Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken Recipe: Effortlessly Tasty Delight

Moist, tender sweet Baby Ray’s crockpot chicken promises a delightful meal that transforms your dinner routine.

Slow cooking creates magic with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Busy weeknight warriors can rejoice in this simple yet delicious dish.

Pantry staples blend seamlessly to produce a crowd-pleasing dinner everyone will adore.

Zesty barbecue sauce infuses each tender bite with irresistible tangy goodness.

Minimal prep means you can toss ingredients together and walk away.

Succulent chicken emerges perfectly cooked, ready to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.

Dive into this effortless recipe that guarantees smiles around the table.

Why Sweet Baby Rays Crockpot Chicken Is a Favorite

• Simplify Weeknight Dinners: Toss ingredients into the crockpot and walk away, letting the slow cooker transform basic chicken into a mouthwatering meal with zero hands-on cooking stress.
• Boost Flavor Profiles: Sweet Baby Rays BBQ sauce delivers a rich, tangy punch while smoked paprika and optional liquid smoke create depth that makes taste buds dance with excitement.
• Family-Friendly Crowd Pleaser: Tender shredded chicken works perfectly for sandwiches, tacos, over rice, or as a standalone protein that keeps everyone happy and satisfied without complicated preparation.
• Versatile Meal Prep Champion: Batch cook this chicken to use throughout the week in multiple dishes, saving precious time and ensuring delicious meals are always ready to enjoy.

Ingredients for Sweet Baby Rays Crockpot Chicken

• Chicken: A tender and flavorful meat that serves as the primary protein for this easy crockpot recipe.

• Salt, Pepper, Smoked Paprika: A blend of classic seasonings that adds depth and enhances the overall flavor profile of the chicken.

• Sweet Baby Rays BBQ Sauce: A signature barbecue sauce that provides a sweet and tangy coating for the chicken.
• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that infuse the dish with rich, savory undertones.
• Liquid Smoke (Optional): A concentrated flavoring that adds a smoky dimension to the dish.

How to Make Sweet Baby Rays Crockpot Chicken

Step 1: Prep Chicken

Grab your chicken and sprinkle it generously with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a dash of smoky paprika. Make sure each piece gets an even coating of the seasonings for maximum flavor.

Step 2: Layer Crockpot

Arrange the seasoned chicken pieces into your crockpot. Scatter thinly sliced onions and finely chopped garlic around and between the chicken, creating a delicious aromatic base.

Step 3: Drench With Barbecue Sauce

Pour Sweet Baby Rays BBQ sauce all over the chicken, making absolutely certain every single piece is completely covered in that tangy, sweet goodness.

Step 4: Add Smoky Depth

If you want an extra punch of smoky flavor, splash in a bit of liquid smoke.

This secret ingredient will transform your chicken into a mouthwatering masterpiece.

Step 5: Slow Cook To Perfection

Cover your crockpot and let it work its magic.

Cook on low setting for 6-8 hours or on high setting for 3-4 hours until the chicken becomes incredibly tender and falls apart easily.

Step 6: Shred And Serve

Once cooking is complete, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the crockpot.

Stir the shredded meat into the sauce so it soaks up all those incredible flavors. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips for Crockpot Chicken Success

• Add a splash of apple cider vinegar to the BBQ sauce for a tangy kick that balances the sweetness of Sweet Baby Rays.
• Let the chicken rest in the sauce for 15 minutes after cooking to absorb maximum flavor and ensure juicy, fall-apart meat.
• If the sauce is too thin, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking or use a cornstarch slurry to thicken.
• Transform this dish into pulled chicken sandwiches, tacos, or a topping for loaded baked potatoes for versatile meal planning.
• Choose a low-sodium BBQ sauce and skip added salt to make this recipe more heart-healthy without sacrificing taste.

Variations for Sweet Baby Rays Crockpot Chicken

• Spicy BBQ Chicken Remix: Replace Sweet Baby Rays with a spicy chipotle BBQ sauce and add red pepper flakes for extra heat.
• Low-Sodium Herb Variation: Use a low-sodium BBQ sauce, replace salt with fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme, and add lemon zest for brightness.
• Honey Mustard Chicken Option: Swap BBQ sauce with honey mustard sauce, add Dijon mustard, and sprinkle dried dill for a tangy flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Clean Eating Version: Select a certified gluten-free BBQ sauce, use organic chicken, and replace liquid smoke with smoked sea salt for allergen-friendly preparation.

Pairings for Crockpot Chicken with Sweet Baby Rays

Cut through the rich, smoky BBQ chicken with a tangy, crunchy coleslaw that balances the sauce’s sweetness and adds refreshing texture.

Serve warm, slightly sweet corn bread to soak up the delicious BBQ sauce and provide a comforting, Southern-style side dish that matches the chicken’s flavor profile.

Select a hoppy IPA or smooth amber ale that can stand up to the bold BBQ sauce, cleansing the palate between bites and enhancing the chicken’s smoky notes.

Add zesty pickled cucumber or jalapeño slices to introduce a sharp, acidic element that cuts through the sauce’s richness and provides a bright contrast.

Storing Sweet Baby Rays Crockpot Chicken

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Transfer chicken to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air and freeze for up to 3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few tablespoons of water or extra BBQ sauce. Cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until heated through.
• Spread chicken in a baking dish, add a splash of chicken broth or BBQ sauce. Cover with foil. Warm at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway to ensure even heating.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but increase cooking time by 1-2 hours and ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

• What if I don't have Sweet Baby Rays BBQ sauce?

You can substitute with any favorite BBQ sauce, but Sweet Baby Rays provides the best flavor profile for this dish.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe is mild and kid-friendly. If you want heat, add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to customize the spice level.

• Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?

Absolutely! Cook on high pressure for 12-15 minutes, then quick release and shred the chicken.

Sweet Baby Rays Crockpot Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Savor mouthwatering Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken, a simple slow-cooker marvel that combines tangy barbecue sauce with tender chicken for an effortless meal. Busy home cooks will love this hands-off dinner that delivers maximum flavor with minimal preparation.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 4 pounds (1.8 kilograms) chicken pieces (thighs, drumsticks, or breasts)

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 1 large onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

Sauce and Optional Flavor Enhancer:

• 1 bottle (18 ounces/510 grams) Sweet Baby Rays BBQ Sauce
• 1 teaspoon liquid smoke (optional)

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Instructions

1. Generously coat chicken with a blend of salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika, ensuring even distribution of seasonings.
2. Transfer seasoned chicken into the crockpot, layering with thinly sliced onions and finely minced garlic for aromatic depth.
3. Lavishly drench chicken with Sweet Baby Rays BBQ sauce, thoroughly coating each piece to guarantee maximum flavor infusion.
4. For an extra smoky dimension, incorporate liquid smoke, distributing it evenly throughout the crockpot.
5. Secure the lid and slow-cook on low temperature for 6-8 hours (or high for 3-4 hours) until chicken becomes exceptionally tender and easily pulls apart.
6. Once cooking is complete, use two forks to delicately shred the chicken directly within the sauce, allowing it to absorb the rich, tangy flavors and create a succulent, saucy mixture ready for serving.

Notes

• Enhance the smoky flavor by adding a dash of liquid smoke for a deeper, more complex taste profile.
• Opt for boneless, skinless chicken thighs to maintain moisture and create a more tender final dish.
• Control the sauce’s consistency by removing the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow slight reduction and intensify flavors.
• Experiment with dietary variations by using sugar-free BBQ sauce for low-carb options or adding chipotle peppers for a spicy twist.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 hours (on Low) or 4 hours (on High)
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 336 kcal
• Sugar: 11 g
• Sodium: 560 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 13 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg