CROCKPOT SWEET BABY RAY’S CHICKEN – omarezepte24

I can still remember the first time my sister, Sarah, brought a dish to our family barbecue that had everyone raving. It was the stickiest, sweetest, most flavorful chicken I’d ever tasted, and the secret ingredient turned out to be a bottle of Sweet Baby Ray’s. That’s when I discovered the magic of the Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken Recipe, and it’s been a family favorite ever since! Today, I’m sharing all my secrets for the most amazing Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken Recipe you’ll ever make – get ready to fall in love!

Why You’ll Adore This Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken

Okay, friend, let’s be real. We’re all busy. And sometimes, the thought of spending hours in the kitchen just isn’t appealing. That’s where the glorious crockpot comes in, and this Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken is the epitome of easy, delicious comfort food. You’re going to love this recipe because:

• It’s ridiculously easy: Seriously, dump-and-go doesn’t even begin to describe it.
• The flavor is incredible: Sweet, tangy, smoky – it’s a symphony in your mouth!
• It’s versatile: Serve it on buns, over rice, in salads, or even on baked potatoes. The possibilities are endless!
• It’s a crowd-pleaser: Kids and adults alike gobble this stuff up.
• It’s budget-friendly: Chicken thighs are an economical choice, and the other ingredients are pantry staples.

The Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to create this masterpiece. Don’t worry, it’s a short and sweet list!

• Chicken Thighs: About 2-3 pounds, boneless, skinless. You can use bone-in, skin-on thighs, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time and shred the chicken off the bone after cooking. I prefer boneless, skinless because it’s just so darn convenient.
• Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ Sauce: The star of the show! Use your favorite flavor, but the original is a classic for a reason. You’ll need about 1 1/2 to 2 cups.
• Brown Sugar: About 1/4 cup, packed. This adds extra sweetness and helps create a beautiful, sticky glaze.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: 2 tablespoons. This adds a touch of tanginess that balances the sweetness perfectly. Don’t skip it!
• Worcestershire Sauce: 1 tablespoon. This adds a savory depth of flavor that you won’t get anywhere else.
• Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon. Because everything’s better with garlic!
• Onion Powder: 1 teaspoon. For that subtle oniony goodness.
• Smoked Paprika: 1/2 teaspoon. This adds a lovely smoky flavor that complements the BBQ sauce beautifully.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Making Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken

Alright, let’s get cooking! Follow these easy steps, and you’ll have delicious Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken in no time.

1. Prep the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This helps them brown better and absorb the flavors of the sauce.
2. Season the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the chicken thighs, making sure both sides are coated.
3. Combine the Sauce Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. Give it a good whisk until the brown sugar is mostly dissolved. It should smell absolutely divine!
4. Layer in the Crockpot: Place the seasoned chicken thighs in the bottom of your crockpot in a single layer. If they overlap slightly, that’s okay.
5. Pour the Sauce: Pour the BBQ sauce mixture evenly over the chicken thighs, making sure they’re all nicely coated.
6. Cook on Low: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken is done when it’s easily shredded with a fork. The aroma filling your kitchen will be intoxicating!
7. Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, use two forks to shred it right in the crockpot. The chicken should fall apart with almost no effort.
8. Simmer in Sauce: Stir the shredded chicken into the sauce and let it simmer for another 15-20 minutes. This allows the chicken to absorb even more of that delicious BBQ flavor. The sauce will thicken slightly and become even more luscious.
9. Serve and Enjoy: Serve your Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken on buns, over rice, in salads, or however you like! Garnish with your favorite toppings, such as coleslaw, pickles, or sliced onions.

Success Tips for the Best Crockpot Chicken

Want to guarantee perfect Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken every time? Here are my top tips!

• Don’t Overcrowd the Crockpot: If your chicken thighs are packed too tightly, they won’t cook evenly. If necessary, cook in batches.
• Resist the Urge to Open the Lid: Every time you lift the lid, you release heat and moisture, which can prolong the cooking time. Leave it alone!
• Adjust the Sweetness to Your Taste: If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the amount of brown sugar. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: For perfectly cooked chicken, use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
• Thicken the Sauce (Optional): If you want a thicker sauce, you can whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Serving Suggestions: Endless Possibilities!

This Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken is incredibly versatile. Here are just a few ideas for serving it:

• BBQ Chicken Sandwiches: Pile the shredded chicken on toasted buns with your favorite toppings. Coleslaw and pickles are classic choices.
• BBQ Chicken Bowls: Serve the chicken over rice or quinoa with roasted vegetables and a drizzle of extra BBQ sauce.
• BBQ Chicken Salad: Top a bed of lettuce with shredded chicken, corn, black beans, tomatoes, avocado, and a BBQ ranch dressing.
• BBQ Chicken Baked Potatoes: Load up baked potatoes with shredded chicken, cheese, sour cream, and green onions.
• BBQ Chicken Nachos: Layer tortilla chips with shredded chicken, cheese, beans, jalapenos, and your favorite nacho toppings.

Variations to Spice Things Up

Want to put your own spin on this classic recipe? Here are a few variations to try:

• Spicy BBQ Chicken: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
• Honey BBQ Chicken: Replace the brown sugar with honey for a different kind of sweetness.
• Pineapple BBQ Chicken: Add a can of crushed pineapple to the sauce for a tropical twist.
• Dr. Pepper BBQ Chicken: Substitute some of the BBQ sauce with Dr. Pepper for a unique flavor.
• Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken: If you are looking for something a little different, you might like to try Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken for a sweet and savory alternative.

Make it a Meal: Side Dish Ideas

Complete your Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken feast with these delicious side dishes:

• Coleslaw: A classic BBQ side dish that’s always a hit.
• Corn on the Cob: Grilled, boiled, or roasted, corn on the cob is a perfect complement to BBQ chicken.
• Baked Beans: Sweet and smoky baked beans are a must-have for any BBQ meal.
• Potato Salad: Creamy and flavorful potato salad is another classic choice.
• Macaroni and Cheese: Cheesy and comforting, macaroni and cheese is always a crowd-pleaser.
• Green Salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing adds a refreshing touch.

Other Delicious Crockpot Chicken Recipes

If you love this Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken, you’ll definitely want to try these other amazing crockpot chicken recipes:

• Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta: For a creamy and flavorful pasta dish, try Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta. It’s easy to make and packed with flavor.
• CrockPot Chicken Tortellini: Another pasta option is CrockPot Chicken Tortellini, a dump-and-done recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
• Shredded Chicken Crockpot BBQ: Similar to this recipe but with slight variations, Shredded Chicken Crockpot BBQ is another excellent choice for BBQ lovers.
• Crock Pot Chicken & Rice: For a comforting and complete meal, try Crock Pot Chicken & Rice. It’s a simple and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a family dinner. If you are looking for something a little faster you can also try this Creamy Chicken & Rice.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (which is unlikely!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave until heated through, or warm it up in a saucepan over medium heat. You can also freeze the leftovers for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can! However, chicken breasts tend to dry out more easily than thighs, so I recommend reducing the cooking time to 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high. Also, be sure to check the internal temperature to avoid overcooking. Remember, 165°F (74°C) is the magic number!

Can I make this in an Instant Pot?

Absolutely! To make this in an Instant Pot, combine all the ingredients in the pot. Cook on high pressure for 15-20 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release for 10 minutes. Then, release any remaining pressure manually. Shred the chicken and simmer in the sauce for a few minutes before serving. It’s a super quick and easy way to get the same delicious flavor!

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free BBQ sauce and Worcestershire sauce. Always check the labels to be sure!

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can easily double the recipe to feed a larger crowd. Just make sure your crockpot is large enough to accommodate all the ingredients. You may need to slightly increase the cooking time.

Conclusion: Enjoy Your Delicious Crockpot Chicken!

There you have it – the ultimate Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken recipe! I hope you enjoy this as much as my family and I do. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion. So, fire up that crockpot, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a taste of BBQ heaven!

Crockpot Sweet Baby Ray’s Chicken

Amelia

This Crockpot Sweet Baby Ray’s Chicken recipe is a ridiculously easy and flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a sweet, tangy, and smoky chicken that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Serve it on buns, over rice, or in salads for a versatile and delicious meal.

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 6 hours hrs

Total Time 6 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 450 kcal

• 2-3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 ½ to 2 cups Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce
• ¼ cup packed brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• Buns, rice, salad greens, or baked potatoes for serving optional
• Coleslaw, pickles, sliced onions for garnish optional

• Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels.

• In a bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

• Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the chicken thighs, coating both sides.

• In a separate bowl, whisk together Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce until the brown sugar is mostly dissolved.

• Place the seasoned chicken thighs in the bottom of your crockpot in a single layer.

• Pour the BBQ sauce mixture evenly over the chicken thighs, making sure they’re all nicely coated.

• Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is easily shredded with a fork.

• Once the chicken is cooked, use two forks to shred it right in the crockpot.

• Stir the shredded chicken into the sauce and let it simmer for another 15-20 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb more flavor and the sauce to thicken slightly.

• Serve your Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken on buns, over rice, in salads, or however you like.

• Garnish with your favorite toppings, such as coleslaw, pickles, or sliced onions.

For a thicker sauce, whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking. To adjust the sweetness, reduce the amount of brown sugar. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or frozen for up to 2-3 months. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).