Oh, do I have a treat for you! Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken is the kind of dish that makes you want to throw your feet up, relax, and savor every single bite. Imagine tender, juicy chicken that’s been slow-cooked all day in a rich, smoky BBQ sauce that’s perfectly balanced—sweet, tangy, and just a little bit zesty. It’s one of those meals that practically cooks itself, so all you have to do is sit back and wait for the magic to happen. Trust me, you’re going to fall in love with this one. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself to something delicious, this dish will steal the show.
Why You’ll Love Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken
This recipe isn’t just about convenience—it’s about creating those comforting, flavorful moments that make everything feel just a little bit easier. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or need something hands-off for a weekend get-together, Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken fits the bill perfectly. Here’s why it’s going to become your new go-to recipe:
Versatile
This recipe is a total crowd-pleaser! You can serve it on a bun for a killer BBQ chicken sandwich, pile it on top of a bed of rice, or even pair it with mashed potatoes for a satisfying, soul-warming meal. There are endless ways to enjoy this chicken, and it always hits the mark.
Budget-Friendly
No fancy ingredients here—just simple, easy-to-find staples. You probably have most of what you need already, making it an affordable, go-to recipe for when you need something hearty without breaking the bank.
Quick and Easy
The slow cooker does all the work! Just toss everything in and let it cook low and slow. The result? Tender, flavorful chicken without any fuss. It’s perfect for beginners or anyone who doesn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
Customizable
Want to spice things up? Throw in a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of smoked paprika. Prefer it sweeter? Add a drizzle of honey or brown sugar. This dish can be easily tailored to fit your personal taste!
Crowd-Pleasing
Everyone loves a good BBQ chicken, and this one’s no exception. From kids to adults, it’s the kind of meal that gets people coming back for seconds (and thirds). The tender chicken and irresistible sauce make it a surefire hit.
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Ingredients in Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken
Here’s what you’ll need for this easy and delicious dish:
Chicken Breasts
The tender, juicy foundation of this dish. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts cook up perfectly in the slow cooker and soak up all that amazing BBQ flavor.
Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ Sauce
This sauce is the star of the show. It’s sweet, tangy, and just the right amount of smokiness—perfect for chicken.
Onion
A little onion adds depth and a savory base to the sauce. As it cooks, it releases all its natural sweetness, making the dish even more delicious.
Garlic
Garlic is a flavor powerhouse that enhances the BBQ sauce and gives the chicken a savory, aromatic kick.
Chicken Broth
To keep everything moist and tender, chicken broth is key. It helps the chicken cook slowly and evenly in the crockpot, giving you juicy, fall-apart goodness.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavor-packed dish:
Prep Your Slow Cooker
Start by spraying the inside of your slow cooker with a little cooking spray or using a liner for easy cleanup. No one wants to spend time scrubbing later!
Add Your Chicken
Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Don’t worry about anything being too perfect here—it’s all about letting the chicken soak in the flavor!
Add the Flavor
Pour the Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce over the chicken. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, then pour in the chicken broth. That’s it! You’re almost done!
Cook Low and Slow
Set your slow cooker to low and let it work its magic for 6 to 7 hours. You want that chicken to be perfectly tender, so it should easily shred with a fork when it’s done.
Shred the Chicken
Once the chicken is cooked, shred it with two forks right in the slow cooker. Stir it into the sauce to soak up all that incredible flavor.
Serve and Enjoy
Now it’s time to dig in! Serve your BBQ chicken on a bun for sandwiches, over rice, or with your favorite sides. The possibilities are endless!
How to Serve Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken
This dish is so versatile that it pairs well with just about anything. Here are a few serving ideas:
Fresh Salads
Pair it with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast to the rich, smoky chicken.
Crusty Bread
Serve with some warm, crusty bread (or garlic bread!) to soak up any extra sauce. You won’t want to leave any behind.
Creamy Accompaniments
Add a dollop of sour cream, coleslaw, or even mashed potatoes to balance out the BBQ flavors.
Vegetable Sides
Roasted veggies like carrots, sweet potatoes, or green beans are a perfect match with the chicken’s bold flavors.
As a Standalone
Sometimes, all you need is the chicken itself—serve it as is for a simple yet satisfying meal.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to get the most out of this recipe:
Prep Ahead
You can prep all your ingredients the night before and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. That way, you just toss everything in the slow cooker and walk away.
Spice It Up
If you like a little heat, feel free to throw in some cayenne pepper, chili powder, or even hot sauce for an extra kick.
Dietary Adjustments
For a lower-sodium version, use low-sodium chicken broth or make your own BBQ sauce. You can also opt for chicken thighs instead of breasts for a richer flavor.
Storage Tips
Leftovers? Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to develop, making it even more delicious the next day.
Double the Batch
This recipe freezes beautifully. Make a double batch and freeze half for a rainy day. It’s perfect for meal prep!
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I substitute chicken thighs for breasts?
A1: Absolutely! Chicken thighs will give you a richer, juicier result. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time if needed.
Q2: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A2: Yes, this is an awesome make-ahead meal! You can prep it the night before and refrigerate it. Simply cook it the next day.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat in the slow cooker or stovetop.
Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Definitely! This chicken freezes wonderfully. Just place it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy it.
Q5: Can I double the recipe?
A5: Yes, if you have a large enough slow cooker, doubling the recipe is no problem. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as it may vary slightly.
Q6: Is this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet?
A6: Yes! Just ensure the BBQ sauce you use is gluten-free. Many brands offer gluten-free versions.
Q7: What sides go well with this recipe?
A7: Mashed potatoes, rice, cornbread, or even a simple green salad are all great choices.
Q8: How can I make this dish healthier?
A8: Use a sugar-free or low-sodium BBQ sauce, or swap chicken breasts for leaner cuts. You can also add extra veggies to the dish for more nutrients.
Q9: What’s the best slow cooker to use?
A9: A 6-7 quart slow cooker is perfect for this recipe, but any size should work as long as your ingredients fit comfortably.
Conclusion
There you have it—Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken that’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. It’s easy, delicious, and so versatile that you can serve it up in a million different ways. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, hosting a party, or just craving something comforting and flavorful, this recipe has you covered. Go ahead, let the slow cooker work its magic, and enjoy every last bite of this smoky, tender chicken. You’ll be so glad you did!
PrintSweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken
This Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken is the ultimate easy dinner! Tender, juicy chicken smothered in the sweet and smoky flavor of Sweet Baby Ray’s barbecue sauce. Perfect for a busy weeknight or a weekend BBQ
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-6 hours (on low heat)
- Total Time: 4-6 hours
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course, Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 4–6 boneless skinless chicken breasts (or other chicken parts like bone-in or chicken legs)
- 1 (18 oz.) bottle of Sweet Baby Ray’s Original Barbecue Sauce (or any flavor you prefer, including sugar-free)
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, mix together the Sweet Baby Ray’s barbecue sauce, white vinegar, red pepper flakes, brown sugar, and garlic powder. Stir until well combined.
- Add Chicken to Crockpot: Place the chicken (breasts, legs, or other cuts) into the crockpot.
- Pour the Sauce: Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken, ensuring it’s evenly coated. (TIP: Save a little sauce for glazing the chicken right before serving.)
- Cook: Cover and cook on low heat for 4-6 hours. Chicken legs may cook a bit faster, so check after 4 hours. The chicken is ready when it is tender and easily pulls apart with a fork.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the crockpot and glaze with the reserved sauce. Serve hot and enjoy your sweet, smoky chicken!
Notes
- If you prefer a spicier kick, you can add extra red pepper flakes.
- For even more flavor, marinate the chicken in the sauce mixture overnight before cooking.
- If you’re using bone-in chicken, it may take slightly longer to cook.
- Serve this with a side of coleslaw or roasted vegetables for a complete meal!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece of chicken
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg