Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken: A Flavorful Delight!
Every now and then, a recipe comes along that just makes life easier and tastes ridiculously good at the same time. Ladies and gentlemen, let me introduce you to my personal favorite: **Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken**. There’s something truly magical about throwing a few ingredients into a crockpot and letting it work its magic while you go on with your day. It reminds me of my busy mom days, where I’d come home and be greeted by the glorious aroma of dinner already cooking.
And let’s not forget the biggest MVP in this recipe: **Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce**! The moment I discovered this sauce, my BBQ life was forever changed. The perfect blend of sweet and tangy—it’s so good, it could practically stand on its own. Plus, this recipe is super versatile: use it in sandwiches, wraps, or over a bed of rice or potatoes. Trust me, once you give it a try, you’ll be saying “where has this been all my life?”
What’s in Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken?
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 – 2 lbs): I love using boneless, skinless chicken because it cooks tenderly and easily shreds right in the pot. You can also use thighs if that’s your jam!
– 1 cup Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce: This sauce is a game-changer and is a must-have in my pantry. If you happen to stray from Sweet Baby Ray’s, just know it won’t be the same.
– 1/4 cup honey: Adds a natural sweetness that balances out the tang of the BBQ sauce. It’s like sweet harmony in a pot!
– 2 tbsp soy sauce: This brings a depth of flavor that takes this dish to a whole new level. You can opt for low sodium if you’re keeping an eye on salt intake.
– 1 tsp garlic powder: Because let’s be real, garlic makes everything better!
– 1 tsp onion powder: It adds that savory touch, complementing the other flavors beautifully.
– 1/2 tsp black pepper: Just enough kick to spice things up without overwhelming the sweetness.
– Optional: chopped fresh parsley: An optional touch for garnish that adds freshness and color to your plate!
Is Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken Good for You?
Alright, let’s get real for a second. While this recipe is undeniably delicious, it does have a few things to consider. The good news? Chicken is a great source of lean protein, and paired with the honey and Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce, you’ve got a taste sensation that’s hard to beat. The sauce and honey do add sugar, so if you’re watching your sugar intake, you might want to adjust how much you use.
Soy sauce brings in sodium, so if you’re avoiding too much salt, you can use low-sodium options. Overall, enjoy this dish in moderation and balance it out with lots of veggies or whole grains!
Ingredients List
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 – 2 lbs)
– 1 cup Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp onion powder
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish
How to Make Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken?
1. First, place your lovely chicken breasts at the bottom of your crockpot. It’s like giving them a cozy place to hang out while they cook.
2. In a separate bowl, mix together the Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce, honey, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Whisk it well until everything is beautifully blended.
3. Pour that delicious BBQ sauce mixture right over the chicken breasts in the crockpot. Make sure they’re all well coated—give them a nice loving rub!
4. Cover the crockpot and let it do its magic! Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
5. Once you’ve reached chicken heaven (aka when the chicken is cooked), shred the chicken directly in the crockpot using two forks. Mix it all in with the sauce. Don’t be shy—get in there and enjoy the messy goodness!
6. Serve hot, and if you’re feeling fancy, garnish with fresh parsley.
Spicy Variations and Serving Suggestions!
– Pair this dish with a side of rice, mashed potatoes, or serve it in a hearty sandwich or a wrap. You could even add some coleslaw for that extra crunch!
– Want to spice things up? Add a dash of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture. Your taste buds will thank you!
– This chicken is perfect for meal prep! Make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week.
Now that you have all the tools you need, I can’t wait for you to try this delightful recipe! Give it a whirl, and let me know what you think in the comments. Happy cooking!