Sweet Baby Rays Crockpot Chicken
Effortless Comfort Main Dish.
Tender, flavorful shredded chicken made effortlessly in the crockpot with Sweet Baby Ray's BBQ sauce.
I remember my mom making something similar on busy school nights. The smell of barbecue would hit me the moment I walked in the door. It was like a big, warm hug after a long day. I've carried that feeling into my own kitchen. Using Sweet Baby Ray's feels like a nod to that easy, delicious comfort. It's not fussy, it's just... good. The kind of good that makes you close your eyes for a second.
Why This Recipe Feels Like a Hug
- It’s almost completely hands-off. The crockpot does all the quiet work.
- The house fills with the most amazing, smoky-sweet aroma.
- You only need a few simple things you probably already have.
- So versatile – lovely in sandwiches, on salads, or in tacos.
- That fall-apart, tender texture is just divine.
- It’s pure comfort food, plain and simple.
Oh, this is a lifesaver. I made this for a family get-together, and everyone raved. It was so tender and juicy. Honestly, the easiest 'fancy' meal I’ve ever made. It’s now on our regular rotation. Thank you for this!
Essential Ingredient Guide
- Sweet Baby Ray's BBQ Sauce: This is really the heart of the dish. It has that perfect balance of smoky and sweet that just works. Of course, you can use your family's favorite, but this one is a classic for a reason.
- Zesty Italian Dressing: This might seem like a funny addition, but trust me. It adds a little tang and a layer of herbs that cuts through the richness of the barbecue sauce. It’s a quiet little secret ingredient.
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless breasts work so well because they shred beautifully. If you prefer darker meat, thighs are also wonderful and will be extra juicy.
Complete Cooking Process
- First, just place your chicken in the slow cooker. No need to do anything fancy to it.
- Then, mix your sauce ingredients in a bowl. It feels nice to watch the colors swirl together.
- Pour that sauce right over the chicken. Try to cover it all.
- Put the lid on and walk away. This is the magic part. Let the cooker do its thing for a few hours. The smell will tell you when it’s getting close.
- Once the chicken is cooked, gently lift it out. It will be so tender.
- Shred it with two forks. It's a satisfying feeling, watching it pull apart so easily.
- Put all that shredded chicken back into the sauce and give it a stir. Let it rest for a few minutes to soak everything up. Then, it's ready.
A Few Common Questions
→Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Oh, absolutely. Chicken thighs would be delicious and extra moist. The cooking time should be about the same.
→How do I store the leftovers?
Just pop it into an airtight container and it will keep in the fridge for about 4 days. Honestly, it might even taste a little better the next day.
→Is this recipe very sweet?
It has a lovely sweetness from the brown sugar and BBQ sauce, but the Italian dressing and Worcestershire sauce add a nice balance. It’s not overly sweet, just rich and flavorful.
Sweet Baby Rays Crockpot Chicken
Make Sweet Baby Ray's crockpot chicken. This easy recipe is tender and flavorful, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy Sunday meals.
Timing
Prep Time
5 minutes
Cook Time
4-6 hours
Total Time
4 hours 5 minutes
Recipe Details
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 012 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 021 bottle (18 oz) Sweet Baby Ray's BBQ Sauce
- 031/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 041/4 cup zesty Italian dressing
- 051 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 061 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker. Just lay them flat.
In a small bowl, gently whisk together the BBQ sauce, brown sugar, Italian dressing, and Worcestershire sauce until it's all combined.
Pour this lovely sauce all over the chicken. Make sure every piece gets a little coating.
Cover and let it cook on low for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours. The chicken should be wonderfully tender.
Carefully take the chicken out and place it on a board. Using two forks, shred it. It should just fall apart.
Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and give it a good stir to soak up all that beautiful sauce.
Serve it warm on some soft buns or however you like. It's just perfect.
Notes & Tips
- 1Every slow cooker can behave a little differently, so your chicken might be done on the shorter or longer end of the time range. Just check for tenderness.
- 2If you like a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes in the sauce is a wonderful touch.
Tools You'll Need
- •6-quart Slow Cooker
- •Small mixing bowl
- •Whisk
- •Two forks (for shredding)
Must-Know Tips
- 💡Resist the urge to peek! Keeping the lid on the slow cooker traps the heat and moisture, which is key to tender chicken.
- 💡If you have a moment, toasting the buns before serving makes a world of difference for sandwiches.
- 💡Don't be afraid to let the shredded chicken sit in the sauce for a good 10-15 minutes on the 'warm' setting. It really soaks up the flavor.
Professional Secrets
- 🔥For a deeper, smokier flavor, add just a tiny drop of liquid smoke to the sauce. A little goes a very long way.
- 🔥After shredding the chicken and returning it to the pot, add a small pat of butter. It adds a silky richness to the finished sauce.
- 🔥If the sauce seems a little thin, you can remove the chicken and turn the slow cooker to high for 20-30 minutes with the lid off to let it reduce a bit before adding the chicken back in.
Serving Suggestion
This is just beautiful served on soft brioche buns with a simple coleslaw on the side. It’s also lovely over a baked potato or even just with a side of steamed green beans.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It reheats wonderfully on the stove or in the microwave.
Allergy Information
This recipe is naturally dairy-free. For a gluten-free version, please ensure your brand of BBQ sauce, Italian dressing, and Worcestershire sauce are certified gluten-free.
Nutrition information is an estimate and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. This is a recipe for comfort and enjoyment, not for strict dietary calculations.
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