Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken

Oh, if you’re looking for a meal that’s incredibly easy to make but will still wow your taste buds, this Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken is the one. Picture this: tender, juicy chicken slow-cooked to perfection, drenched in the sweet and smoky flavors of Sweet Baby Ray’s barbecue sauce. It’s basically a hug on a plate. You just toss everything in the crockpot, let it work its magic, and you’ll have a delicious dinner waiting for you with almost no effort. What’s not to love about that?

Whether you’re having a laid-back night at home or feeding a hungry crowd, this recipe is an absolute game-changer. It’s perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or even served on its own with your favorite sides. Trust me, you’re going to want to make this one again and again!

Why You’ll Love Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken

There are so many reasons this recipe is going to become a favorite:

Simple Ingredients:

You only need a few basic ingredients to create something truly special. No need for fancy, hard-to-find items—just grab the essentials and let the slow cooker do the heavy lifting.

Easy and Hands-Off:

This is the definition of a “set it and forget it” recipe. You’ll only need a few minutes to prep it, and after that, it’s all about the slow-cooking magic happening in the background.

Flavor Explosion:

The Sweet Baby Ray’s barbecue sauce gives the chicken a perfect balance of sweetness and smokiness. It’s sticky, flavorful, and pairs so well with the tender chicken.

Versatile:

Whether you want to serve this over rice, in sandwiches, or wrapped in tortillas, the options are endless. This recipe is as versatile as they come!

Perfect for Meal Prep:

If you’re looking to have leftovers or need something to prep ahead of time, this is a great option. The chicken keeps wonderfully in the fridge and can be used in a variety of dishes.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for this delicious slow-cooked chicken:

• Chicken Breasts or Thighs: The main event! You can use either boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, depending on your preference. Thighs will yield a juicier result.
• Sweet Baby Ray’s Barbecue Sauce: This is the star of the dish. You’ll need a bottle of your favorite Sweet Baby Ray’s barbecue sauce to make the chicken extra flavorful.
• Onion: A bit of chopped onion adds extra flavor to the chicken as it cooks.
• Garlic Powder: For a little extra kick and depth of flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: To season the chicken and bring everything together.
• Optional: A squeeze of lemon juice or a dash of red pepper flakes for a tangy or spicy twist.

(Note: Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Let’s get this chicken cooking!

Prepare the Chicken:

Start by seasoning the chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Don’t go overboard—just a light sprinkle will do!

Layer the Crockpot:

Place the seasoned chicken breasts (or thighs) at the bottom of the crockpot. Top them with chopped onions, then pour the Sweet Baby Ray’s barbecue sauce over the chicken. Make sure it’s evenly covered for that sweet, smoky goodness.

Slow Cook:

Cover and cook on low for about 6-7 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and shreds easily with a fork. If you’re in a hurry, you can cook it on high for 3-4 hours, but low and slow is always the way to go.

Shred the Chicken:

Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the crockpot and shred it with two forks. It should fall apart effortlessly. Return the shredded chicken to the sauce in the crockpot and stir everything together to coat the chicken in the sauce.

Serve and Enjoy:

Your Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken is ready to go! Serve it over rice, on buns for a sandwich, in tacos, or however you like. Don’t forget to drizzle a bit of extra barbecue sauce over the top if you’re craving more flavor!

How to Serve Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken

This juicy, flavorful chicken is incredibly versatile, and there are so many ways to serve it. Here are some of my favorites:

• On a Bun: Serve it on toasted buns for a BBQ chicken sandwich. Add a little coleslaw for a crunchy, tangy contrast.
• In Tacos: Spoon the chicken into soft tortillas and top with shredded lettuce, cheese, and a squeeze of lime.
• Over Rice: Serve it over a bed of fluffy rice for a simple and comforting meal.
• With Veggies: Pair with roasted veggies or a fresh salad to balance out the richness of the chicken.
• In a Wrap: Wrap it up in a soft tortilla with your favorite toppings for a delicious, handheld meal.

Additional Tips

Here are some tips to make sure your Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken is perfect every time:

Use Chicken Thighs for Extra Juiciness:

Chicken thighs are more forgiving than breasts, and they stay juicy even after long slow cooking. If you want a super tender, flavorful result, go for thighs.

Don’t Skip the Shredding:

Shredding the chicken helps it soak up all that amazing barbecue sauce and gives you the perfect texture. It makes the dish extra flavorful and satisfying.

Customize the Flavor:

Feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat, or a squeeze of lemon juice for extra zing. You can also add extra garlic powder or onion powder to adjust the flavor to your liking.

Make Ahead:

This recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can cook it in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat and serve it however you’d like.

Keep the Sauce on the Side:

If you’re serving this for a crowd and want to keep things neat, you can serve the extra barbecue sauce on the side for people to add as they please.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 250
Total Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 75mg
Sodium: 600mg
Total Carbohydrates: 20g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 18g
Protein: 25g

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6-7 hours (on low) or 3-4 hours (on high)
• Total Time: 6-7 hours (or 3-4 hours on high)

FAQs

Q1: Can I use frozen chicken?

A1: Absolutely! You can cook frozen chicken in the crockpot, just keep in mind it might take an extra hour or so to cook through.

Q2: Can I use a different brand of barbecue sauce?

A2: Yes! While Sweet Baby Ray’s is amazing, any BBQ sauce you love will work in this recipe. Just pick your favorite.

Q3: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

A3: Yes, this recipe is great for meal prep. You can cook the chicken and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it for longer storage.

Q4: Can I make this recipe on the stove instead of the crockpot?

A4: You can, but the slow cooker really gives the chicken time to tenderize and soak up all the flavors. On the stove, you’d need to cook the chicken for about 30 minutes, and it won’t shred the same way.

Q5: What type of chicken should I use?

A5: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best for this recipe. Thighs are juicier, but either works well.

Q6: Can I add vegetables to the crockpot with the chicken?

A6: Definitely! If you want to add some veggies, throw in potatoes, carrots, or bell peppers to cook with the chicken.

Q7: How do I store leftovers?

A7: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Q8: Can I freeze this chicken?

A8: Yes! This chicken freezes beautifully. Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Q9: How do I reheat the chicken?

A9: Reheat the chicken in the microwave, on the stovetop, or in the oven at 350°F for 15 minutes. If it’s too dry, add a bit of water or extra barbecue sauce to keep it moist.

Q10: Can I use this chicken for meal prep?

A10: Absolutely! This is a perfect meal prep recipe. Just cook the chicken and portion it into containers for the week.

Conclusion

There you have it—your new go-to recipe for a juicy, flavorful chicken dinner that requires little effort but delivers big on taste. Whether you’re feeding a family or making a batch for yourself, this Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken is sure to become a favorite. So next time you want a delicious, easy meal that practically cooks itself, you know where to turn!

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