Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken: Easy, Flavorful, and Tender

Looking for a set-it-and-forget-it dinner that’s packed with flavor? Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken is the answer. This simple recipe uses the beloved Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ Sauce to create juicy, tender chicken that practically falls apart as you pull it from the slow cooker. Whether you’re craving a savory meal for dinner, prepping for sandwiches, or looking for a versatile protein to pair with a variety of sides, this crockpot chicken will not disappoint.

With just four ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights, gatherings, or meal prepping for the week. It’s flavorful, easy to make, and always a crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken

1. Minimal Prep Time

All you need to do is toss the chicken and sauce into the crockpot and let it do the work. No marinating, no complicated steps—just set the crockpot and let the slow cooking take care of the rest.

2. Perfect for Meal Prep

Once cooked, this chicken can be used in various meals throughout the week. Use it in sandwiches, wraps, salads, or as a topping for rice or mashed potatoes. The possibilities are endless!

3. Tender, Shredded Chicken

The beauty of slow cooking is that it makes the chicken incredibly tender. After a few hours in the crockpot, the chicken will be so tender it practically shreds itself. This is perfect for BBQ sandwiches, tacos, or even as a topping for pizza.

4. Delicious BBQ Flavor

Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ Sauce is known for its rich, tangy, and sweet flavor, which perfectly complements the chicken. It creates a deliciously sticky coating that makes every bite savory and satisfying.

Ingredients for Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken

This recipe is as easy as it gets with just four key ingredients:

Main Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 to 2 pounds)
• 1 bottle Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ Sauce (approximately 18 oz, or use your favorite BBQ sauce)
• 1/4 cup chicken broth (or water, to keep it moist)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional, for extra depth of flavor)

Optional Add-ins for Extra Flavor:

• 1 tablespoon brown sugar (for a sweeter finish)
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (for a smoky twist)
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (for extra savory depth)
• Chopped onions or bell peppers (for more texture and flavor)

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of your crockpot. If the breasts are thick, you can slice them in half to help them cook evenly. For a quicker cook time, you can also use chicken thighs if preferred.

Step 2: Add the BBQ Sauce

Pour the Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce over the chicken breasts, making sure the chicken is fully coated. If you want a slightly sweeter or more flavorful sauce, you can add a tablespoon of brown sugar or a dash of Worcestershire sauce at this point. The Worcestershire sauce adds a slight tang and richness to the overall flavor.

Step 3: Add Chicken Broth

Pour 1/4 cup of chicken broth around the edges of the chicken in the crockpot. This helps to keep the chicken moist and allows the BBQ sauce to mix with the juices. You can also use water if you don’t have chicken broth on hand.

Step 4: Cook in the Crockpot

Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for 6-7 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and can be easily shredded with a fork.

Step 5: Shred the Chicken

Once the chicken is cooked through, remove the chicken from the crockpot and place it on a plate. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir it into the BBQ sauce for more flavor. Let it sit on warm for a few minutes to absorb the sauce.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the shredded chicken on sandwich rolls, tacos, salads, or alongside some creamy coleslaw or cornbread. You can also use it as a topping for pizza or in a wrap. If desired, garnish with extra chopped cilantro or pickles for added flavor.

Tips for Success

• Don’t overcook the chicken: While the slow cooker is forgiving, overcooking can result in dry chicken. Check it towards the end of the cooking time to make sure it’s still juicy.
• Add veggies: For a more complete meal, toss in some chopped onions, bell peppers, or even corn to cook with the chicken in the crockpot.
• Use chicken thighs: If you want even juicier chicken, try using boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts. They stay tender and flavorful after slow cooking.
• Shred the chicken easily: If you have a stand mixer, you can use the paddle attachment to shred the chicken quickly once it’s cooked.

Serving Suggestions

These Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken tenders can be used in many ways:

• BBQ Chicken Sandwiches: Pile the shredded chicken on a toasted bun, add some coleslaw, and you’ve got the perfect sandwich.
• Chicken Tacos: Scoop the chicken onto soft tortillas, and top with avocado, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.
• Chicken Wraps: Wrap the shredded chicken with lettuce, cheese, and a drizzle of ranch dressing in a tortilla.
• Over Rice: Serve the chicken and sauce over a bed of steamed rice or quinoa for a filling, balanced meal.
• Salads: Top your salad with the shredded chicken for a hearty, protein-packed salad.

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FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. However, it’s recommended to cook them on low heat for about 8 hours to ensure they cook thoroughly. For food safety, it’s best to cook frozen chicken directly in the crockpot, not at a high temperature.

2. How do I store leftover chicken?

Store leftover shredded chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. It also freezes well for up to 2-3 months. Simply reheat in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of BBQ sauce if needed.

3. Can I make this recipe without BBQ sauce?

Yes, you can try using a different sauce like buffalo sauce, teriyaki sauce, or even a creamy ranch sauce for a different flavor profile.

4. Can I add more vegetables to the crockpot?

Absolutely! Feel free to add onions, bell peppers, carrots, or even corn to the crockpot. They’ll cook alongside the chicken and absorb the BBQ flavor.

5. What should I serve with this chicken?

This chicken pairs well with sides like coleslaw, cornbread, roasted vegetables, or potato salad for a comforting, classic meal.

6. Can I cook the chicken on high in the crockpot?

Yes! If you’re short on time, you can cook the chicken on high for 3-4 hours. Just be sure to check the chicken’s internal temperature to make sure it’s fully cooked.

7. Can I use a different brand of BBQ sauce?

Yes! If you don’t have Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ Sauce, you can use your favorite brand or homemade BBQ sauce. Each will bring a slightly different flavor, but it will still be delicious!

8. Can I use this chicken in other recipes?

Absolutely! This shredded BBQ chicken can be used in a variety of recipes, such as BBQ chicken pizza, BBQ chicken pasta, or BBQ chicken nachos.

9. Can I make this recipe spicy?

Yes! You can make it spicier by adding hot sauce, jalapeños, or even a little chili powder to the BBQ sauce.

10. How do I make this a healthier version?

To make it lighter, you can use skinless chicken breasts, and opt for a sugar-free BBQ sauce. You can also serve it with salad greens instead of bread for a low-carb option.