Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken

Name: Sweet Baby Ray's Crockpot Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 4 min
Total time: 19 min
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs Boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 cup Sweet Baby Ray's BBQ sauce; 0.5 cup Chicken broth

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What’s a good dinner that saved me on countless busy weeknights? Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken! If you’re anything like me, sometimes the thought of cooking after a long day is just…well…just…? I remember this recipe, and suddenly, dinner feels manageable again. What’s a super easy chicken sandwich filling? I love smoky-sweet barbecue flavor that everyone devours. Is it easier than making a whole batch of ribs? Why do I have to babysit a smoker all day? What’s the best part about cooking in a crockpot?

What is Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken?

Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken is essentially the easiest, most flavorful way to make it. What is the best shredded chicken you What’s a good barbecue sauce for chicken? What are some good crockpot recipes to throw in your freezer? Let it do its magic. What is the shortcut to BBQ perfection? What makes a chicken tender and juicy? What is your signature smo What is pulled chicken? What is a flavor bomb?

Why you’ll love this recipe?

What are some of the reasons I love this recipe?flavorIs it just incredible? What is the perfect combination of barbecue sauce and tender, juicy chicken? It’s smoky, sweet, savory – it hits all the right notes. Then there’re the sheer sheerness.simplicityIs this one of those dump-and-go recipes that even the most novice cook can master? I’m talking five minutes of prep, max! And did I mention how much time it takes to prepare?cost-efficientChicken thighs are often super affordable, and a bottle of BBQ sauce is stout for most of us.versatile! You can serve it on buns as sandwiches, over rice or mashed potatoes, in tacos, on salads… What are the possibilities? What is the best way to prepare dinner after a long day?

What I love about this recipe is how adaptable it is. Sometimes I’ll add a splash of Apple Cider vinegar for some extra tang, or pinch of smoked paprika. For an extra smoky kick. I even threw in a diced onion and it was amazing! My family goes nuts for this stuff. I love this recipe. It’s a crowd-pleaser. I always get requests for it at potlucks and gatherings. Is this recipe necessary in your life?

How do I make Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken?

Quick Overview

How do you make Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken? How do you cook chicken in a Slow Cooker? Cook for a few hours until the chicken is fall-apart tender. How do you toss a slice of potato with the sauce and you’re good to go! What are some good ways to spend a few hours in the kitchen? What is the beauty of slow cooker cooking? What makes a good BBQ flavor?

Ingredients

For the Main Event: What are the rules?

2-3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (you can use breasts, but chicken stays juicier!).
1 (18 oz) bottle of Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ Sauce (or your favorite brand)
1/4 cup chicken broth (or water): 1 cup.
What is Worcestershire sauce?
1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, but highly recommended for extra smokiness)
Salt and pepper to taste.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Get Ready

What is a good Slow Cooker to cook in? Give it a quick spray with non-stick cooking spray (though honestly, with all that BBQ sauce, it’s good to give it some extra flavor). Why isn’t it essential?

Step 2: Chicken Time

Place the chicken thighs in the bottom of the Slow Cooker. I usually trim off any excess fat, but that’s totally up to you. Season the chicken with salt and pepper – don’t be shy!

Step 3: Sauce It Up

Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ Sauce: Pour the entire bottle of sauce over the chicken, making sure everything is coated. Add the chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, and smoked paprika (if using). Mix well. What’s your favorite Worcestershire sauce?

Step 4: Slow Cook Magic

Cover the Slow Cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. When a chicken is cooked, it’s ready to eat. Seriously, it should fall apart!

Step 5: Shredding Time

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the Slow Cooker and shred it with two forks. I usually do this right in the slow cooker, but you can also transfer it to a cutting board if you want.

Step 6: Sauce It Up (Again!)

In a Slow Cooker, toss the chicken with the BBQ sauce and cook for 3-4 hours. Let it simmer for another 15-20 minutes to let the flavors meld together. What is the magic of the moment?

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

What are some creative ways to serve chicken? I’ve listed a bunch of ideas below, but honestly, you can’t go wrong with them. Get ready for some serious flavor!

What should I serve it with?

What is the beauty of Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken? What are some of my favorite ways to serve it?

Classic Sandwiches:What are some of the best toppings for chicken on toasted buns? What is my go-to meal for a weeknight dinner?

BBQ Bowls:Serve the chicken over rice, quinoa, or mashed potatoes and top with corn, black beans and shredded cheese. What’s a good combination of cheese and Sour Cream? What is the best way to make a satisfying meal?

Tacos or QuesadWhat are some of the best taco toppings? What are the best parties ever?

Salads:Top a bed of greens with chicken, tomatoes, cucumbers, and tangy vinaigrette. This is a lighter option that’s perfect for lunch or summer dinner.

In our house, we have a little tradition of serving this with cornbread and some creamy sauce. What is the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and comforting flavors? I also like to add a little bit of my favorite hot sauce for some kick.

How do I make a perfect crockpot chicken?

What are some ways to take Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken to the next level? What are some of my top tips?

Chicken Choice Matters: Why is itIs it safe to use chicken thighs? What are some good ways to cook chicken in a slow cooker?

Don’t skimp on the sauce.What are some good uses for BBQ sauce? How do you make a delicious sauce for chicken?

Add a Little Smoke: If you want to amp up the smoky flavor, add a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the slow cooker. You can also add a splash of liquid smoke, but be careful not to overdo it!

Customize the Flavor: Feel free to add your own favorite spices and seasonings to the slow cooker. Garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper can add a little extra flavor.

Don’t Overcook It: The chicken is ready when it’s easily shredded with a fork. Overcooking can make it dry and tough, so keep an eye on it.

Let It Simmer: After shredding the chicken, let it simmer in the sauce for another 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This makes a big difference!

I’ve also learned that adding a little bit of brown sugar to the sauce can really enhance the sweetness and caramelization. It’s a game changer!

Storing and Reheating Tips

Got leftovers? No problem! This Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken stores beautifully.

Room Temperature: I wouldn’t leave this out at room temperature for more than 2 hours, just to be safe.

Refrigerator Storage: Store the chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It’s great for meal prepping or quick lunches.

Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, freeze the chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months. I like to portion it out into individual servings for easy thawing.

Reheating: To reheat, simply microwave the chicken until heated through, or warm it up in a skillet over medium heat. You can also add a little bit of chicken broth or BBQ sauce if it seems dry.

One trick I always use is to add a little bit of water when reheating to prevent it from drying out. Works every time!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen chicken?

While it’s best to use thawed chicken for even cooking, you can technically use frozen chicken in the slow cooker. However, it will take longer to cook, and it may release more liquid, which can dilute the sauce. I recommend adding an extra 1-2 hours to the cooking time and draining off any excess liquid before shredding the chicken.

Can I make this in an Instant Pot?

Absolutely! To make this in an Instant Pot, add all the ingredients to the pot and cook on high pressure for 12-15 minutes. Then, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes before releasing the remaining pressure manually. Shred the chicken and toss it with the sauce.

Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?

Yes! Diced onions, bell peppers, or even a can of drained and rinsed corn can be added to the slow cooker for extra flavor and nutrition. Just add them along with the other ingredients.

What if I don’t have Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce?

No worries! You can use any BBQ sauce you like. Just keep in mind that the flavor of the sauce will affect the overall taste of the dish.

How can I make this spicier?

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, a dash of hot sauce, or some diced jalapeños to the slow cooker for a spicy kick!

Final Thoughts

So there you have it – my super-easy, super-delicious Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken recipe! It’s a lifesaver on busy weeknights, a crowd-pleaser at parties, and a guaranteed hit with the whole family. The best part is that it requires minimal effort and yields maximum flavor. If you are looking for more easy slow cooker meals be sure to check out my Slow Cooker Pulled Pork recipe. Give it a try, and I promise you won’t be disappointed! And hey, if you make it, be sure to leave a comment and let me know how it turned out. I’d love to hear your own variations and tips!