Tender Sweet Baby Rays Crockpot Chicken Recipe

Finger-Licking Sweet Baby Rays Crockpot Chicken Recipe

Succulent chicken meets its flavor soulmate in this baby rays crockpot chicken recipe that promises mouthwatering results.

Slow cooking transforms ordinary poultry into a delectable meal bursting with tangy sweetness.

The secret lies in baby rays barbecue sauce, which infuses every tender morsel with irresistible flavor.

Minimal effort yields maximum taste in this crowd-pleasing dish that comes together effortlessly.

With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

The rich, caramelized sauce coats each piece of chicken, creating a truly memorable dining experience.

This recipe delivers comfort and satisfaction in every single bite.

Prepare to be the hero of dinnertime with this foolproof, delicious chicken that will disappear from the plate in record time.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 6 hours

Total Time: 6 hours 5 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 5

Sweet Baby Ray’s Chicken Ingredients

For Protein Base:
  • Chicken: Hearty meat that becomes tender and flavorful when slow-cooked, choose fresh boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs for best texture and easy shredding.
For Sauce and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Sweet Baby Rays Barbecue Sauce: Rich and tangy base that provides deep smoky sweetness to the dish, select your favorite variety for personalized taste.
  • Honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps create glossy sauce coating, opt for local raw honey for extra depth of flavor.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: Delivers umami and complexity with its unique fermented profile, look for traditional brands with robust ingredients.
  • White Vinegar: Balances sweetness and adds subtle tang, choose distilled or apple cider vinegar for bright undertones.
  • Garlic Powder: Provides aromatic savory notes without fresh garlic chunks, select high-quality powder for consistent flavor.
  • Onion Powder: Introduces gentle onion essence throughout the sauce, look for finely ground versions for even distribution.
  • Black Pepper: Contributes subtle heat and earthy warmth, freshly ground pepper offers more vibrant taste compared to pre-ground versions.
For Optional Serving Companions:
  • Hamburger Buns: Soft bread perfect for creating pulled chicken sandwiches.
  • Rice: Neutral base that absorbs delicious sauce.
  • Wraps: Flexible tortillas allowing versatile meal presentation.

Tools to Prep Crockpot Chicken

  • Slow Cooker/Crockpot: Your main cooking vessel for creating tender, saucy chicken.
  • Mixing Bowl: Perfect for blending barbecue sauce and seasonings into a delicious marinade.
  • Two Forks: Essential for easily shredding the cooked chicken right in the pot.
  • Measuring Spoons: Helpful for precisely measuring garlic and onion powder.
  • Measuring Cups: Useful for accurately portioning sauces and other liquid ingredients.

Instructions for Crockpot Chicken

  • Prep the Protein

Place tender chicken pieces in your trusty slow cooker, creating a delicious foundation for your meal.

  • Create Flavor Magic

Whip up a mouthwatering sauce by blending Sweet Baby Ray’s barbecue sauce with zesty seasonings like Worcestershire sauce, tangy vinegar, and aromatic garlic and onion powders.

  • Sauce and Simmer

Generously pour the flavor-packed sauce over the chicken, ensuring every morsel gets a delectable coating.

  • Slow Cook to Perfection

Let your crockpot work its magic, cooking the chicken on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the meat becomes irresistibly tender.

  • Shred and Toss

Using two forks, gently pull the chicken apart right in the pot, mixing it thoroughly with the rich, tangy sauce.

  • Serve and Enjoy

Plate up your succulent chicken on soft buns, fluffy rice, or wrap it up for a crowd-pleasing meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!

Tips for Sweet Baby Ray’s Chicken

  • Flavor Boosting Tip: Add a splash of bourbon or apple cider to the sauce for deeper, more complex flavor notes that complement the Sweet Baby Ray's barbecue base.
  • Low-Carb Adaptation: Skip the buns and serve this shredded chicken over cauliflower rice or inside lettuce wraps for a keto-friendly meal that's just as delicious.
  • Spice Level Control: Sprinkle in red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce if you want to kick up the heat, or keep it mild for sensitive palates by reducing any spicy elements.
  • Meal Prep Magic: This chicken freezes beautifully in portion-sized containers and stays fresh for up to 3 months, making it perfect for quick weeknight dinners or lunch prep.
  • Protein Swap Option: Replace chicken breasts with chicken thighs for a richer, more tender result, or try the recipe with pork shoulder for a tasty alternative that absorbs the barbecue sauce perfectly.

Serving Sweet Baby Ray’s Chicken

  • Flavor-Packed Sandwich Delight: Layer the shredded Sweet Baby Rays chicken on soft hamburger buns with crisp coleslaw or pickles for a mouthwatering sandwich experience.
  • Game Day Nachos Twist: Spread the saucy chicken over tortilla chips, sprinkle with melted cheese, and top with fresh cilantro for an irresistible game day snack.
  • Rice Bowl Sensation: Create a hearty rice bowl by placing the tender chicken over steamed white or brown rice, garnishing with green onions and sesame seeds for added crunch and flavor.
  • Wrap It Up: Roll the juicy chicken into large tortillas with fresh lettuce, diced tomatoes, and a drizzle of extra barbecue sauce for a quick and satisfying lunch option.

Storage & Prep Tips for BBQ Chicken

  • Meal Planning & Storage Magic
  • Refrigerator Refresh: Store leftover chicken in airtight containers for up to 4 days, keeping the delicious sauce sealed with the meat to maintain maximum flavor and moisture.
  • Freezer Friendly Feast: Portion cooled chicken into freezer-safe bags, removing excess air, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.
  • Meal Prep Mastery: Prepare a double batch and use versatile shredded chicken in salads, tacos, quesadillas, or quick lunch bowls throughout the week for effortless meal planning.
  • Reheating Rescue: Warm refrigerated chicken in the microwave with a splash of extra barbecue sauce or in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent drying out and maintain juicy texture.
Print
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Tender Sweet Baby Rays Crockpot Chicken Recipe

Tender Sweet Baby Rays Crockpot Chicken Recipe


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4.8 from 37 reviews

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

Description

Succulent sweet baby rays crockpot chicken delivers mouthwatering comfort with minimal effort. Tender meat glazed in tangy sauce promises a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lb (907 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
  • 1.5 cups (360 ml) Sweet Baby Rays Barbecue Sauce
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) honey (optional, for extra sweetness)
  • 2 tbsps (30 ml) Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp black pepper

Instructions

  1. Positioning Chicken: Lay chicken pieces uniformly across crockpot base, maintaining spacing to prevent overcrowding and ensure consistent cooking.
  2. Sauce Composition: Whisk barbecue sauce, honey, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper into a harmonious blend, creating a robust flavor profile.
  3. Sauce Application: Pour prepared sauce over chicken, thoroughly coating each piece to infuse deep, tangy flavors throughout the meat.
  4. Slow Transformation: Cover crockpot and set temperature to low, allowing chicken to gently simmer and tenderize for 6-7 hours, developing rich, complex taste.
  5. Final Preparation: Test chicken’s readiness by verifying it pulls apart effortlessly, then use two forks to shred meat, integrating it with caramelized sauce for maximum flavor absorption.
  6. Serving Suggestions: Present succulent shredded chicken on hamburger buns, alongside fluffy rice, or wrapped in warm tortillas, creating a versatile and satisfying meal.

Notes

  • Prevent Overcrowding: Arrange chicken pieces with enough space between them to ensure even cooking and prevent steaming instead of slow-cooking.
  • Sauce Consistency Tip: Whisk sauce ingredients thoroughly to create a balanced, well-integrated flavor profile that coats the chicken evenly.
  • Temperature Control: Maintain low, steady crockpot temperature to achieve maximum tenderness and prevent chicken from becoming dry or tough.
  • Shredding Technique: Use two forks to pull chicken apart while it’s still warm, allowing for easier and more uniform shredding and sauce absorption.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 hours
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 24 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 50 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 100 mg
John Nicholson

John Nicholson

Lead Writer & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Testing and Development, Kitchen Hacks and Time-Saving Tips, Flavor Pairing and Ingredient Selection, Engaging Food Writing and Storytelling

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Program: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: A hands-on curriculum emphasizing farm-to-table cooking, local ingredient sourcing, and creative menu development. Students gained real-world restaurant experience, learning both classic techniques and modern approaches to sustainable cooking.

John Nicholson honed his skills at Johnson & Wales University, learning how to use fresh, local ingredients and down-to-earth techniques to make cooking simple and satisfying.

His recipes blend Southern comfort flavors with a modern touch, inviting everyone to cook with ease and confidence.

Living in Charleston, John takes cues from the city’s lively food scene, local markets, and seasonal produce. He’s all about making meals stress-free through easy tips, flavor pairings, and fun experiments in the kitchen

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