Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken Casserole
Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken Casserole is the ultimate comfort food. With tender chicken, flavorful BBQ sauce, and a cheesy, creamy base, it’s an easy one-pot meal that’ll impress everyone at the table. The slow cooking process lets all the ingredients meld together perfectly, creating a rich, savory dish that's full of flavor. This recipe is simple to make, requires minimal effort, and is a great option for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Serve it with your favorite sides, and you’ve got a meal that’s sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup Sweet Baby Ray's BBQ Sauce or your favorite BBQ sauce
- 1 can 15 oz corn, drained
- 1 can 15 oz black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 ½ cups cooked rice white or brown
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables optional
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for browning chicken, optional
Key Substitutions:
- Chicken: You can use chicken thighs if you prefer a juicier cut.
- Rice: If you’re in a hurry swap the rice for pre-cooked quinoa or cauliflower rice for a low-carb version.
- Vegetables: Feel free to swap the frozen mixed veggies for any veggies you have on hand—think peas bell peppers, or even spinach!
- BBQ Sauce: You can go for any BBQ sauce you like but Sweet Baby Ray’s gives it that perfect sweet and smoky flavor. If you like it spicy, try a chipotle BBQ sauce.
Instructions
How to Cook It: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Ready to make some magic in the kitchen? Let’s get this casserole cooking!
Brown the Chicken (Optional)
- If you have 5 extra minutes, heat a little olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Brown the chicken breasts on each side for 2-3 minutes. This step is optional, but it helps lock in flavor! If you’re in a rush (aren’t we all?), just skip it and throw the raw chicken into the Crockpot.
Prep Your Crockpot
- Grab your trusty Crockpot and place the chicken at the bottom. If you browned it earlier, that’s where it goes! No need to stress about perfect placement—just get it in there.
Add the BBQ Sauce
- Pour that Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce all over the chicken. Don’t be shy; coat it well! That sauce is the secret to making this dish sing.
Add the Veggies and Beans
- Next, throw in the drained corn, black beans, and frozen veggies (if using). Just dump ‘em right on top! It’s like a party in the Crockpot—everyone’s invited.
Throw in the Rice
- Add the cooked rice, mixing everything around gently. If you’re using cauliflower rice for a low-carb option, now’s the time to toss it in too.
Top with Cheese
- Sprinkle that shredded cheddar cheese all over the top. More cheese = more happiness.
Cook Low and Slow
- Cover the Crockpot and set it on low for about 4 hours. Don’t peek too much—let the magic happen!
Add the Sour Cream
- Once the cooking time is up, stir in the sour cream. This will make it extra creamy and give you that “wow” factor when you take your first bite.
Serve and Enjoy!
- Dish it out, grab a fork, and prepare to be blown away. Trust me, you’ve just created something incredible!
- Now go ahead and enjoy your delicious Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken Casserole. You just made dinner way easier (and tastier)!
Notes
- Feel free to adjust the BBQ sauce to suit your taste; you can use a spicier or sweeter variety for a personalized twist!
- If you're short on time, you can use pre-cooked chicken or even rotisserie chicken.
- For a low-carb option, swap the rice for cauliflower rice.
- The casserole can be made ahead and stored in the fridge or frozen for later use.