barbecue chicken in crock pot recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best barbecue chicken in crock pot recipe

I am so excited to share with you my favorite barbecue chicken in crock pot recipe. As a busy mom, I’m always on the lookout for delicious and easy meals that can be prepared ahead of time. This recipe is a staple in our household and has become a favorite among my family and friends. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or even meal prep for the week.

Not only is it incredibly flavorful, but it’s also relatively healthy, making it a guilt-free option for our family. The key to this recipe is the slow-cooked chicken, which becomes tender and juicy, absorbing all the delicious barbecue flavors. My kids love helping me prepare this dish, and they’re always eager to dig in as soon as it’s done cooking. I’ve been making this recipe for years, and it’s always a hit.

The best part is that it’s incredibly easy to make – just throw all the ingredients into the crock pot and let it do its magic. The result is a mouthwatering, fall-apart chicken that’s full of flavor. I’ve experimented with various seasonings and sauces over the years, but this classic barbecue recipe remains my go-to. One of the things I love most about this recipe is that it’s so versatile.

You can serve it with your favorite sides, from classic coleslaw to roasted vegetables. It’s also great for meal prep – just portion out individual servings and refrigerate or freeze for later use. My family loves having this dish on hand for quick lunches or snacks. In addition to its delicious taste, this recipe also has some wonderful health benefits.

Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, while the vegetables add fiber and nutrients. Plus, using a slow cooker reduces the overall cooking time and makes cleanup a breeze. If you’re looking for a new dinner recipe to add to your rotation, I highly recommend giving this barbecue chicken in crock pot recipe a try. It’s sure to become a staple in your household like it has in mine.

Barbecue Chicken in Crock Pot

4.5 from 954 votes

This slow cooker barbecue chicken is tender, juicy, and coated in a sweet and tangy sauce. It is perfect for sandwiches, salads, or served over rice.

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time4 hours
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time4 hours 10 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 380 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Chicken

2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
1 cup barbecue sauce
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

👨‍🍳Directions

1Place the chicken breasts or thighs in the bottom of a 4 to 6 quart slow cooker.
2In a mixing bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper until well combined.
3Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken, making sure each piece is evenly coated.
4Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low heat for 4 hours, or until the chicken is fork-tender and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
5Carefully remove the cooked chicken from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board.
6Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces, discarding any large pieces of fat.
7Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir it into the sauce.
8Let it cook on low for an additional 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
9Serve the barbecue chicken on buns, over rice, or as desired.

🔧Equipment

Slow cooker (4-6 quart)
Mixing bowl
Whisk
Two forks
Cutting board

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 380 kcal🧈Total Fat: 8g💛Saturated Fat: 2g❤️Cholesterol: 120mg🧂Sodium: 750mg🌾Total Carbs: 35g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 25g🥩Protein: 40g

📝Notes

For a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir into the slow cooker during the last 15 minutes. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Watch Video Of How Barbecue Chicken in Crock Pot Works

This barbecue chicken in the crock pot is always a good idea because it is easy, reliable, and works for so many occasions. Whether you are feeding your family on a Tuesday night or bringing a dish to a weekend gathering, it is a crowd pleaser that requires minimal effort.

I love that I can set it and forget it, then serve a meal that tastes like I spent hours in the kitchen. For storage, let the chicken cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.

It keeps well in the fridge for up to four days, and you can also freeze it for up to three months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen, then warm it in a skillet or microwave with a little extra sauce to keep it moist.

I like to serve the leftovers on slider buns with pickles for a quick lunch, or spoon it over baked potatoes for a hearty dinner. This recipe truly fits into any meal plan and never disappoints.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Barbecue Chicken in Crock Pot

1. What type of chicken should I use?

For this recipe, I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. You can also use chicken drumsticks or tenders if you prefer.

2. Can I adjust the level of spiciness?

Yes! If you prefer milder flavors, reduce or omit the hot sauce altogether. For an extra kick, add more hot sauce or try using spicy seasonings like cayenne pepper.

3. How long does it take to cook?

The cooking time will depend on your crock pot’s temperature setting and the size of your chicken pieces. Generally, you can expect 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high.

4. Can I make this recipe in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and store them in separate containers until you’re ready to assemble and cook the dish.

5. Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

No, unfortunately not – as written, this recipe includes chicken as its main ingredient.

6. Can I customize with different seasonings?

You can experiment with various seasonings like smoked paprika or garlic powder to give the dish an extra boost of flavor.

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