Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken Recipe

This Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken is an easy, flavorful, and hands-off recipe that delivers tender, juicy chicken smothered in the delicious, tangy Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping for the week ahead. Whether served on a bun, over rice, or alongside your favorite sides, this slow-cooked chicken will become a family favorite with its rich flavor and minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a lifesaver for busy days. The chicken cooks low and slow in the crockpot, allowing the flavors to meld together, resulting in tender and juicy chicken that falls apart easily. Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce adds the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, creating a deliciously savory dish that pairs perfectly with a variety of sides. Whether you serve it as a sandwich, over rice, or on a salad, this is a meal everyone will love with minimal prep.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• 1 1/2 cups Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce (or more if desired)
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional, for extra flavor)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for searing the chicken before slow cooking)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken:

• Sear the chicken (optional): For extra flavor, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown. This step is optional but adds a nice depth of flavor. If you don’t have time, you can skip this step and go straight to the slow cooking process.

2. Slow Cook the Chicken:

• Add the chicken to the crockpot: Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot.
• Add the BBQ sauce: Pour the Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce over the chicken. If using Worcestershire sauce, add it now as well. Make sure the chicken is coated with the sauce.

3. Cook the Chicken:

• Slow cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and easily shreds with a fork.

4. Shred the Chicken:

• Shred the chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the crockpot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir it into the remaining sauce to coat evenly.

5. Serve:

• Serve and enjoy: Serve the shredded BBQ chicken on buns as a sandwich, over rice, in tacos, or on a salad. You can top it with extra BBQ sauce, coleslaw, or pickles for added flavor.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 5-10 minutes
• Cook Time: 3-7 hours (depending on cooking method)
• Total Time: 3-7 hours

Variations

• Spicy BBQ Chicken: If you like a bit of heat, add a couple of teaspoons of hot sauce or a finely chopped jalapeño to the BBQ sauce.
• Honey BBQ Chicken: Mix a little honey into the BBQ sauce for a sweeter variation of the dish.
• BBQ Chicken Sandwiches: Serve the shredded chicken on soft buns with coleslaw and pickles for a classic BBQ chicken sandwich.
• BBQ Chicken Tacos: Serve the shredded BBQ chicken in soft tortillas with your favorite taco toppings like avocado, cilantro, and lime.
• Add vegetables: Toss in some diced onions, bell peppers, or even sweet potatoes to the crockpot for added flavor and texture.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: You can also freeze the cooked chicken for up to 3 months. Just place the shredded chicken in a freezer-safe container or bag and thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: To reheat, simply heat the chicken in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat. Add a little extra BBQ sauce or water to keep the chicken moist while reheating.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just be sure to cook the chicken on low for a longer time (about 8 hours), as it will take longer to cook from frozen. Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use chicken thighs for a richer, juicier result. They are perfect for slow cooking and will become wonderfully tender.

Can I make this recipe in the Instant Pot?

Yes, you can make this recipe in the Instant Pot. Cook the chicken for 10-12 minutes on high pressure, then shred it and mix it with the BBQ sauce.

Can I add other seasonings to the BBQ sauce?

Absolutely! Feel free to add extra seasonings like smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, or even a splash of apple cider vinegar to give the sauce a personal touch.

What can I serve with this BBQ chicken?

Serve the chicken with classic sides like coleslaw, cornbread, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad. You can also pair it with French fries or sweet potato fries for a more indulgent meal.

Conclusion

This Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken is a simple, flavorful, and versatile dish that’s perfect for any meal. The tender, juicy chicken soaked in rich, tangy BBQ sauce makes for a crowd-pleasing dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Whether you’re making sandwiches, tacos, or serving it over rice, this recipe delivers great flavor with minimal effort, making it ideal for busy nights or meal prepping. Enjoy the savory goodness with just a few ingredients and a hands-off cooking method!

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