Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken is a dish that brings together tender chicken breasts with the rich, smoky flavors of barbecue sauce. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re entertaining friends and family. With minimal prep time, you can toss everything into the slow cooker and let it do the work while you enjoy your day. The result is juicy, flavor-packed chicken that can be served in a variety of ways, making it a go-to staple in your culinary repertoire.
Why We Love This Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken Recipe
This Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken recipe checks all the boxes for a delightful meal. First and foremost, the convenience of using a slow cooker cannot be overstated. You can set it in the morning, and by dinner time, you’ll have a succulent dish ready to serve. The combination of Sweet Baby Ray’s barbecue sauce with apple cider vinegar creates a balance of sweetness and tanginess, complemented by the kick of red pepper flakes and the earthy aromatic touch of garlic powder. Not only does this dish satisfy your taste buds, but it also garners rave reviews from family and friends, making it an excellent choice for gatherings or casual family dinners.
Ingredients about Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken
To create this mouthwatering Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken, you’ll need the following ingredients:
List of ingredients with measurements
- 4-6 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
- 1 bottle Sweet Baby Ray’s barbecue sauce (18 ounces)
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
These ingredients work together harmoniously to create a flavorful dish that is sure to please.
How to Make Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken Directions
Making Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken is incredibly simple and requires very little time. Follow these easy steps for a delicious result:
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients in one place. You want to ensure that everything is within reach to make the cooking process smoother.
- Mix the Sauce: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the entire bottle of Sweet Baby Ray’s barbecue sauce with the apple cider vinegar, red pepper flakes, brown sugar, and garlic powder. Stir everything together until it’s well-blended. This sauce will be the star of your dish, so take a moment to make sure all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Arrange Chicken in the Crockpot: Take your boneless, skinless chicken breasts and arrange them evenly in your crockpot. You can place them horizontally or vertically; just make sure they fit comfortably.
- Pour the Sauce Over Chicken: Once your chicken is arranged, pour the sauce mixture over the chicken breasts. Make sure each piece is well-coated with the sauce. This is where the flavors will fuse beautifully as the chicken cooks.
- Set Up for Cooking: Cover your crockpot with its lid and set it to cook on low heat. Aim for a cooking time of about 4 to 6 hours. To check for doneness, you can use a meat thermometer; you’re looking for an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Shred the Chicken: Once the cooking time is complete, remove the chicken from the crockpot and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the chicken. It should fall apart easily if cooked correctly.
- Return to Sauce: If you’d like, you can return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and mix it in with the leftover sauce to ensure it’s fully coated.
By following these steps, you’ll create tender, flavorful chicken that’s ready to be enjoyed in multiple ways.
How to Serve Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken
Serving Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken allows for a lot of creativity. Here are a few ideas:
- On a Bun: Shred the chicken and serve it on a toasted bun for delicious barbecue sandwiches. You can add extra sauce, pickles, and coleslaw for added texture and flavor.
- As a Main Dish: Serve the chicken whole with sides like coleslaw, corn on the cob, or potato salad. The rich barbecue flavor pairs excellently with these classic sides.
- Taco Night: For a fun twist, use this shredded chicken as a filling for tacos. Provide options like tortillas, fresh veggies, cheese, and salsa to let everyone build their own.
- Over Rice: Another great way to serve this dish is over a bed of rice. The fluffy rice absorbs the savory sauce, making for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Experiment with your serving styles, and you’ll discover your favorite way to enjoy this delectable dish!
Expert Tips: Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken
To make the most of your Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken, consider these expert tips:
- Adjust the Spice: If spicy food isn’t your thing, feel free to reduce or eliminate the red pepper flakes. Conversely, if you love a bit of heat, you can increase the amount to suit your taste.
- Make Ahead: This recipe can easily be made ahead of time. You can prepare the chicken in the crockpot and store it in the fridge overnight. Just cook it the next day, and you’ll have a quick meal ready.
- Use Thighs for More Flavor: While the recipe calls for chicken breasts, using boneless, skinless chicken thighs can add additional flavor and moisture due to their slightly higher fat content.
- Pair with Fresh Ingredients: Incorporating fresh herbs, like cilantro or parsley, as a garnish can brighten up the rich flavors. Similarly, adding some chopped green onions adds crunch and color.
- Monitor Cooking Time: Cooking times may vary based on the size of your chicken breasts and the specific crockpot model. Always check for the internal temperature to ensure safety.
These tips can elevate your dish and make sure each serving is as delicious as possible!
How to Store Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken
Storing Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken is straightforward:
- Refrigeration: Allow any leftover chicken to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
- Freezing: If you want to save some for later, you can freeze the shredded chicken in a freezer-safe container. This dish can last for up to 2 to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: To reheat, you can use the microwave or place it back in the crockpot on low heat until warmed through. Add a splash of water or extra barbecue sauce if it seems too dry.
With proper storage, you can enjoy the deliciousness of this dish long after you first make it!
Variation of Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken
There are plenty of ways to switch things up with your Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken recipe:
- Add Vegetables: Toss in vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or carrots into the crockpot for added nutrition and flavor. The cooking process will soften them perfectly and allow their flavors to meld into the chicken.
- Switch the Sauce: While Sweet Baby Ray’s is a fan favorite, feel free to experiment with other barbecue sauces or even a homemade BBQ sauce for a unique spin.
- Tropical Twist: Add diced pineapples or mango chunks to the sauce for a tropical flair. The sweetness from the fruits combines beautifully with the barbecue sauce, giving you a refreshing twist on the dish.
- Saucy Toppings: Consider adding toppings like sliced jalapeños, avocado slices, or mango salsa for a fresh and vibrant contrast to the smoky flavors.
- Spicy Variation: For those who love an extra kick, adding some sriracha or hot sauce into the sauce mixture can give it a fiery element that takes the dish up a notch.
These variations can keep the meal exciting and allow you to explore different flavor profiles based on your preferences.
FAQ
What is Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken?
Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken is a slow-cooked dish made with boneless chicken breasts, Sweet Baby Ray’s barbecue sauce, and a few additional ingredients. This combination yields tender, flavorful chicken that can be served in various ways.
How long does it take to cook Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken?
Cooking Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken typically takes about 4 to 6 hours on low heat. Ensure that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
Can I make Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it before serving to enjoy the delicious flavors.
What dishes pair well with Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken?
This dish pairs well with sides like coleslaw, potato salad, rice, or even in taco form. The versatility allows you to serve it in various ways for unique dining experiences.
How can I store leftover Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken?
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days or freeze for up to 2-3 months. Reheat when you’re ready to enjoy again!
Sweet Baby Ray's Crockpot Chicken
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4-6 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 18 ounces bottle Sweet Baby Ray’s barbecue sauce
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes Adjust to taste
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
Preparation
- Gather all your ingredients in one place to make the cooking process smoother.
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the entire bottle of Sweet Baby Ray’s barbecue sauce with the apple cider vinegar, red pepper flakes, brown sugar, and garlic powder. Stir until well-blended.
- Arrange the boneless, skinless chicken breasts evenly in your crockpot.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken breasts, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
- Cover the crockpot with its lid and set it to cook on low heat for about 4 to 6 hours, checking for an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the crockpot and shred it using two forks.
- Optionally, return the shredded chicken to the crockpot to mix with leftover sauce.
Send me this recipe!
Just enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox!