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Craving the mouthwatering flavors of barbecue without the hassle? Look no further than this easy and delicious Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken recipe. With just a few pantry staples like boneless, skinless chicken breasts, barbecue sauce, and a touch of brown sugar, you can create a meal that’s sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
Imagine coming home to the irresistible aroma of tender, juicy chicken simmering in a savory blend of honey barbecue sauce and Worcestershire, all thanks to your trusty slow cooker. This recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights, lazy Sundays, or any occasion where you want to savor the taste of true barbecue with minimal effort.
So, whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, planning a cozy family dinner, or simply craving a satisfying meal, let your slow cooker work its magic with this Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken. Just set it, forget it, and get ready to enjoy a delicious dish that’s packed with flavor and guaranteed to bring smiles to the table.
Quick Benefits
- Cooks entirely in the slow cooker with almost zero hands-on time
- Great for feeding a crowd or for easy leftovers
- Packed with flavor and naturally high in protein
- Adaptable to your favorite barbecue sauce brand or homemade blend
Why You’ll Love This Tender Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Recipe Recipe
- Effortless Cooking: No need for constant attention, just set it and forget it in the slow cooker for a stress-free meal.
- Common Ingredients: Uses pantry staples that are likely already in your kitchen, making it convenient to whip up anytime.
- Perfect for Crowds: Ideal for feeding a group or having leftovers for easy meals throughout the week.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to suit your taste preferences, from the type of BBQ sauce to additional spices.
- Rich Flavor Profile: The blend of BBQ sauce, Worcestershire, and brown sugar creates a deliciously balanced taste.
- Tender and Juicy Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts stay moist and are easy to shred for a satisfying texture.
- Family Favorite: This recipe is sure to be a hit with its mouthwatering aroma and crowd-pleasing flavor.
- Meal Versatility: Serve the pulled chicken in various ways – on buns, over rice, or with different sides for a complete meal.
- Make-ahead and Freezer-friendly: Prepare in advance and store for later, with flavors intensifying over time.
- Cooking Tips: Includes handy tips like searing the chicken for richer flavor and additional ingredient suggestions for variety.
Ingredients for Tender Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Recipe
Main Ingredients
- 3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Sauce Mixture
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 medium onion, grated with juices retained
- 1 1/2 cups barbecue sauce, such as Sweet Baby Ray’s Honey BBQ
Pro Tips for Tender Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Recipe
To make the most flavorful slow cooker BBQ chicken, consider searing the chicken breasts in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker. This extra step will help enhance the depth of flavor in the dish. Additionally, adding a splash of apple cider vinegar to the sauce can provide a pleasant tangy note to the overall taste profile.
For those looking to personalize the recipe, feel free to experiment with different barbecue sauce brands or even try making your own homemade version. If you prefer a spicier kick, consider adding smoked paprika or chili flakes to the mix. Don’t be afraid to customize the dish to suit your taste preferences and make it your own BBQ masterpiece.
How to Make Tender Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Step 01
Combine barbecue sauce, grated onion (including juices), olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar in a 5 to 6 quart slow cooker. Mix well.
Step 2: Step 02
Add chicken breasts to the slow cooker, making sure to coat them thoroughly with the barbecue mixture.
Step 3: Step 03
Cover and cook on high for 2 to 3 hours or low for 6 to 7 hours. Check smaller chicken pieces for doneness earlier. Chicken should reach 165°F internally and shred easily when fully cooked.
Storage Tips
To store the finished slow cooker BBQ chicken, place any leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. The chicken will stay fresh for up to four days. When reheating, add a little extra barbecue sauce to keep the chicken moist. Leftover chicken can be used in wraps, salads, or other dishes later in the week for added convenience and flavor.
For longer-term storage, you can freeze the cooked BBQ chicken. Portion the chicken and sauce into airtight containers, and freeze them for later use. The dish freezes and reheats well, allowing you to enjoy the delicious flavors of the barbecue chicken at a later time. Just thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredient Substitutions
For a variation in flavor, you can substitute boneless chicken thighs for the chicken breasts in this slow cooker BBQ chicken recipe. Chicken thighs will add extra richness and succulence to the dish. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly since dark meat may require a slightly longer cooking period in the slow cooker.
If you prefer a lighter version of this dish, consider using a sugar-free barbecue sauce as a substitute for the Sweet Baby Ray’s Honey BBQ. This adjustment can reduce the overall sweetness of the dish while still providing that classic barbecue flavor. Additionally, if you run out of Worcestershire sauce, a splash of soy sauce or balsamic vinegar can be used as a suitable replacement to maintain the savory balance in the sauce. Feel free to experiment with these ingredient substitutions to tailor the dish to your preferences while keeping the essence of a delicious slow cooker BBQ chicken intact.
Serving Suggestions
For a creative serving suggestion, consider assembling BBQ chicken sliders by piling the flavorful shredded chicken onto mini brioche buns. Top them with a dollop of creamy coleslaw and a slice of tangy pickles for a delightful bite-sized treat that is perfect for parties or gatherings. The combination of savory chicken, sweet barbecue sauce, and crunchy slaw will have your guests coming back for seconds!
Another fun idea is to create a BBQ chicken bowl by layering a base of fluffy white rice or quinoa with a generous serving of the tender shredded chicken on top. Add a colorful array of roasted vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, and corn for a wholesome and satisfying meal. Drizzle some extra barbecue sauce over the bowl and garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions for a burst of freshness and flavor. This customizable bowl is a great way to enjoy the delicious BBQ chicken in a different presentation that is both nutritious and delicious.
FAQs for Tender Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Recipe
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work well and will add extra juiciness. Adjust cooking times as needed for dark meat.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked?
Chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and shreds easily with forks.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Absolutely. The chicken can be prepared in advance and reheated; the flavors will deepen over time.
Can I freeze the leftover BBQ chicken?
Yes, portion the cooled chicken and sauce into airtight containers and freeze for later use.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken is the perfect dish for those busy days when you want a delicious and satisfying meal but don’t have the time to be stuck in the kitchen. Let the slow cooker work its magic, transforming simple ingredients into a flavorful and tender pulled chicken that will have your family and friends coming back for more.
Remember, you can easily customize this recipe to suit your preferences, whether it’s using chicken thighs for extra juiciness, adding a splash of apple cider vinegar for a tangy twist, or experimenting with different barbecue sauce varieties. Embrace the convenience and versatility of Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken for stress-free dinners and gatherings that are sure to impress. Enjoy the delicious flavors and aromas that fill your home as this dish cooks low and slow, making every bite a truly satisfying experience.
Tender Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Recipe
“Effortlessly juicy slow cooker BBQ chicken with Sweet Baby Ray’s Honey BBQ, perfect for game days, weeknight dinners, or potlucks – a flavorful, stress-free meal!”
Prep Time10 Minutes
Cook Time180 Minutes
Total Time190 Minutes
CuisineAmerican
Skill LevelEasy
Servings6 Servings (Serves 6)
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Sauce Mixture
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 medium onion, grated with juices retained
- 1 1/2 cups barbecue sauce, such as Sweet Baby Ray’s Honey BBQ
Instructions
-
Step 01: Combine barbecue sauce, grated onion (including juices), olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar in a 5 to 6 quart slow cooker. Mix well.
-
Step 02: Add chicken breasts to the slow cooker, making sure to coat them thoroughly with the barbecue mixture.
-
Step 03: Cover and cook on high for 2 to 3 hours or low for 6 to 7 hours. Check smaller chicken pieces for doneness earlier. Chicken should reach 165°F internally and shred easily when fully cooked.
