Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot BBQ Chicken – Juicy & Easy Slow Cooker Recipe

Hi there, food lover! 👋 Ready to make a dinner that practically cooks itself while filling your home with sweet, smoky comfort?

There’s something wonderfully reassuring about a slow cooker quietly working away on the counter, especially when what’s inside promises tender, juicy barbecue chicken coated in a sauce everyone knows and loves. Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot BBQ Chicken is one of those recipes that feels like a modern classic—simple, dependable, and deeply satisfying. It’s the kind of dish that brings people back for seconds, whether it’s served at a casual family dinner, a relaxed weekend meal, or tucked into sandwiches for an easy crowd-pleaser.

This recipe leans into tradition in the best way. Barbecue chicken has long been a staple of home cooking, often associated with outdoor grills, summer gatherings, and slow, patient cooking. Using the crockpot brings that same slow-cooked tenderness indoors, making it accessible year-round. Sweet Baby Ray’s barbecue sauce, with its signature balance of sweetness and tang, does most of the flavor work for you—no complicated spice blends or marinades required.

What makes this version especially comforting is its ease. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, you can set it and forget it, trusting the slow cooker to gently transform simple chicken into something fork-tender and juicy. The sauce thickens beautifully as it cooks, clinging to every bite. It’s hearty without being heavy, familiar without being boring, and flexible enough to serve in many different ways.

So whether you’re feeding a hungry family or simply want leftovers that taste even better the next day, this slow cooker BBQ chicken is ready to become a regular in your kitchen. Let’s get cooking—slow, easy, and full of flavor. ❤️

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 2½–3 lb (1.1–1.4 kg) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional, for subtle smoky depth)

For the Barbecue Sauce:

• 1½ cups Sweet Baby Ray’s Original Barbecue Sauce
• ¼ cup water or chicken broth
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp brown sugar or honey (optional, for extra sweetness)

Optional Add-Ins & Garnish:

• ½ tsp chili flakes or cayenne (for gentle heat)
• Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Begin by lightly greasing the inside of your crockpot to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier later.
2. Season the chicken on both sides with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika if using. This step builds flavor directly into the meat.
3. Place the seasoned chicken in the bottom of the slow cooker, arranging it in an even layer as much as possible.
4. In a medium bowl, whisk together the Sweet Baby Ray’s barbecue sauce, water (or broth), apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar or honey if using. Taste and adjust sweetness or tang to your preference.
5. Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well coated. The sauce will loosen as it cooks and later thicken again.
6. Cover the crockpot with the lid and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is very tender and easily pulls apart with a fork.
7. Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board or in a large bowl.
8. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. It should come apart effortlessly and remain juicy.
9. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir it into the barbecue sauce, making sure every piece is coated.
10. Let the chicken cook on LOW for an additional 15–20 minutes, allowing the sauce to soak in and thicken slightly.
11. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Sprinkle with fresh parsley or green onions before serving, if desired. 🌿

Notes

This crockpot BBQ chicken is incredibly versatile. Serve it over rice, tucked into sandwich buns, wrapped in tortillas, or spooned onto baked potatoes. For a lighter meal, pair it with a crisp salad or roasted vegetables. If you prefer a thicker sauce, leave the lid slightly ajar during the final 20 minutes of cooking. Leftovers store beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheat without drying out, making this an excellent meal-prep recipe.

Nutritional Information

This dish provides a satisfying balance of protein and flavor without requiring added fats. Chicken breast offers lean protein, while thighs bring extra juiciness if you prefer richer meat. Using a trusted bottled barbecue sauce keeps things simple while delivering consistent taste. When paired with wholesome sides, this meal fits comfortably into a balanced, home-style diet that prioritizes ease and enjoyment.

⏰ Prep Time: 10 minutes | 🔥 Cooking Time: 6–7 hours | ⏳ Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
⚡ Calories per serving: ~390 kcal | 🍽️ Servings: 4–6

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Bon appétit and happy cooking!