Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken

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Rich, sticky, and irresistibly savory—Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken is a comfort food classic that melts in your mouth with every bite. The chicken is slow-cooked to perfection, soaking in all the bold flavors of Sweet Baby Ray’s barbecue sauce, garlic, and a touch of brown sugar. It’s the kind of dish that turns a regular weekday into something worth gathering around the table for.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just craving something sweet and smoky, this dish checks all the boxes. It’s hearty, satisfying, and incredibly easy to make with minimal prep time. Best of all, the crockpot does most of the work while you go about your day.

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Ingredients for this Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for extra juiciness)
• 1 ½ cups Sweet Baby Ray’s Barbecue Sauce
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: chopped parsley for garnish

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Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. This base seasoning helps build a rich flavor profile that complements the sauce beautifully. If you prefer extra tender and juicy results, you can lightly sear the chicken in a hot skillet for 1–2 minutes per side, though it’s completely optional.

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Step 2: Mix the Sauce

In a medium bowl, combine the Sweet Baby Ray’s Barbecue Sauce with brown sugar and apple cider vinegar. Stir until everything is well incorporated. This mix strikes a perfect balance between sweet, tangy, and smoky.

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Step 3: Add to Crockpot

Place the seasoned chicken into the bottom of the crockpot. Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken, making sure each piece is well-coated. Use a spoon to spread the sauce if necessary.

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Step 4: Slow Cook It

Set your crockpot to low and cook for 4–6 hours, or set it to high and cook for 2–3 hours. The chicken should be tender enough to shred easily with a fork. Avoid overcooking to keep the meat juicy.

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Step 5: Finish and Serve

Once cooked, give the sauce a good stir. You can serve the chicken whole or shred it and mix it back into the sauce. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if you like. Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, roasted vegetables, or sandwich buns.

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Storage Instructions

Refrigerator:
Let the chicken cool to room temperature before storing. Transfer leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through.

Freezer:
Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken freezes beautifully. Portion the chicken (shredded or whole) into freezer-safe bags or containers with some of the sauce. Label and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

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Estimated Nutrition (per serving, based on 4 servings)

• Calories: 380 kcal
• Protein: 32g
• Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Sugar: 24g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 850mg

Note: Nutrition may vary based on the specific barbecue sauce and chicken used.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, but it’s safer to thaw it first. Using frozen chicken can result in uneven cooking in a crockpot.

2. What’s the best chicken cut for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs both work well. Thighs tend to be more moist and flavorful.

3. Can I make this in an Instant Pot?

Definitely. Use the “Poultry” or “Pressure Cook” setting and cook on high for about 10 minutes, followed by a natural release.

4. Is it possible to make this spicier?

Absolutely! Add red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or a pinch of cayenne to the sauce mix.

5. What should I serve it with?

Mashed potatoes, steamed rice, roasted veggies, or use it as a sandwich or slider filling.

6. Can I double the recipe?

Yes! Just make sure your crockpot has enough room. You may need to increase cook time slightly.

7. How can I thicken the sauce?

If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking or stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water).

8. Is Sweet Baby Ray’s sauce gluten-free?

Most versions are gluten-free, but always check the label to be sure, especially if cooking for someone with sensitivities.

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