barbecue chicken slow cooker recipe

The Best barbecue chicken slow cooker recipe

I’ve been making this barbecue chicken slow cooker recipe for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. I love how easy it is to prepare, just throw all the ingredients into the slow cooker and let it do its magic.

The result is tender, juicy chicken smothered in a rich and tangy barbecue sauce. My kids love helping me prep the ingredients, they get to help with the chopping and measuring, and they always enjoy the process of watching the slow cooker do its thing.

This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or for a special occasion like a family gathering or holiday meal. Plus, it’s relatively healthy compared to some other slow cooker recipes I’ve tried, so you can feel good about what you’re feeding your loved ones.

I’ve made this recipe for my husband’s birthday dinner, for family reunions, and even for casual Sunday suppers. It’s always a crowd-pleaser and leaves everyone wanting more.

I’ve experimented with different types of barbecue sauce over the years, but this recipe uses a homemade version that’s made with ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. It’s got just the right balance of sweet and tangy flavors to complement the chicken perfectly.

My kids ask for seconds every time we have it for dinner.

Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken

4.9 from 859 votes

This slow cooker BBQ chicken is a tender and flavorful dish that is perfect for a family meal. The chicken is cooked low and slow in a rich, tangy BBQ sauce.

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

🥘Ingredients

For the Chicken

2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts

For the BBQ Sauce

1 cup ketchup
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp smoked paprika
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder

👨‍🍳Directions

1Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
2In a mixing bowl, combine ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
3Mix well until the sauce is smooth and all ingredients are fully incorporated.
4Pour the BBQ sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker.
5Make sure the chicken is well coated in the sauce.
6Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours.
7The chicken will be tender and easily shreddable with a fork when done.
8Stir the chicken and sauce occasionally to ensure even cooking.
9Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.
10Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and mix it with the sauce.
11Keep the slow cooker on warm until ready to serve.
12The shredded chicken should be coated evenly in the sauce and hot throughout.

🔧Equipment

Slow cooker
Mixing bowl
Wooden spoon

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 7g💛Saturated Fat: 2g❤️Cholesterol: 120mg🧂Sodium: 1200mg🌾Total Carbs: 35g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 30g🥩Protein: 35g

📝Notes

Tips: You can use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a more flavorful dish. Serve with coleslaw and corn on the cob for a classic BBQ meal.

Watch Video Of How Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Works

This barbecue chicken slow cooker recipe will always be a good idea for any occasion. Its versatility makes it perfect for family gatherings, as you can easily double or triple the recipe to feed a large group. It is a great dish to have on hand for meal prep during the week.

You can store it in the refrigerator and reheat it in the oven or microwave for a quick and easy lunch. It’s perfect for a hearty, protein-packed meal. Its tender, juicy chicken coated in a rich, smoky barbecue sauce is a hit with both kids and adults.

It’s the perfect dish for family gatherings or a busy weekday meal. The slow cooker does all the work, infusing the chicken with a delicious blend of spices and sauces while you go about your day. It is always a crowd-pleaser, whether served as a main course or a topping for salads and wraps.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken

Q1: What type of chicken should I use in this recipe?

You can use boneless chicken breasts or thighs for this recipe. If you prefer a leaner meat option, you can also use boneless chicken breasts with the skin removed.

Q2: Can I make this recipe in a different size slow cooker?

Yes, you can make this recipe in any size slow cooker as long as you adjust the cooking time accordingly. A larger slow cooker will take longer to cook than a smaller one.

Q3: How long does it take to cook the chicken in this recipe?

The cooking time will depend on the size of your slow cooker and the type of chicken you use. As a general rule of thumb, cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

Q4: Can I make this recipe without any modifications?

Yes, you can make this recipe without any modifications if you prefer to keep it simple and straightforward.

Q5: Can I reheat leftover barbecue chicken?

Yes, you can reheat leftover barbecue chicken in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Q6: Can I freeze leftovers from this recipe?

Yes, you can freeze leftovers from this recipe in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.

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