I can’t even begin to tell you how much I adore my Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken! This dish is an absolute lifesaver for busy days when I want delicious, hearty comfort food without spending hours in the kitchen. I remember the last time I made it; I had a particularly chaotic week with work and kids’ activities. By the time dinnertime rolled around, I was utterly wiped out. But thanks to my trusty crockpot, the house was flooded with the aroma of sweet, tangy barbecue sauce that had been bubbling away all day, making my mouth water in anticipation. The best part? It took me all of 10 minutes to prep and toss everything in. If that’s not a win-win, I don’t know what is!
Now, this isn’t just any chicken recipe, folks. This one taps into the magic of Sweet Baby Ray’s barbecue sauce combined with some basic ingredients to create a flavor that’s out of this world. You might find yourself licking the plate clean (I may or may not have done this on more than one occasion). Let me share how to make this delightful meal so you can indulge in the wonders of crockpot cooking too!
What’s in Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken?
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: The sturdy base of this dish! I usually go for about 2 lbs, which is perfect for my family and ensures there are leftovers for lunch the next day.
Sweet Baby Ray’s Barbecue Sauce: This is the star of the show! I love how rich and sweet it is. It’s the secret that transforms your simple chicken into a BBQ masterpiece.
Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and flavor. I like using low-sodium broth to keep things healthier, but feel free to use whatever you have on hand!
Worcestershire Sauce: Just a tablespoon elevates the flavor profile, giving it that extra kick. It brings a nice umami element that you wouldn’t even think of!
Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: These pantry staples are the unsung heroes that add depth to the dish without much fuss.
Salt and Pepper: Always essential for seasoning. Don’t be shy, give it a sprinkle to taste!
Olive Oil: This is optional, but I love giving the chicken a quick sear before it goes into the crockpot for that added flavor boost.
Fresh Parsley: While it’s optional, a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley gives the dish a beautiful pop of color and freshness before serving.
Is Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken Good For You?
Oh, the health question! I mean, it’s chicken and all, plus it’s cooked low and slow, which is a pretty fantastic way to keep nutrients intact.
Chicken: A lean source of protein that’s critical for muscle health and gives you that energy to power through your day.
Sweet Baby Ray’s Barbecue Sauce: While it’s delicious, it’s also packed with sugar (since it’s BBQ sauce, after all!). Moderation is key here because the sweetness can add up quickly.
There’s definitely a nice amount of flavor here, but if you’re watching your sodium intake, you might want to keep an eye on that chicken broth and opt for low-sodium if possible.
In summary, feel free to enjoy this dish, but remember to balance it out with some veggies and lean sides for a complete meal!
Ingredients List
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 lbs)
– 1 cup Sweet Baby Ray’s Barbecue Sauce
– 1/2 cup chicken broth
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tablespoon olive oil (for browning, optional)
– Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
**Serves:** 4-6 people
How to Make Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken?
1. **Prep the Chicken:** Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Make sure to rub those spices into the chicken for a burst of flavor.
2. **Optional Browning:** In a skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil. Sear the chicken breasts for about 3-4 minutes on each side. This step is optional but adds extra flavor!
3. **Combine Ingredients in Crockpot:** Place the seasoned (and optionally browned) chicken breasts in the crockpot. Pour in the Sweet Baby Ray’s Barbecue Sauce, chicken broth, and Worcestershire sauce.
4. **Cook:** Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender and cooked through (165°F internal temperature).
5. **Shred and Coat:** After cooking, shred the chicken right in the crockpot with two forks. Stir it well to coat the shredded chicken in that delicious barbecue sauce.
6. **Serve:** Transfer the glazed chicken onto a rustic plate, and if you like, sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a touch of color.
Savor Every Bite!
You can serve this tantalizing Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken on soft hamburger buns for an easy BBQ sandwich, over fluffy rice, or alongside a fresh side of coleslaw. And let’s not forget how perfectly it can be stored away! Just pop leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days (if they last that long) or freeze for a tasty meal later. Just reheat, and you’re good to go!
I hope you give this a try and fall in love with the warmth and flavor it brings to your home like I did. Let me know how it turns out or if you put your own twist on it. Happy cooking!