Sweet Baby Rays Crockpot Chicken has bailed me out of dinnertime panic more times than I can count. First, I’ll admit, I’m not always the best at meal planning. Sometimes, I find myself staring into the fridge, hoping inspiration (and ingredients) will magically appear. Then, I remember this trusty recipe, and suddenly, hope is restored!
However, what truly makes this dish a lifesaver is how little effort it takes. With just a few minutes of prep and a short ingredient list, dinner basically cooks itself. Also, there’s something so comforting about the smell of barbecue sauce simmering away all afternoon. Finally, no matter how hectic my day gets, I know a delicious, hearty meal will be waiting for us at dinnertime—no frantic scrambling required!
My Kitchen Story
First, let me just say that my slow cooker is basically my kitchen sidekick. One evening, after a day of work, laundry mountains, and a toddler meltdown over a missing sock, I realized I had forgotten to plan dinner. So, I grabbed chicken breasts, Sweet Baby Ray’s sauce, and a handful of pantry staples and tossed everything into the crockpot. Crockpot Grilled Chicken was on my mind, but I was out of charcoal—oops! Thankfully, the slow cooker worked its magic, and the chicken came out so tender, even my picky eater cleaned her plate.
Then, I started making this sweet baby rays crockpot chicken regularly, especially when I needed an Easy Chicken Crock Pot Meal that didn’t require babysitting. It’s perfect for those days when you want dinner to handle itself while you tackle life’s chaos. If you’re looking for other comforting slow cooker ideas, you might love my Easy Slow Cooker Mississippi Chicken Recipe For Tender And Flavorful Dinner or the creamy goodness of Creamy Ranch Chicken Recipe Made Easy In Your Slow Cooker Crockpot.
What Makes It Stand Out
So, what’s the secret? It’s all about the sweet and smoky barbecue sauce that seeps into every bite of the chicken. Also, the crockpot ensures the meat turns out juicy and perfectly shreddable, no matter how distracted you get. Finally, you’ll love how this recipe fits right in with Chicken Dump Crockpot favorites—just dump, set, and forget. No fancy steps, no stress, just pure dinnertime joy (with minimal dishes, too!).
What You’ll Need
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Boneless, skinless chicken breasts | 2 pounds |
| Sweet Baby Ray’s barbecue sauce | 1 cup |
| Chicken broth | 1/4 cup |
| Garlic powder | 1 tablespoon |
| Onion powder | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Sliced green onions (optional, for garnish) |
Handy Kitchen Helpers
First, let’s talk about the slow cooker. For sweet baby rays crockpot chicken, it’s the real star. The Crockpot keeps cleanup easy and lets you set and forget the meal, making it perfect for busy families or anyone looking for . You’ll just need your trusty Crockpot, a mixing bowl, and two forks for shredding. If you want to try a twist, boneless chicken thighs work well here too, or experiment with different barbecue sauces for a new flavor.
Also, measuring spoons for the spices and a ladle for serving help make prep even simpler. If you’re a fan of or searching for , this recipe fits right in. For more inspiration, peek at this Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe for another satisfying Crockpot option, or check out the Crockpot BBQ Chicken Recipe for a quick dinner favorite.
Finally, for advice on healthy swaps or food safety when slow cooking, I find the resources at EatRight.org really helpful. The Crockpot method makes it easy to prepare with minimal fuss, so don’t be afraid to get creative with what’s in your pantry!
Step-by-step method for a Crockpot / Slow Cooker recipe
Step 1
First, place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of your crockpot. This sets the base for the flavorful Sweet Baby Ray’s crockpot chicken to develop.
Step 2
Next, mix the Sweet Baby Ray’s barbecue sauce with chicken broth in a bowl. Stir well to create a smooth sauce that will keep the chicken moist during cooking.
Step 3
Then, season the chicken evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken, ensuring every piece is fully coated.
Step 4
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours. The chicken will become tender and perfect for shredding.
Step 5
Finally, shred the chicken directly in the crockpot using two forks. Stir the shredded chicken into the sauce to combine all those delicious flavors.
Step 6
Optionally, garnish with sliced green onions before serving to add a fresh, crisp touch.
Tips and tricks to make this Crockpot / Slow Cooker recipe shine
Also, for an easy twist on crockpot meals, try the Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken And Potatoes Easy Slow Cooker Recipe which complements the sweet and tangy flavors beautifully. However, if you want to mix things up with a few simple ingredients, the Easy Crockpot Chicken Tortellini Recipe With 6 Simple Ingredients is a great choice.
Moreover, to get the best results with sweet baby rays crockpot chicken, avoid lifting the lid too often during cooking. This keeps the heat steady and ensures tender, juicy chicken. Also, cooking on low heat is preferable, as it allows the flavors to meld slowly, making the chicken more flavorful. Finally, using chicken broth in the sauce adds moisture without overpowering the barbecue taste.
What to serve with this Crockpot / Slow Cooker recipe
First, consider pairing your sweet baby rays crockpot chicken with a fresh green salad or some roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. Also, creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice can soak up the delicious sauce perfectly. For a twist, try serving it alongside our Easy Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Pasta Creamy Slow Cooker Dinner Recipe or the comforting Easy Crockpot BBQ Chicken Pasta Cozy Family Favorite Slow Cooker Recipe for a complete crockpot feast.
How to store and reheat
Next, let your crockpot chicken cool down before transferring it to an airtight container. The slow cooking method helps keep the chicken moist, so reheating gently in the microwave or on the stovetop maintains that tender texture. Also, store leftovers in the fridge for up to four days or freeze for longer storage. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to keep it from drying out, preserving the flavors you loved at first bite.
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s best to increase the cooking time to ensure it cooks through safely in the crockpot.
Is sweet baby rays crockpot chicken spicy?
Sweet Baby Ray’s sauce has a balanced sweet and tangy flavor with a mild kick, but you can adjust spices to suit your taste.
What cuts of chicken work best?
Chicken thighs or breasts both work well. Thighs stay juicier, while breasts cook leaner and firmer.
Can I make this recipe with chicken pieces other than breasts or thighs?
Absolutely! Using different chicken pieces adds variety and can influence cooking times slightly.
How long does it take to cook in a crockpot?
Typically, it takes about 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high, depending on your slow cooker model.
Print
Sweet Baby Rays Crockpot Chicken
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes to 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Cheap meals
Description
A simple and flavorful crockpot chicken recipe using Sweet Baby Ray’s barbecue sauce and basic seasonings, perfect for an easy meal.
Ingredients
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup Sweet Baby Ray’s barbecue sauce
1/4 cup chicken broth
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Optional: sliced green onions for garnish
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot.
2. Mix the Sauces: In a bowl, combine the Sweet Baby Ray’s barbecue sauce with the chicken broth. Stir well to blend.
3. Season the Chicken: Evenly sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper over the chicken.
4. Add the Sauce: Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken, making sure it is fully coated.
5. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shredded with a fork.
6. Shred the Chicken: Once cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the crockpot. Stir the shredded chicken into the sauce to combine.
7. Optional: Garnish with sliced green onions before serving to add a fresh touch.
Notes
Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier meat.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Serve over rice or in sandwiches for versatile meal options.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 to 6 hours low or 2 to 3 hours high
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Finally, thank you for spending time here chatting about sweet baby rays crockpot chicken. This recipe is one of those cozy, simple dishes that feels like a warm hug after a busy day. If you want more comforting slow cooker meals, check out our Easy Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Pasta or the Easy Crockpot BBQ Chicken Pasta for inspiration. Also, don’t forget to follow us on Pinterest to keep your crockpot and slow cooker meals fresh and exciting. Cozy cooking moments like these are what make kitchen time special!