If you’re looking for a simple and delicious way to make tender, flavorful chicken, look no further than Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken. This dish combines the tangy goodness of Sweet Baby Ray’s barbecue sauce with a hint of sweetness and spice to create the most mouthwatering chicken you’ll ever taste. Just throw everything into the crockpot and let it work its magic. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or as a crowd-pleasing dish at your next gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Super Easy to Make

This recipe requires minimal effort. Simply throw all the ingredients into the crockpot, set it, and forget it. You’ll have a delicious meal with almost no prep time.

2. Tender, Shreddable Chicken

The slow cooking process makes the chicken incredibly tender and easy to shred. It soaks up the flavors of the barbecue sauce and spices, making every bite irresistible.

3. Perfect for Meal Prep

This recipe is great for meal prepping. Make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week. It’s perfect for sandwiches, wraps, salads, or even as a topping for rice or baked potatoes.

4. Versatile

This crockpot chicken is incredibly versatile. Serve it on its own, as a sandwich, or even on a salad. It pairs well with a variety of sides, from coleslaw to roasted vegetables.

5. Crowd-Pleaser

With its rich, savory barbecue flavor, this recipe is sure to be a hit with everyone, whether it’s a family dinner or a barbecue party. Even the pickiest eaters will love it!

Ingredients

4-6 chicken breasts
1 bottle Sweet Baby Ray’s barbecue sauce
¼ cup vinegar
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
¼ cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon garlic powder

Variations

Add More Spice: If you like things a bit spicier, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add some hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
Use Chicken Thighs: You can substitute chicken breasts for boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a richer flavor and more tender meat.
Add Extra Flavorings: Try adding a little onion powder, smoked paprika, or Worcestershire sauce to deepen the flavor profile.
Make It Sweet or Smoky: Adjust the balance between brown sugar and vinegar to make the sauce sweeter or more tangy. Adding a bit of liquid smoke will give the dish a smokier flavor.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your crockpot. No need to sear the chicken beforehand; just add it straight in!

Step 2: Mix the Sauce

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

Step 3: Add Sauce to Chicken

Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken breasts in the crockpot, making sure the chicken is well coated.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Cover the crockpot and cook the chicken on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be tender and easily shredded with a fork.

Step 5: Shred the Chicken

Once the chicken is fully cooked, use two forks to shred the meat inside the crockpot, mixing it with the remaining sauce.

Step 6: Serve

Serve the shredded chicken on buns for sandwiches, on top of rice, or alongside your favorite sides. Garnish with fresh herbs or a little extra barbecue sauce for added flavor.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Use Frozen Chicken: If you’re in a rush and don’t have fresh chicken, frozen chicken breasts can work just fine. Just be sure to add an extra hour of cooking time if you’re cooking from frozen.
Don’t Overcrowd the Crockpot: If you’re doubling the recipe, make sure not to overcrowd the crockpot. The chicken should be able to cook evenly, so make sure it’s not too tightly packed.
Shred the Chicken in the Sauce: Once the chicken is done, shredding it directly in the sauce will help it absorb even more flavor.

How to Serve

Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken can be served in so many ways. Here are some ideas:

Sandwiches: Serve the shredded chicken on buns with coleslaw for a classic barbecue chicken sandwich.
Salads: Top a fresh green salad with the shredded chicken for a hearty and flavorful meal.
Rice or Potatoes: Serve the chicken over rice or mashed potatoes for a comforting, filling dinner.
Wraps: Roll the shredded chicken in a tortilla with some extra sauce, cheese, and fresh vegetables for a quick and easy wrap.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop for best results.

Freezing

To freeze, allow the shredded chicken to cool completely, then store it in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat.

Reheating

Reheat leftover chicken in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or on the stovetop in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or more barbecue sauce if the chicken seems dry.

FAQs

1. Can I use bone-in chicken?

While boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best, you can use bone-in chicken. Just be sure to remove the bones after cooking before shredding the meat.

2. Can I use another brand of barbecue sauce?

Yes, feel free to use your favorite brand of barbecue sauce if you don’t have Sweet Baby Ray’s. Just keep in mind that the flavor will change depending on the sauce.

3. Can I add vegetables to the crockpot?

You can add vegetables like onions, bell peppers, or carrots to the crockpot. Just keep in mind that they may cook down and become soft, so you might want to add them halfway through the cooking time.

4. Can I cook the chicken on high?

Yes, you can cook the chicken on high for 3-4 hours instead of low for 6-7 hours. However, cooking on low will result in more tender chicken.

5. Can I use a different sweetener instead of brown sugar?

You can use honey, maple syrup, or even coconut sugar as a substitute for brown sugar if you prefer.

6. How can I make this recipe less sweet?

If you prefer less sweetness, you can reduce the amount of brown sugar or substitute it with a lower-sugar alternative like stevia or monk fruit sweetener.

7. Can I make this recipe with other types of meat?

While this recipe works best with chicken, you can try it with pork or beef. Cooking times may vary depending on the cut of meat you use.

8. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! This recipe is perfect for meal prepping. Just store the cooked chicken in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, or freeze it for later use.

9. What can I serve with this chicken?

This chicken pairs perfectly with classic barbecue sides like coleslaw, corn on the cob, baked beans, or roasted vegetables.

10. Can I make this recipe spicy?

If you like things spicy, add more red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or chili powder to the sauce for an extra kick.

Conclusion

Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken is a simple, flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy nights or when you need a crowd-pleasing meal. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, you can enjoy tender, juicy chicken with all the savory goodness of barbecue sauce. Whether you serve it on sandwiches, over rice, or as a main dish, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your meal rotation!