barbecue chicken crock pot recipe

The Best barbecue chicken crock pot recipe

I’ve been making this barbecue chicken crock pot recipe for years, and it’s still a staple in my household. My family loves it because it’s easy to make and always turns out delicious. The best part is that you can put all the ingredients in the crock pot in the morning, and by dinner time, you’ll have a mouthwatering meal that’s ready to be served.

I love how the slow cooker breaks down the chicken, making it tender and juicy. It’s perfect for a busy day when you don’t have a lot of time to cook. The flavors of the barbecue sauce and spices blend together beautifully, creating a taste that’s both familiar and comforting.

The origin of this dish is unclear, but it’s been a popular choice for many families over the years. Some people like to add their own twist by using different types of wood chips or spices to give it a unique flavor. I’ve tried various combinations, but my favorite is still the classic barbecue sauce with a hint of brown sugar.

The combination of sweet and tangy flavors creates a depth of taste that’s hard to resist. One of the key techniques involved in making this recipe is letting the chicken cook for an extended period of time. This allows the meat to absorb all the flavors from the sauce and spices, resulting in tender and flavorful results.

It’s essential not to rush the cooking process, as this can lead to dry meat that’s not enjoyable to eat.

Slow Cooker Barbecue Chicken

4.9 from 1508 votes

This crock pot barbecue chicken recipe is a simple and delicious way to enjoy tender, flavorful chicken with a rich, smoky barbecue sauce. Perfect for a hassle-free meal.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time4 hours
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time4 hours 15 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

Ingredients

2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 cup barbecue sauce
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup ketchup
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a small mixing bowl, combine brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
2Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
3Place the chicken breasts in the crock pot.
4Pour the barbecue sauce over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated.
5Then, pour the brown sugar mixture over the chicken, spreading it evenly.
6Drizzle olive oil over the chicken.
7This will help to keep the chicken moist and tender during cooking.
8Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
9The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the sauce should have thickened slightly.
10Once done, remove the chicken from the crock pot and shred it using two forks.
11Return the shredded chicken to the crock pot and mix well with the barbecue sauce.
12This will ensure that the chicken is fully coated in the sauce.

🔧Equipment

Crock pot
Mixing bowl
Spoon

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 9g💛Saturated Fat: 2g❤️Cholesterol: 105mg🧂Sodium: 1000mg🌾Total Carbs: 35g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 30g🥩Protein: 30g

📝Notes

Tips: For extra flavor, you can add sliced onions or bell peppers to the crock pot along with the chicken. Serve with coleslaw or corn on the cob for a classic barbecue meal.

This barbecue chicken crockpot recipe is a great option for any occasion, whether it’s a busy weeknight or a family gathering. It’s easy to prepare, and the slow cooking process ensures that the chicken is tender and flavorful every time.

Plus, it’s a healthy option that the whole family will love. You can store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze them for up to 3 months.

To reheat, simply warm the chicken in the oven or microwave until heated through. I often serve it with sides like coleslaw, baked beans, or corn on the cob for a classic barbecue meal.

It’s a versatile dish that can be enjoyed year-round, and I know you and your family will love it as much as mine does.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Barbecue Chicken

What type of chicken should I use for this recipe?

For this recipe, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Both options work well, but if you prefer leaner meat, breasts are a better choice.

Can I use store-bought barbecue sauce?

Yes, you can use store-bought barbecue sauce if you prefer a milder flavor. However, if you want to create your own unique taste, consider making your own sauce from scratch.

How long does it take to cook in a crock pot?

The cooking time will depend on your personal preference for tenderness. Generally, 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high will result in tender meat.

Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?

Yes, you can make this recipe in an Instant Pot by reducing the cooking time to about 30 minutes on high pressure.

Is it possible to freeze leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze leftovers for up to 3 months. When reheating, make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.

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