Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken

A simple and delicious crockpot recipe where tender chicken is slow-cooked in a flavorful BBQ sauce, perfect for sandwiches, served with sides, or as a main dish.

This Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken recipe is a hassle-free, melt-in-your-mouth dish that’s perfect for busy days. The chicken cooks in a rich and tangy BBQ sauce with hints of brown sugar and Worcestershire sauce, making it juicy, tender, and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re serving it over mashed potatoes, with cornbread, or on a bun for a BBQ chicken sandwich, this recipe is bound to be a hit at your dinner table. It’s easy to prepare, and the slow cooker does all the work!

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• 1 1/2 cups Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce (or your favorite BBQ sauce)
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

1. Season the Chicken:
   • Lightly season the boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs) with salt and pepper on both sides. This helps enhance the flavor of the chicken before it cooks in the sauce.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

2. Mix the BBQ Sauce:
   • In a bowl, combine the Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, and onion powder.
   • Stir until everything is well combined. The brown sugar adds a touch of sweetness, while the Worcestershire sauce and apple cider vinegar give it depth and a slight tang.

Step 3: Add to the Crockpot

3. Transfer the Chicken to the Crockpot:
   • Place the seasoned chicken breasts (or thighs) in the crockpot.
4. Coat with Sauce:
   • Pour the BBQ sauce mixture over the chicken, making sure each piece is generously coated. The sauce will create a flavorful cooking liquid that will keep the chicken moist.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

5. Slow Cook:
   • Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. The chicken will be fully cooked and tender enough to shred with a fork.
   • Tip: The longer you cook it on low, the more tender the chicken will be.

Step 5: Shred or Serve Whole

6. Shred or Serve Whole:
   • Once cooked, you can shred the chicken directly in the crockpot using two forks, mixing it with the BBQ sauce for an extra boost of flavor. This is perfect for BBQ chicken sandwiches!
   • Alternatively, you can serve the chicken breasts whole, spooning the BBQ sauce over the top for a simpler presentation.

Step 6: Serve

7. Serve the Chicken:
   • This Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken can be served in many ways. Here are a few ideas:
     • Serve over mashed potatoes for a hearty meal.
     • Pair with cornbread for a Southern-style dinner.
     • Serve with coleslaw as a side for a classic BBQ plate.
     • Or, make delicious BBQ chicken sandwiches by placing the shredded chicken on buns and adding extra BBQ sauce.

Quick Facts:

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 4-6 hours (low) or 2-3 hours (high)
• Total Time: 4-6 hours (depending on slow cook time)
• Calories: Approx. 300 per serving (depending on portion size and specific ingredients used)
• Servings: 4

Tips and Variations:

• Extra Flavor: Add chopped onions or green peppers into the crockpot for added flavor and texture.
• Sweetness Level: Adjust the brown sugar based on how sweet you like your BBQ sauce. For a tangier version, reduce the sugar slightly.
• Chicken Thighs: If you prefer dark meat, you can use chicken thighs instead of breasts. They will be just as tender and flavorful when slow-cooked.
• Make it Spicy: Add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the sauce if you like a bit of heat.

This Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken is an easy, tasty, and versatile meal that requires minimal effort but delivers big flavor. Whether you’re feeding the family for dinner or preparing a party dish, it’s sure to please everyone!