You guys, I have to tell you about this Sweet Baby Rays Crockpot Chicken. Seriously, it’s a total game-changer in my kitchen. On those nights when I’m just completely wiped out, or when I’ve got a million things going on, this recipe is my absolute savior. It’s SO easy, and the flavor is just incredible. My family devours it every single time, and honestly, I love it too because it’s practically hands-off. You just toss everything into the slow cooker, and by dinner time, you’ve got this ridiculously tender, flavorful chicken that smells amazing. It’s become our weeknight staple, and I know it’ll be yours too!
Why You’ll Love This Sweet Baby Rays Crockpot Chicken
Seriously, if you need a dinner that’s ridiculously easy and tastes amazing, this is it! You’re going to love how simple it is to throw together:
- It’s SO easy – practically no work required!
- The flavor is out-of-this-world delicious.
- It’s super versatile, so you can serve it so many ways.
- Minimal prep means more time for you!
Unbeatable Flavor Combination
Okay, so the magic really happens with the sauce. Sweet Baby Ray’s is already amazing, but adding that packet of ranch seasoning? Wowza! And the butter just makes everything melt-in-your-mouth tender. It’s a flavor bomb!
Effortless Preparation for Busy Days
Honestly, the best part is just tossing everything into the slow cooker. No sautéing, no fancy steps. Just dump it in, set it, and forget it until dinner time. It’s a lifesaver for busy weeknights or when you just don’t want to fuss.
Gathering Your Sweet Baby Rays Crockpot Chicken Ingredients
Okay, so getting this amazing Sweet Baby Rays Crockpot Chicken ready is super simple. You really only need a few things, and you probably already have most of them in your pantry! It’s one of the reasons I love this recipe so much – no crazy trips to the store needed.
Chicken Selection
First up, you’ll need about 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They cook up so tender in the slow cooker! If you happen to have chicken thighs lying around, those work great too, they just get even more fall-apart tender.
The BBQ Sauce
Now for the star of the show: the sauce! Grab a whole bottle, that’s 18 ounces, of Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ Sauce. Trust me on this, you want the whole bottle in there. It’s the perfect amount to coat all the chicken and make it super flavorful.
Seasoning and Fat
Next, you’ll need one packet of ranch seasoning mix. You know, the kind you’d normally use for dip? It adds this amazing tang that just cuts through the sweetness of the BBQ sauce. And don’t forget half a cup of butter! Just pop those pats right on top of everything before you close the lid.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Sweet Baby Rays Crockpot Chicken
Alright, let’s get this amazing Sweet Baby Rays Crockpot Chicken going! It’s seriously so simple, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making it forever. We’re talking minimal effort for maximum deliciousness.
Preparing the Crockpot
First things first, grab your slow cooker. You’re going to lay those 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts right into the bottom. Just arrange them in a single layer as best you can. No need to grease the crockpot or anything fancy!
Adding the Flavor Base
Now for the really fun part! Open up that whole bottle of Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce and pour it all over the chicken. Then, take your packet of ranch seasoning mix and sprinkle it evenly over the top. Give it a little shake to make sure it’s distributed.
The Butter Element
Next, grab your half cup of butter. I usually just cut it into a few big chunks or slices and lay them right on top of the chicken and sauce. The butter melts down and makes everything extra rich and delicious.
Slow Cooking Your Sweet Baby Rays Crockpot Chicken
Pop the lid on your slow cooker. You’ve got two options here: cook it on LOW for about 6 to 8 hours, or if you’re in a bit of a hurry, you can cook it on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours. Just make sure the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Shredding for Serving
Once it’s done, carefully take the chicken breasts out onto a cutting board – or you can even do this right in the crockpot if you’re feeling brave! Use two forks to shred the chicken. It should be super tender and fall apart easily. You want nice, shredded pieces coated in all that yummy sauce.
Serving Your Delicious Sweet Baby Rays Crockpot Chicken
Okay, so now you’ve got this amazing, tender Sweet Baby Rays Crockpot Chicken, and you’re probably wondering what to do with it! Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. This chicken is so versatile, it’s almost ridiculous. It’s perfect for pretty much any meal.
Sandwich Creations
My absolute favorite way to serve it is piled high on soft hamburger buns. Seriously, it makes the most incredible BBQ chicken sandwiches. Just spoon a generous amount of that shredded chicken right onto the bun, maybe add a little extra sauce if you’re feeling it, and you’ve got a meal fit for a king!
Over Rice or Grains
If sandwiches aren’t your thing, no problem! This shredded chicken is also fantastic served over a bed of fluffy white rice, brown rice, or even quinoa. It’s a heartier meal this way, and the sauce just seeps into the grains, making every bite incredible.
Perfect Side Pairings
And of course, you can’t forget the sides! This chicken is just begging for some classic BBQ accompaniments. Creamy coleslaw is a must, or maybe some potato salad. Baked beans or mac and cheese would also be totally delicious. Whatever you choose, it’s going to be a hit!
Tips for Perfect Sweet Baby Rays Crockpot Chicken Every Time
You want your Sweet Baby Rays Crockpot Chicken to be absolutely perfect, right? It’s already super easy, but here are a few little tricks I’ve picked up to make sure it turns out amazing every single time. These little things make a big difference!
Don’t Overcook
Even though it’s in the slow cooker, you don’t want to let the chicken cook *too* long, or it can get a little dry. Just check it after the minimum cooking time, and if it shreds easily, it’s ready!
Adjusting the Sauce
Taste your chicken before you shred it! If you’re like me and love a really intense BBQ flavor, feel free to add a splash more Sweet Baby Ray’s. You can also thin it out with a little water or chicken broth if it seems too thick.
Shredding Technique
My favorite way to shred is right in the crockpot. I usually let the chicken rest for just a few minutes after taking it out of the cooker before I start shredding with two forks. It seems to make it even more tender and easier to pull apart.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sweet Baby Rays Crockpot Chicken
Got questions about this super easy Sweet Baby Rays Crockpot Chicken? I’ve got answers! This recipe is so forgiving, but sometimes you just want to know the little details, right?
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this Sweet Baby Rays Crockpot Chicken?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are actually fantastic in this recipe. They tend to stay even more moist and tender than breasts, so you might want to check them a little sooner, but they’ll be delicious!
How do I make this Sweet Baby Rays Crockpot Chicken spicier?
If you like a little kick, you’ve got options! You can add a pinch of cayenne pepper right in with the ranch seasoning, or stir in a tablespoon or two of your favorite hot sauce along with the BBQ sauce. Easy peasy!
What other BBQ sauces can I use if I don’t have Sweet Baby Ray’s?
While Sweet Baby Ray’s is my go-to for this recipe because of its perfect balance, you can definitely use your favorite BBQ sauce. Just make sure it’s one you really like the flavor of, since it’s the main star! For more information on choosing the right BBQ sauce, you can check out this guide to BBQ sauces.
How long can I store leftover Sweet Baby Rays Crockpot Chicken?
This shredded chicken keeps really well in the fridge! Store it in an airtight container for about 3 to 4 days. To reheat, you can pop it in the microwave, or even warm it up gently on the stovetop or back in the slow cooker on low for a bit.
Nutritional Estimate for Sweet Baby Rays Crockpot Chicken
Just so you know, these are estimates, but they give you a good idea of what you’re getting with a serving of this amazing Sweet Baby Rays Crockpot Chicken. A serving (about 1/6th of the recipe) has roughly:
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 25g
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 35g

Amazing Sweet Baby Rays Crockpot Chicken
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes - 8 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A simple and delicious recipe for Crockpot Chicken using Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 bottle (18 oz) Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ Sauce
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
- 1/2 cup butter
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts in the crockpot.
- Pour BBQ sauce and ranch seasoning mix over the chicken.
- Add butter on top.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Shred chicken with two forks directly in the crockpot.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Serve with buns for sandwiches or over rice.
- Can be served with a side of coleslaw or potato salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3-8 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6th of recipe
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: Crockpot chicken, BBQ chicken, pulled chicken, easy chicken recipe, Sweet Baby Ray's