Sweet Baby Rays Crockpot Chicken Recipe

Tender Crockpot Chicken Recipe with Sweet Baby Ray’s Magic

Chicken becomes irresistibly tender when slow-cooked with sweet baby rays sauce, creating a mouthwatering main dish that practically melts in your mouth.

Southern home kitchens have long celebrated these magical crockpot combinations that simplify weeknight dinners.

Busy people adore recipes promising maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Rich barbecue notes infuse every succulent bite, making this meal a crowd pleaser.

Tangy and sweet elements merge perfectly during the slow cooking process.

Minimal prep means you can toss ingredients together and walk away, letting the crockpot work its magic.

Grab a fork and get ready to savor a seriously delicious dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds.

How To Make Sweet Baby Rays Crockpot Chicken

Step 1: Prep the Protein

Place chicken breasts or thighs at the bottom of your trusty slow cooker, creating a perfect base for a mouthwatering meal.

Step 2: Whip Up the Flavor Explosion

Grab a mixing bowl and combine these tasty ingredients:
  • Sweet Baby Ray's barbecue sauce
  • Honey
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Apple cider vinegar
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Freshly ground black pepper

Mix everything until the sauce looks smooth and irresistible.

Step 3: Create the Saucy Bath

Pour the flavor-packed sauce all over the chicken, making sure every piece gets a delicious coating. Gently toss the chicken to ensure total sauce coverage.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover your crockpot and let the magic happen:
  • Cook on low for 6-7 hours
  • Or cook on high for 3-4 hours

The chicken is ready when it falls apart easily with a fork.

Step 5: Shred and Stir

Using two forks, shred the chicken right in the crockpot. Stir the meat around so it gets completely drenched in that amazing sauce.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Pile the saucy chicken onto soft buns, spread over fluffy rice, or wrap it up in tortillas. Get ready for a flavor explosion that’ll make everyone at the table super happy!

Pro Tips For Sweet Baby Rays Crockpot Chicken

  • Sauce Customization: Swap Sweet Baby Rays with your favorite barbecue sauce to personalize the flavor profile and match your taste preferences.
  • Honey Hack: Skip the honey for a less sweet version or use maple syrup as a delicious alternative that adds depth to the sauce.
  • Spice It Up: Sprinkle red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne for those who enjoy a spicy kick to their chicken.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the chicken in advance and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making meal planning a breeze.
  • Diet-Friendly Twist: Use gluten-free barbecue sauce and serve over cauliflower rice for a low-carb, keto-friendly option that doesn't compromise on taste.

How To Store Sweet Baby Rays Crockpot Chicken Properly

  • Refrigerate leftover Sweet Baby Rays Crockpot Chicken in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Keep the shredded chicken moist by storing it with some extra sauce.
  • Freeze portions in sealed freezer bags for convenient meal prep, lasting up to 3 months.
  • When reheating, warm gently in the microwave or skillet, adding a splash of barbecue sauce to prevent drying out.
  • For best taste and texture, thaw frozen chicken overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Tasty Sides For Sweet Baby Rays Crockpot Chicken

  • Craft a Tangy Slaw Companion: Prepare a crisp coleslaw with apple cider vinegar and fresh herbs to cut through the sweet and rich barbecue chicken, providing a refreshing contrast.
  • Pair with Creamy Cornbread: Serve alongside a soft, buttery cornbread that absorbs the delicious barbecue sauce and complements the tender chicken's flavor profile.
  • Match with Crisp Amber Ale: Select a locally brewed amber ale with subtle caramel notes that harmonizes perfectly with the sweet and smoky barbecue sauce, enhancing the overall dining experience.
  • Cool Down with Cucumber Salad: Whip up a light cucumber salad dressed with dill and a touch of Greek yogurt to balance the richness of the Sweet Baby Rays chicken and add a cool, refreshing element.

New Twists For Sweet Baby Rays Crockpot Chicken

  • Spicy Southwest Sensation: Add diced jalapeños, chipotle peppers, and a dash of cayenne to the barbecue sauce for a fiery kick that transforms the classic recipe.
  • Caribbean Jerk Fusion: Replace Sweet Baby Rays with jerk sauce, mix in coconut milk, and sprinkle allspice to create a tropical-inspired chicken dish bursting with island flavors.
  • Tangy Mustard Remix: Swap half the barbecue sauce with Dijon mustard, include some brown sugar, and mix in apple cider vinegar for a zesty, complex flavor profile that elevates the original recipe.
  • Asian-Inspired Chicken Escape: Incorporate soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil into the sauce, then garnish with green onions and sesame seeds for an unexpected culinary journey that brings new excitement to the crockpot classic.

Sweet Baby Rays Crockpot Chicken FAQs

FAQs for Sweet Baby Rays Crockpot Chicken:

  • What makes Sweet Baby Ray's barbecue sauce special for this recipe?

Sweet Baby Ray’s has a rich, tangy flavor that caramelizes perfectly in the crockpot, creating a mouthwatering sauce that infuses deep flavor into the chicken.

  • Can I use chicken breasts or thighs for this recipe?

Both work great! Chicken breasts will be leaner, while thighs offer more moisture and richness. Just adjust cooking time slightly for thicker or thinner cuts.

  • Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! This chicken stays moist and flavorful for several days, making it perfect for quick lunches, dinner, or easy meal planning throughout the week.

  • How can I make this recipe less sweet if I want?

Simply reduce the honey or use a less sweet barbecue sauce. You can also add a splash of apple cider vinegar to balance the sweetness and add a tangy kick.

Why Sweet Baby Rays Crockpot Chicken Is A Go-To Dinner

  • Effortless Cooking: Crockpot method requires minimal prep, letting you toss ingredients and walk away while delicious chicken cooks itself.
  • Quick Weeknight Winner: Minimal ingredients and simple steps make this recipe perfect for busy families needing fast, tasty meals in under an hour.
  • Versatile Serving Options: Shredded chicken works brilliantly on buns, rice, or wraps, giving you multiple meal possibilities with one easy recipe.
  • Kid and Crowd-Pleaser: Sweet Baby Ray's barbecue sauce guarantees a crowd-pleasing flavor that even picky eaters will love, making mealtime stress-free.

Everything You Need For Sweet Baby Rays Crockpot Chicken

Protein:
  • Chicken: The star of the dish, providing a tender and flavorful base for the recipe. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for easy shredding.
Sauce Components:
  • Sweet Baby Rays Barbecue Sauce: Adds a classic sweet and tangy flavor to the chicken. The brand brings a rich, well-known barbecue taste.
  • Honey: Enhances the sweetness and helps create a glossy sauce coating. Optional but recommended for extra depth.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: Provides a complex, umami undertone to the dish. Adds depth and richness to the overall flavor profile.
  • Vinegar: Balances the sweetness and adds a slight tang to the sauce. Helps tenderize the chicken.
Seasoning Blend:
  • Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Black Pepper: Create a balanced seasoning mix that complements the barbecue sauce. Adds warmth and subtle background flavors to the chicken.
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Sweet Baby Rays Crockpot Chicken Recipe

Sweet Baby Rays Crockpot Chicken Recipe


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4.6 from 10 reviews

  • Total Time: 6 hours 5 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Slow-cooker magic turns Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken into a mouthwatering meal that sings with tangy barbecue flavor. Tender chicken bathes in signature sauce, promising a simple yet irresistible dinner you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 2 pounds (907 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)

Sauce and Sweeteners:

  • 1.5 cups (360 milliliters) Sweet Baby Rays Barbecue Sauce
  • ¼ cup (60 milliliters) honey (optional, for extra sweetness)
  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) apple cider vinegar

Seasonings:

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Arrange raw chicken pieces in the crockpot base, ensuring they are evenly distributed without overcrowding.
  2. Create a flavor-packed sauce by whisking together barbecue sauce, honey, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper in a mixing bowl until thoroughly combined.
  3. Gently cascade the prepared sauce over the chicken, using a spatula to ensure each piece receives an even coating.
  4. Secure the crockpot lid and set the temperature to low, allowing the chicken to slowly transform and tenderize for approximately 6-7 hours.
  5. Once cooking time concludes, verify the chicken’s doneness by checking that it pulls apart effortlessly with minimal resistance.
  6. Using two forks, methodically break down the chicken into succulent, bite-sized shreds, simultaneously mixing the meat with the rich, caramelized sauce.
  7. For serving, pile the saucy shredded chicken onto soft hamburger buns, nestle over fluffy rice, or wrap inside warm tortillas for a versatile meal.

Notes

  • Sauce Customization: Experiment with different Sweet Baby Ray’s flavors like honey, original, or spicy to create unique taste profiles.
  • Fat Reduction: Use skinless chicken breasts or lean chicken thighs to lower the fat content while maintaining juicy, tender meat.
  • Spice Level Adjustment: Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce for extra heat, or reduce black pepper for a milder flavor.
  • Meal Prep Friendly: This recipe freezes beautifully in portions, making it perfect for quick weeknight meals or batch cooking.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 hours
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 28g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg
Dave Mitchell

Dave Mitchell

Founder & Chief Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Grilling Techniques and Innovations​
  • Recipe Development and Testing
  • Culinary Education and Workshops​
  • Food Photography and Styling

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and menu planning, with a special emphasis on grilling and outdoor cooking. ​


Dave Mitchell is the heart behind Daves Grill, a cook, writer, and lover of all things grilled. He studied Culinary Arts at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and spent years cooking, testing, and sharing recipes that actually work.

Dave started Daves Grill to keep things simple: one great recipe at a time. His food is bold, easy to follow, and made for real people with regular kitchens. From juicy steaks to quick sides, Dave’s recipes bring the heat without the hassle.

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