Sweet Baby Rays Crockpot Chicken Recipe

The Best Sweet Baby Rays Crockpot Chicken Recipe You’ll Love

Tucking into a mouthwatering sweet baby rays crockpot chicken promises pure comfort on busy weeknights.

Slow cooking transforms ordinary chicken into a succulent meal bursting with tangy flavor.

Minimal ingredients blend seamlessly for maximum deliciousness.

Weeknight dinners demand simple solutions that satisfy everyone around the table.

Juicy chicken swimming in a rich, sweet sauce creates instant smiles.

Minimal prep means you can toss everything into the crockpot and walk away.

This recipe delivers hearty, crowd-pleasing goodness that will make you the dinner hero.

Dig in and savor every incredible bite!

Sweet Baby Rays Crockpot Chicken Recipe

  • Simplify Meal Prep: Toss ingredients into the crockpot and let it work its magic, transforming basic chicken into a mouthwatering meal with minimal effort.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or game day gatherings, this recipe appeals to everyone from kids to adults who love bold, sweet, and tangy flavors.
  • Customizable Cooking: Adapt the recipe with different chicken cuts, adjust spice levels, or pair with various sides to create a personalized dining experience that suits any taste preference.
  • Low-Maintenance Cooking: Minimal prep and hands-off cooking make this recipe ideal for busy home cooks who want delicious results without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients for Sweet Baby Rays Crockpot Chicken

For the Main Protein:
  • Chicken: A tender and versatile meat that absorbs the delicious barbecue sauce flavors perfectly.
For the Sauce Base:
  • Sweet Baby Rays Barbecue Sauce: A classic sweet and tangy sauce that provides the primary flavor profile for the dish.
  • White Vinegar: Adds a subtle tang and helps tenderize the chicken.
For the Flavor Enhancers:
  • Brown Sugar, Red Pepper Flakes, Garlic Powder: Ingredients that create a balanced sweet, spicy, and savory sauce that complements the chicken.

How to Cook Sweet Baby Rays Chicken Crockpot

Step 1: Whip Up The Flavor Bomb Sauce

Grab a mixing bowl and blend these tasty ingredients:
  • Sweet Baby Rays barbecue sauce
  • White vinegar
  • Red pepper flakes
  • Brown sugar
  • Garlic powder

Stir everything until the mixture looks smooth and glossy, creating a mouthwatering sauce that will make your taste buds dance.

Step 2: Nestle The Chicken In The Crockpot

Gently place your chicken pieces into the crockpot.

Whether you’re using breasts, thighs, or drumsticks, make sure they fit comfortably and are ready to soak up all the delicious flavors.

Step 3: Drench In Spectacular Sauce

Pour the flavor-packed sauce all over the chicken, making sure every inch gets coated.

Pro tip: Hold back a small amount of sauce for a final glaze that will make your chicken shine.

Step 4: Slow Cook To Perfection

Cover the crockpot and let the magic happen.

Cook on low heat for 4-6 hours. Chicken legs might be ready faster, so do a quick tenderness check around the 4-hour mark.

You’ll know it’s done when the meat practically falls apart with a gentle touch of a fork.

Step 5: Serve With Saucy Swagger

Carefully lift the chicken out of the crockpot.

Brush with the reserved sauce for an extra flavor kick. Plate up and get ready to enjoy a meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Tips for Flavorful Sweet Baby Rays Chicken

  • Adjust the sauce's sweetness and heat by tweaking red pepper flakes and brown sugar amounts to suit your taste preferences.
  • Swap chicken breasts with thighs or drumsticks for varied texture and flavor, ensuring consistent cooking times.
  • Keep extra sauce on the side for drizzling or dipping, enhancing the overall meal experience and moisture.
  • Check chicken's doneness by using two forks to pull meat apart – it should shred easily when fully cooked.
  • Add a splash of worcestershire sauce or honey to the barbecue mixture for deeper, more complex taste profiles.

Variations on Sweet Baby Rays Chicken Crockpot

  • Honey Mustard Chicken: Replace Sweet Baby Rays with honey mustard sauce, adding dijon mustard and a splash of apple cider vinegar for tangy depth.
  • Spicy Caribbean Chicken: Swap barbecue sauce with jerk seasoning, coconut milk, and fresh lime juice for a zesty tropical flavor profile.
  • Asian Teriyaki Chicken: Substitute barbecue sauce with teriyaki sauce, adding ginger, soy sauce, and sesame oil for an umami-rich experience.
  • Garlic Parmesan Chicken: Use creamy alfredo sauce, minced garlic, Italian herbs, and sprinkle grated parmesan cheese before serving for a rich, savory meal.

Pairings That Go with Sweet Baby Rays Chicken

  • Flavor-Packed Sides: Creamy coleslaw with a tangy crunch perfectly balances the sweet and smoky barbecue chicken, cutting through the richness with its cool, crisp texture.
  • Wine and Dine Pairing: Zinfandel or a light Pinot Noir complements the barbecue sauce's sweetness, with fruity undertones that enhance the chicken's rich flavor profile.
  • Carb Companions: Soft buttermilk biscuits or cornbread soak up the delicious sauce, providing a perfect vehicle for enjoying every last drop of the Sweet Baby Rays sauce.
  • Fresh Finish: Grilled corn on the cob with a sprinkle of chili powder adds a smoky, bright element that mirrors the barbecue chicken's bold taste and creates a complete summer meal.

Storing Sweet Baby Rays Crockpot Chicken

  • Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring the chicken remains moist by covering it with remaining sauce.
  • Transfer cooled chicken to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Properly sealed, the chicken will last up to 3 months. Avoid freezing for longer to maintain quality and taste.
  • Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.

FAQs

  • Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but add 1-2 hours to the cooking time and ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.

  • What if I don't have Sweet Baby Rays barbecue sauce?

You can substitute with any other brand of barbecue sauce, but the flavor profile might slightly change.

  • Is this recipe spicy?

The red pepper flakes add a mild kick, but you can reduce or omit them for a milder version. The brown sugar helps balance any heat.

  • Can I make this recipe in the oven instead?

Yes, you can bake it in a covered dish at 350°F for about 45-60 minutes, or until chicken is fully cooked and tender.

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Sweet Baby Rays Crockpot Chicken Recipe

Sweet Baby Rays Crockpot Chicken Recipe


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4.8 from 17 reviews

  • Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 46 1x

Description

Crockpot Sweet Baby Ray’s Chicken delivers mouthwatering comfort with minimal effort, blending tangy barbecue sauce and tender meat. Busy home cooks will love this simple, flavorful meal that brings Southern-style deliciousness to the dinner table.


Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

  • 46 boneless skinless chicken breasts (or other chicken parts like bone-in or chicken legs)

Sauce Base:

  • 1 (18 ounces / 510 grams) bottle of Sweet Baby Rays Original Barbecue Sauce
  • 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) white vinegar
  • 1/4 cup (50 grams) brown sugar

Seasonings:

  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

  1. Create a zesty barbecue sauce by whisking Sweet Baby Rays sauce, white vinegar, red pepper flakes, brown sugar, and garlic powder in a mixing bowl until thoroughly blended.
  2. Gently nestle chicken pieces into the crockpot, arranging them in a single layer for even cooking.
  3. Generously drizzle the prepared sauce over the chicken, making sure each piece is completely coated. Set aside a small portion of sauce for final glazing.
  4. Secure the crockpot lid and slow cook on low temperature for 4-6 hours, monitoring chicken legs around the 4-hour mark for optimal tenderness.
  5. Test chicken’s doneness by gently pulling with a fork – meat should separate easily and appear fully cooked through.
  6. Carefully transfer chicken from crockpot to serving platter, then brush with reserved sauce to enhance flavor and glossiness.
  7. Plate immediately while hot, presenting a succulent, caramelized chicken dish with rich barbecue undertones.

Notes

  • Customize the heat level by adjusting red pepper flakes, allowing everyone from spice lovers to mild-preference eaters to enjoy the dish.
  • Reduce sugar content by using a sugar-free barbecue sauce or replacing brown sugar with a natural sweetener like stevia for low-carb diets.
  • Create a gluten-free version by ensuring the Sweet Baby Rays barbecue sauce is certified gluten-free, making it safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Enhance meal prep by using frozen chicken directly in the crockpot, adding 1-2 hours to cooking time for perfect tenderness without compromising flavor.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 hours (or 6 hours)
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 46
  • Calories: 134
  • Sugar: 7 g
  • Sodium: 349 mg
  • Fat: 1 g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0.7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 8 g
  • Fiber: 0.2 g
  • Protein: 19 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Nate Harper

Nate Harper

Founder & Recipe Curator

Expertise

Single-Recipe Development, Farm-to-Table Cooking, Seasonal Menu Planning, Culinary Storytelling, Home Kitchen Innovation

Education

Cascade Culinary Institute – Central Oregon Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focus: Farm-to-table cuisine, sustainable cooking practices, and seasonal recipe creation.

Nate studied under experienced chefs who emphasized local sourcing, minimal waste, and building recipes from fresh, simple ingredients.


Nate Harper is the founder and creative force behind Make, Take, Bake. Raised in the wild beauty of Oregon’s high desert, Nate grew up surrounded by family gardens, farmers’ markets, and home kitchens that celebrated the seasons.
His early love for simple, honest food evolved into a professional passion when he attended Cascade Culinary Institute, where he sharpened his skills in creating recipes that are sustainable, satisfying, and made for everyday life.
Nate’s goal is to make cooking feel accessible, free of fuss, and full of flavor. He believes a single, thoughtfully built dish can stand alone, and sometimes even steal the show.

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