Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken Recipe

If you’re looking for a mouthwatering, easy-to-make dish that is full of flavor, look no further than Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken. This recipe combines tender chicken breasts with the sweet and tangy goodness of Sweet Baby Ray’s barbecue sauce. Infused with a touch of vinegar, brown sugar, garlic powder, and a hint of heat from red pepper flakes, this dish is the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and spicy. Plus, the slow cooker does all the work, making it a hassle-free meal that will have your family asking for seconds.

The best part? This recipe is incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways, whether it’s as a main dish with mashed potatoes, on a sandwich, or in tacos. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, this recipe will quickly become one of your go-to weeknight meals.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken is the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it dish. The chicken comes out incredibly tender from slow cooking, and the barbecue sauce provides a rich, smoky flavor with the perfect blend of sweetness and spice. The added vinegar cuts through the richness, giving it just the right amount of tang. The red pepper flakes add a gentle kick without overpowering the dish, making it perfect for everyone in the family. Plus, it’s easy to customize by adding your favorite sides or turning it into a sandwich or wrap for a quick lunch the next day.

Ingredients

• 4-6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 bottle Sweet Baby Ray’s barbecue sauce
• 1/4 cup vinegar
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Variations

1. Use Chicken Thighs: For a richer, juicier flavor, you can substitute the chicken breasts with boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They’ll cook the same way and add extra moisture.
2. Adjust the Spice Level: If you like more heat, feel free to increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
3. Add Vegetables: You can throw in some sliced onions, bell peppers, or carrots to the slow cooker for added flavor and nutrition.
4. Make It Sweet: If you prefer a sweeter barbecue flavor, increase the brown sugar or add a tablespoon of honey to the sauce.
5. Crispy Option: After slow cooking, you can crisp up the chicken breasts under the broiler for a few minutes to give them a nice caramelized glaze.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker. Make sure they are evenly spaced for even cooking.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

In a bowl, combine the Sweet Baby Ray’s barbecue sauce, vinegar, red pepper flakes, brown sugar, and garlic powder. Stir until well combined and the sugar dissolves.

Step 3: Pour the Sauce Over the Chicken

Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker, making sure the chicken is fully coated in the sauce.

Step 4: Cook on Low

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked and easily shredded with a fork.

Step 5: Shred the Chicken

Once the chicken is cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker. Stir the shredded chicken into the sauce to soak up all the flavorful juices.

Step 6: Serve

Serve the Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken over rice, mashed potatoes, or in a sandwich or wrap with your favorite toppings.

Tips for Making the Recipe

1. Avoid Overcooking: While the slow cooker is very forgiving, make sure to check the chicken toward the end of cooking. Overcooking can result in dry chicken, so keep an eye on it.
2. Use a Meat Thermometer: If you want to be sure the chicken is cooked through, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F.
3. Shred While Hot: Shredding the chicken while it’s hot will allow it to soak up more of the barbecue sauce, ensuring each bite is flavorful.
4. Thicken the Sauce: If the sauce is too thin after shredding the chicken, you can thicken it by letting it simmer uncovered for 10-15 minutes or adding a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water).

How to Serve

Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken is versatile and can be served in many different ways:

• With Rice or Mashed Potatoes: Spoon the shredded chicken and sauce over a bed of fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting meal.
• On a Bun: Serve the shredded chicken on a soft sandwich bun with coleslaw for a tasty barbecue chicken sandwich.
• In Tacos: This chicken is also great in tacos! Just add some shredded lettuce, tomatoes, and cheese for a quick and flavorful taco night.
• Over Pasta: For a different twist, serve the shredded chicken over pasta for a barbecue-inspired pasta dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors actually improve after a day or two, so it makes a great meal prep option.

Freezing

To freeze, let the chicken cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. You can freeze the chicken for up to 2-3 months. When ready to reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Reheating

To reheat, place the chicken in a saucepan with a bit of extra barbecue sauce or water and heat it over low heat until warmed through. You can also reheat it in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but you may need to increase the cooking time by 1-2 hours. Just be sure to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F before serving.

2. Can I use a different barbecue sauce?

While Sweet Baby Ray’s is the star of this recipe, you can use any barbecue sauce you prefer. Just keep in mind that it will affect the flavor of the dish.

3. Can I make this with bone-in chicken?

While this recipe works best with boneless chicken breasts, you can use bone-in chicken. Just be sure to remove the bones after cooking for easier shredding.

4. Can I add more vegetables to this recipe?

Yes, you can add vegetables like onions, bell peppers, or carrots to the slow cooker. They will cook along with the chicken and absorb all the delicious flavors.

5. How do I know when the chicken is cooked?

The chicken is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, or when it can be easily shredded with a fork.

6. Can I make this recipe on the stovetop or in the oven?

While this recipe is designed for the slow cooker, you can cook the chicken in the oven at 350°F for 25-30 minutes or on the stovetop in a covered skillet over low heat until the chicken is cooked through.

7. How can I adjust the spice level?

If you prefer a milder version, you can skip the red pepper flakes or reduce the amount. If you like it spicier, add more red pepper flakes or even a dash of hot sauce.

8. Can I make this recipe without the vinegar?

Yes, you can skip the vinegar if you prefer a sweeter sauce. The vinegar adds a touch of acidity, but it’s not essential to the recipe.

9. Can I use brown sugar substitutes?

You can substitute the brown sugar with honey or maple syrup, though the flavor will vary slightly.

10. How long can I store leftovers in the fridge?

Leftovers will last for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container in the fridge.

Conclusion

Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken is a deliciously easy recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. The slow cooking process ensures the chicken remains tender, while the barbecue sauce provides a sweet and tangy flavor that will satisfy your cravings. Whether served over rice, mashed potatoes, or in a sandwich, this dish is sure to be a hit with the whole family. With minimal ingredients and prep time, you’ll have a meal that’s full of flavor and ready to enjoy with little effort.

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