Sweet Baby Ray’s Crock Pot Chicken is a simple and flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. This recipe uses Sweet Baby Ray’s Barbecue Sauce, combined with a few additional ingredients to create a savory, tangy, and slightly sweet chicken dish. Let’s dive into this easy-to-follow recipe step-by-step.
Ingredients
- 4-6 pieces boneless skinless chicken breasts, thawed
- 1 18 oz. bottle of Sweet Baby Ray’s Barbecue Sauce
- 1/4 cup vinegar
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Place Chicken in Crock Pot:
- Arrange the thawed boneless skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of your crock pot in a single layer.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
- Combine Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, mix together the entire bottle of Sweet Baby Ray’s Barbecue Sauce, 1/4 cup of vinegar, 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder. Stir until well combined.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
- Pour Sauce Over Chicken:
- Pour the prepared barbecue sauce mixture over the chicken breasts in the crock pot, ensuring that each piece is well coated with the sauce.
- Cook:
- Cover the crock pot with its lid and cook the chicken on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken (Optional)
- Shred Chicken:
- If desired, once the chicken is cooked, remove the breasts from the crock pot and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crock pot and mix it with the sauce.
Step 5: Serve
- Serve Hot:
- Serve the Sweet Baby Ray’s Crock Pot Chicken hot, straight from the crock pot. It can be enjoyed on its own, in sandwiches, on salads, or with your favorite sides.
Cooking Notes and Tips
- Chicken: You can use chicken thighs instead of breasts if preferred. Adjust the cooking time as needed.
- Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar adds a nice tang, but white vinegar works just as well.
- Adjusting Spice: For a milder dish, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes. For extra heat, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
Variations
Honey BBQ Chicken
- Add Honey:
- Stir in 1/4 cup of honey to the barbecue sauce mixture for a sweeter flavor.
Pineapple BBQ Chicken
- Add Pineapple:
- Add 1 cup of crushed pineapple (drained) to the barbecue sauce mixture for a tropical twist.
BBQ Ranch Chicken
- Add Ranch Seasoning:
- Mix in 1 tablespoon of ranch seasoning mix to the barbecue sauce mixture for a tangy and herby flavor.
Serving Suggestions
With Sides
- With Coleslaw:
- Serve with a side of creamy coleslaw for a classic pairing.
- With Cornbread:
- Pair with warm cornbread for a comforting meal.
With Beverages
- With Iced Tea:
- Enjoy with a glass of sweet iced tea for a refreshing drink.
- With Beer:
- Serve with a cold beer, such as a lager or ale, for a great combination.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the sauce and marinate the chicken in the refrigerator overnight. Cook in the crock pot the next day as directed.
Q: How do I store leftovers? A: Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.
Q: Can I freeze this dish? A: Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken. Let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Q: Can I use a different barbecue sauce? A: Yes, you can use your favorite barbecue sauce, but Sweet Baby Ray’s provides a distinct and popular flavor for this dish.
Q: What if I don’t have a crock pot? A: You can bake the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes or until fully cooked, covered with the barbecue sauce mixture.
Sweet Baby Ray’s Crock Pot Chicken is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its tender chicken and flavorful barbecue sauce, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try one of the variations, this crock pot chicken is always a hit. Enjoy making and sharing this delightful dish with your family and friends!