Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken is the ultimate combination of tender chicken and sweet, tangy barbecue flavor. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a delicious meal with minimal effort. Using Sweet Baby Ray’s barbecue sauce as the base, along with a few simple ingredients like vinegar, red pepper flakes, and garlic powder, this dish is packed with flavor. The slow cooking process ensures the chicken comes out incredibly juicy, and the sauce creates a rich, sticky coating that everyone will love.

This easy-to-make recipe is ideal for serving at family dinners, potlucks, or meal prepping for the week ahead. Whether you serve it on its own, in sandwiches, or over rice, this Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken is sure to become a go-to in your meal rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Simple Ingredients

With just a handful of ingredients, including the star of the show—Sweet Baby Ray’s barbecue sauce—this recipe is incredibly easy to make.

2. Effortless Cooking

This recipe is made entirely in the Crockpot, meaning you can set it and forget it. Simply add all the ingredients, and the slow cooker does the rest!

3. Tender and Juicy Chicken

Slow cooking the chicken breasts in a flavorful sauce results in perfectly tender and juicy chicken that can easily be shredded.

4. Flavorful and Sweet

Sweet Baby Ray’s barbecue sauce, combined with brown sugar, vinegar, and a touch of heat from the red pepper flakes, creates a rich, balanced flavor that’s sweet, tangy, and just a little spicy.

5. Versatile Meal

This recipe is super versatile! You can serve it on sandwiches, over rice, or alongside your favorite sides for a complete meal.

Ingredients

4-6 boneless, skinless 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 spicier, increase the red pepper flakes or add a bit of hot sauce.
Sweeten it Up: Increase the amount of brown sugar for an even sweeter sauce.
Use Chicken Thighs: If you prefer dark meat, substitute chicken thighs for an extra juicy and flavorful result.
Veggie Boost: Add sliced onions, bell peppers, or even carrots to the Crockpot for added texture and flavor.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the Crockpot.

Step 2: Mix the Sauce

In a small bowl, combine the Sweet Baby Ray’s barbecue sauce, vinegar, red pepper flakes, brown sugar, and garlic powder. Stir until the sugar is dissolved and all ingredients are well mixed.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Pour the barbecue sauce mixture over the chicken breasts, making sure they are evenly coated.

Step 4: Slow Cook

Cover the Crockpot and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is tender and easily shreds.

Step 5: Shred the Chicken

Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the Crockpot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the Crockpot and stir it into the sauce.

Step 6: Serve

Serve the Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken on sandwiches, over rice, or with your favorite sides.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Ensure you don’t cook the chicken for too long, as it can become dry. The chicken should be tender and easily shred when done.
Shredding the Chicken: For best results, shred the chicken while it’s still hot, then mix it back into the sauce to soak up all the flavor.
Thicker Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking to let some of the liquid evaporate.
Adjust the Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of brown sugar to match your preferred level of sweetness.

How to Serve

On Sandwiches: Serve the shredded chicken on a bun for a delicious barbecue sandwich.
With Rice: Spoon the chicken and sauce over a bed of steamed rice for a filling meal.
With Fries or Coleslaw: Pair with crispy fries or a side of tangy coleslaw for the perfect comfort food meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop with a bit of extra barbecue sauce if needed.

Freezing

You can freeze this dish for up to 3 months. Let the chicken cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm it up in the microwave or on the stove.

Reheating

Reheat the chicken in the microwave or on the stove. If it’s too thick, add a little water or extra barbecue sauce to loosen it up.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just make sure to increase the cooking time by 1-2 hours if cooking on low.

2. Can I use a different type of barbecue sauce?

Yes, you can substitute Sweet Baby Ray’s with your favorite barbecue sauce, though the flavor may vary.

3. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work great in this recipe and add extra juiciness.

4. How spicy is this recipe?

The red pepper flakes add a mild spice. If you prefer a spicier dish, you can increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add hot sauce.

5. Can I add vegetables to the Crockpot?

Yes, you can add vegetables like onions, bell peppers, or carrots. Just make sure to chop them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.

6. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, this recipe is perfect for meal prep. You can store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for later.

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

Yes, you can use honey, maple syrup, or white sugar in place of brown sugar, though the flavor might slightly change.

8. What can I serve this with?

Serve it with mashed potatoes, rice, or in a sandwich. You can also serve it alongside a fresh salad or fries.

9. Can I use a different vinegar?

Yes, you can use apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar for a slightly different flavor.

10. How can I make this dish spicier?

To make this recipe spicier, you can increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.

Conclusion

Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken is a simple yet flavorful dish that will satisfy your taste buds without taking much time to prepare. With tender chicken, a savory-sweet barbecue sauce, and the ease of slow cooking, it’s perfect for any occasion. Serve it on sandwiches, over rice, or with your favorite sides for a meal that everyone will enjoy. Try it today and enjoy the ultimate comfort food!