
Pour sauce mixture over the chicken breasts inside the slow cooker. Be sure to evenly coat all the chicken with the sauce.
Place the lid onto the slow cooker and set to LOW. Cook for 4-5 hours or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165* F.) and is tender.
Remove the lid to the crockpot slow cooker and add the remaining ½ cup Sweet Baby Ray’s barbecue sauce to the chicken. Spread over the top of the chicken.
With the lid removed, turn up the setting to HIGH and cook, uncovered, for 30 – 45 minutes or until the sauce has thickened.
Once the sauce has thickened, turn off the heat to the crockpot slow cooker, remove the chicken from the Crockpot and place it onto a serving plate. Garnish with finely chopped parsley if desired, and serve.

Notes

Use thawed, room-temperature chicken. Frozen chicken will add too much moisture to the sauce and won’t cook as evenly.

Nutrition

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Proudly Prepared by the Spaceships Kitchen

This recipe was developed, tested, cooked and photographed by the Spaceships Kitchen. From our dinner table to yours, we hope you think it's out of this world!

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Layne Kangas Marketing
Lenore Ortyl Editorial Director
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Amy Tandiko Graphic Designer
Sian Cox Photographer

Sweet Baby Rays Crockpot Chicken