Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken

If you’re craving a super easy, super flavorful meal, Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken is exactly what you need. Tender, juicy chicken slow-cooked with the rich, tangy flavors of Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce—this dish is simple, satisfying, and practically effortless. Perfect for busy days when you want something delicious with minimal effort. This recipe is a total game-changer!

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

This dish is ideal for anyone who loves a savory, melt-in-your-mouth chicken that’s packed with flavor. Here’s why you’ll love it:

• Minimal Prep: Toss everything in the crockpot, and let it cook while you do other things. No babysitting required!
• Flavorful: Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce adds the perfect balance of sweetness and smokiness to the chicken.
• Versatile: This chicken is great on its own, or you can use it for sandwiches, wraps, tacos, or salads. The possibilities are endless!
• Family-Friendly: The flavor is a crowd-pleaser, making it a hit with both kids and adults alike.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: It’s easy to make a big batch, and leftovers are perfect for later in the week.

Ingredients

Just a handful of ingredients come together to create this delicious dish:

Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the best choice for this recipe. They cook up tender and soak up all the flavor from the BBQ sauce.
Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ Sauce: The star of the show! Sweet, tangy, and smoky, this sauce is what gives the chicken its irresistible flavor.
Garlic Powder: Adds a savory depth of flavor to the dish.
Onion Powder: A little sweetness and complexity to balance the BBQ sauce.
Salt & Pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance the flavors and make the chicken taste even better.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Here’s how to make this delicious, easy chicken:

Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts into the bottom of your crockpot. You don’t need to sear the chicken beforehand—just put them in as-is.

Season the Chicken: Sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper over the chicken breasts. Make sure they are evenly coated.

Add the BBQ Sauce: Pour the Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce over the chicken. Ensure the chicken is well-covered with the sauce, and if needed, spread it out a little to coat evenly.

Cook on Low: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-7 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken will be tender and easily shred with a fork once it’s done.

Shred the Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the crockpot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir it into the sauce. Let it cook for an additional 10-15 minutes to absorb even more flavor.

Serve and Enjoy: Serve the shredded chicken on sandwiches, over rice, in tacos, or however you like. It’s delicious and versatile!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 280
Sugar: 22g
Sodium: 880mg
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 27g
Cholesterol: 80mg

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 6-7 hours on low (or 3-4 hours on high)
Total Time: 6-7 hours (depending on cooking setting)

How to Serve Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken

This chicken is so versatile, you can serve it in so many ways:

• On a Bun: Make a BBQ chicken sandwich! Top it with some coleslaw for extra crunch.
• On Tacos: Fill soft tortillas with shredded chicken, and top with your favorite taco fixings like lettuce, cheese, and avocado.
• Over Rice: Serve the chicken on a bed of fluffy rice, and drizzle with extra BBQ sauce.
• In a Wrap: For a lighter meal, wrap it in a tortilla with some fresh veggies and a dollop of ranch dressing.
• With a Side: Pair it with a side salad, roasted veggies, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.

Additional Tips

• Extra Sauce: If you like your chicken extra saucy, feel free to add more BBQ sauce as it cooks. You can also serve extra sauce on the side for dipping.
• Frozen Chicken: If you’re using frozen chicken breasts, no worries! You can cook them in the crockpot just like fresh chicken. Just increase the cooking time by 1-2 hours.
• Shred the Chicken: If you prefer smaller pieces of chicken, use a hand mixer to shred it directly in the crockpot for an even easier option.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A1: Yes, chicken thighs work great in this recipe! They’re a little juicier, so they’ll add even more flavor to the dish.

Q2: Can I make this ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! You can make it ahead of time and store the chicken in the fridge for up to 3 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.

Q3: Can I use a different BBQ sauce?
A3: Of course! You can substitute Sweet Baby Ray’s with any BBQ sauce you prefer. Each sauce will give it a slightly different flavor, so feel free to experiment.

Q4: Can I make this recipe in the Instant Pot?
A4: Yes, you can! Cook the chicken on high pressure for 10-12 minutes, then shred it once it’s done. Add the BBQ sauce and mix well.

Q5: Can I add veggies to the crockpot?
A5: Yes! You can add chopped onions, bell peppers, or carrots to the crockpot with the chicken for extra flavor.

Q6: How do I store leftovers?
A6: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Q7: Can I make this into a BBQ chicken salad?
A7: Absolutely! Toss the shredded chicken with fresh greens, corn, black beans, and a light vinaigrette or ranch dressing for a tasty salad.

Q8: Can I make this recipe with other proteins?
A8: Yes, you can use pork or beef in place of chicken. Adjust the cooking time based on the protein you choose.

Q9: Can I add cheese to this?
A9: Yes! Add a sprinkle of shredded cheese on top just before serving for a cheesy twist.

Q10: Can I double this recipe?
A10: Yes, you can easily double the recipe. Just ensure that the chicken is covered by sauce, and the cooking time should remain the same.

Conclusion

Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken is a must-try for anyone looking for an easy, flavorful, and versatile meal. With just a few ingredients and some time in the crockpot, you’ll have juicy, tender chicken perfect for sandwiches, tacos, and more. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is sure to be a hit!

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