Sweet Baby Rays Crockpot Chicken Recipe

If you’re looking for a hassle-free dinner option, the Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken Recipe is a great choice. With just a few ingredients, you can create a meal that’s not only easy to prepare but also packed with flavor. Simply season the chicken, mix in the barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar, and let the slow cooker do the work. This dish is perfect for sandwiches or salads, and you’ll want to know more about its history and variations.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

When you’re looking for a meal that’s not only easy to make but also delicious, this crockpot chicken recipe is a fantastic choice. You’ll love how quick it’s to prepare—just five minutes! Plus, it requires minimal ingredients, making shopping simple. You can even use frozen chicken breasts for added convenience. The slow-cooking method guarantees the chicken turns out tender and juicy, perfect for shredding. Sweet Baby Rays sauce is a favorite among many users, adding an incredible flavor to the dish. Serve it in so many ways, like sandwiches, salads, or with macaroni and cheese. This recipe adapts easily to your taste; feel free to add your favorite spices. It’s family-friendly, great for meal planning, and any leftovers can be used in various dishes, so you’ll always have something tasty on hand.

History

The history of Sweet Baby Ray’s barbecue sauce is a fascinating journey that began with a family recipe created by Larry Raymond in the early 1980s. With a modest $2,000 investment, Larry worked hard to perfect the sauce by consulting chefs and testing recipes. He initially shared the sauce as Christmas gifts, receiving requests for more from friends and family. In 1982, Sweet Baby Ray’s entered Mike Royko’s Rib Fest, but it wasn’t until 1985 that they achieved significant success, winning second place among 700 competitors. This victory led to the company’s incorporation in 1986. The Raymond brothers engaged with their community through cooking demos, helping the brand grow rapidly, eventually capturing a notable market share in barbecue sauce. Their commitment to using high-quality ingredients has set Sweet Baby Ray’s apart from its competitors.

Recipe

This delicious crockpot chicken recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings, as it requires minimal effort while packing a flavorful punch. With tender, shredded chicken coated in a rich barbecue sauce, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table. The combination of Sweet Baby Ray’s Original barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar creates a mouthwatering glaze that elevates the simple chicken breasts to a whole new level.

To make this dish even easier, you can prep the ingredients the night before and store them in the refrigerator. Simply assemble everything in the crockpot in the morning, and by dinner time, you’ll have a warm, comforting meal ready to enjoy. Serve it with your favorite sides, such as coleslaw or cornbread, for a complete and satisfying dinner.

Ingredients:
– 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
– 1½ cups Sweet Baby Ray’s Original barbecue sauce, divided
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– ¼ cup light brown sugar, packed
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– Onion powder to taste
– Finely chopped parsley for garnish

Cooking Instructions:
1. Season the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to taste.
2. In a bowl, combine 1 cup of Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar. Mix until well combined.
3. Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the crockpot and pour the BBQ sauce mixture over them, ensuring the chicken is well coated.
4. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
5. Once cooked, shred the chicken using two forks and return it to the crockpot, mixing it with the sauce.
6. For added flavor, remove the lid and spread the remaining ½ cup of BBQ sauce over the chicken. Cook on high, uncovered, for an additional 30-45 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken.
7. Garnish with finely chopped parsley before serving and offer the remaining sauce for dipping.

Extra Tips:
For an even richer flavor, consider marinating the chicken in the BBQ sauce mixture overnight before cooking. Additionally, you can customize the spice level by adding a dash of cayenne pepper or your favorite hot sauce to the mixture. This dish also freezes well, so you can make a double batch and store leftovers for a quick meal later on!

Final Thoughts

As you wrap up your meal planning, consider how this crockpot chicken recipe can become a staple in your kitchen. Its simplicity and flexibility make it easy to prepare, even on busy days. You only need a few ingredients, like Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce and chicken, which can be frozen. Cooking on low for 4-6 hours results in tender chicken that you can shred right in the pot. Plus, it’s versatile—serve it on buns, in baked potatoes, or as nachos. With its positive reviews and consistent results, this dish will impress your family and friends. It’s perfect for gatherings or easy weeknight dinners, ensuring you always have a delicious meal ready to go. Sweet Baby Rays BBQ sauce is a pantry staple that enhances the classic taste of BBQ chicken.

FAQ

If you have questions about making crockpot chicken, you’re not alone. Many wonder about ingredient alternatives, like using boneless skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts. You can adjust the red pepper flakes to make it spicier, too. For best results, use a 4-5 quart slow cooker and spray it with nonstick cooking spray beforehand. After mixing your sauce, cook the chicken on low for 4-6 hours. If you want a thicker sauce, cook uncovered on high for 30-45 minutes. Sweet Baby Rays Original Barbecue Sauce makes for a deliciously rich flavor that enhances the chicken. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Remember to thaw frozen chicken overnight in the fridge before reheating. Enjoy your flavorful meal!