The Best Sweet Baby Rays Crockpot Chicken Recipe for Tender Bites

Slow-cooking delivers mouthwatering magic with this sweet Baby Ray’s crockpot chicken that melts right off the bone.

Tender chicken transforms into a delectable meal with minimal effort.

Every bite promises a burst of tangy, sweet flavor that makes dinner feel like a celebration.

The secret weapon?

sweet Baby rays barbecue sauce, which coats each piece of chicken with irresistible goodness.

Simple ingredients come together effortlessly in your crockpot, creating a meal that feels both comforting and exciting.

You’ll love how this recipe turns ordinary chicken into a restaurant-worthy dish without hours of preparation.

Minimal work yields maximum flavor, making this the perfect weeknight dinner solution.

Prepare to savor every delicious forkful of this crowd-pleasing chicken creation.

What Makes Sweet Baby Rays Crockpot Chicken Special

• Boost Nutrition Fast: Packed with lean protein from chicken and a rainbow of vegetables, this dish delivers essential nutrients in one delicious meal.
• Master One-Pan Magic: Simplify cooking with minimal cleanup by using just two pans, making this recipe perfect for busy home cooks who want maximum flavor with minimal effort.
• Customize Your Feast: Easily swap vegetables or add your favorite spices to personalize the stir-fry, creating a flexible meal that adapts to your taste preferences and pantry ingredients.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Prepare a wholesome dinner in under an hour, balancing nutritious ingredients with speedy cooking techniques that satisfy hunger and save precious evening time.

Ingredients Needed For Sweet Baby Rays Chicken

• Chicken: Protein base of the recipe that becomes tender and flavorful when slow-cooked.
• Sweet Baby Rays Barbecue Sauce: Signature sauce that provides rich, sweet, and tangy flavor to the chicken.

• White Vinegar, Red Pepper Flakes, Brown Sugar, Garlic Powder: Ingredients that enhance and balance the barbecue sauce's flavor profile with tanginess, heat, sweetness, and savory notes.

• Crockpot: Slow cooking appliance that ensures chicken becomes tender and absorbs the sauce's delicious flavors.

Step-By-Step Crockpot Chicken Instructions

Step 1: Whip Up Flavor-Packed Sauce

Create a delectable sauce by combining Sweet Baby Ray’s barbecue sauce with white vinegar, spicy red pepper flakes, rich brown sugar, and aromatic garlic powder in a mixing bowl. Stir the ingredients until they blend into a harmonious mixture that promises mouthwatering flavor.

Step 2: Nestle Chicken In Slow Cooker

Gently place chicken pieces into the crockpot, ensuring they are spread evenly. Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken, making sure every piece gets completely coated with the tangy mixture.

Pro tip: Set aside a small portion of sauce for a final glaze.

Step 3: Transform Into Tender Deliciousness

Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat.

Allow the chicken to cook slowly for 4-6 hours, letting the flavors meld and the meat become incredibly tender. For smaller chicken portions, aim for around 5 hours of cooking time.

Check the chicken’s doneness at the 4-hour mark by testing its internal temperature and texture.

Step 4: Elevate With Final Glaze

Once the chicken reaches perfect tenderness, remove from the slow cooker.

Brush the reserved sauce over the chicken to add an extra layer of glossy, bold flavor. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the succulent, fall-apart meat with its irresistible barbecue coating.

Expert Guidance For Perfect Crockpot Chicken

• Add a splash of apple cider vinegar to the sauce for deeper, tangy notes that complement the Sweet Baby Ray's barbecue sauce.
• Cover chicken completely with sauce and avoid lifting the crockpot lid during cooking to retain moisture and ensure tender meat.
• Adjust red pepper flakes based on spice preference – reduce for mild or increase for a fiery kick that suits your taste buds.
• If sauce seems thin, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with the reserved sauce before glazing to create a thicker, glossier coating.
• Shred the cooked chicken for versatile leftovers like sandwiches, tacos, or salad topping, extending your meal's potential.

Creative Twists To Try On Crockpot Chicken

• Spicy Honey BBQ Chicken: Replace Sweet Baby Rays with honey barbecue sauce and add extra red pepper flakes for heat.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use certified gluten-free barbecue sauce and replace white vinegar with apple cider vinegar for sensitive diets.
• Herb-Infused Chicken: Mix in dried rosemary, thyme, and oregano to the sauce for an aromatic Mediterranean-style flavor profile.
• Healthier Lean Version: Substitute chicken thighs with skinless chicken breasts and use a low-sugar barbecue sauce to reduce calories.

Best Foods To Pair With Crockpot Chicken

• Pair with Tangy Coleslaw: Crisp, creamy coleslaw cuts through the rich barbecue flavors, adding a refreshing crunch that balances the sweet and spicy chicken.
• Complement with Corn Bread: Soft, buttery cornbread soaks up the delicious sauce, providing a perfect side that enhances the meal's southern-style comfort.
• Match with Craft Beer: A hoppy IPA or amber ale brings out the barbecue sauce's complex flavors, creating a harmonious taste experience that elevates the chicken's sweetness.
• Serve with Grilled Vegetables: Charred zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus add a smoky depth that complements the chicken's barbecue sauce, creating a well-rounded plate.

Tips To Store Crockpot Chicken Properly

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Wrap chicken tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags. Freeze for maximum 3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place chicken in microwave-safe dish. Add 2 tablespoons of extra sauce to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken in baking dish, cover with foil. Add splash of sauce to maintain moisture. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

• What BBQ sauce works best for this recipe?

Sweet Baby Ray’s is recommended for its rich, tangy flavor, but you can use any quality barbecue sauce that you enjoy.

• Can I use frozen chicken in the crockpot?

Yes, but add an extra 1-2 hours of cooking time and ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

• How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?

Cooking on low heat and not overcooking are key. Use chicken thighs or legs for more moisture, and check doneness around the 4-5 hour mark.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The red pepper flakes add a mild kick, but you can reduce or omit them for a milder version. The brown sugar helps balance any heat.

Sweet Baby Rays Crockpot Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Succulent Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken delivers mouthwatering comfort with minimal effort. Juicy chicken thighs bathe in tangy barbecue sauce, creating a simple yet irresistible meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken:

• 4 to 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or chicken legs)

Sauce Base:

• 1 18-ounce (510 grams) bottle Sweet Baby Rays Original Barbecue Sauce

Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) white vinegar
• 1/4 cup (50 grams) brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

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Instructions

1. Whisk barbecue sauce, white vinegar, red pepper flakes, brown sugar, and garlic powder in a mixing bowl until ingredients are thoroughly combined and smooth.
2. Transfer chicken into the crockpot, creating an even layer at the bottom of the cooking vessel.
3. Carefully pour the prepared sauce over the chicken, ensuring each piece is completely saturated and well-coated with the seasoned mixture.
4. Cover and set crockpot to low temperature, allowing chicken to slowly simmer and tenderize for approximately 5 hours.
5. After 4 hours, check chicken’s internal temperature and texture to confirm doneness, using a meat thermometer to verify it reaches 165°F.
6. Remove chicken from crockpot, reserving the remaining sauce for glazing.
7. Drizzle the reserved sauce over the cooked chicken, creating a glistening and flavorful exterior that enhances the meat’s succulence.
8. Transfer glazed chicken to a serving platter, ready to be enjoyed with accompanying side dishes.

Notes

• Check chicken doneness by ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety and preventing undercooked meat.
• Customize spice levels by adjusting red pepper flakes, adding more for heat or reducing for mild flavor preferences.
• Try different Sweet Baby Ray’s barbecue sauce varieties like honey, original, or sweet and spicy for unique taste profiles.
• Shred chicken for versatile meal options like tacos, sandwiches, or salad toppings after slow cooking for maximum flavor absorption.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 hours
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 280 kcal
• Sugar: 21 g
• Sodium: 670 mg
• Fat: 3 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg