Crockpot BBQ Chicken
This Crockpot BBQ Chicken is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for family gatherings, game days, or a busy weeknight dinner. With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can set it and forget it while the slow cooker works its magic. The chicken becomes tender and flavorful, coated in a sweet and smoky BBQ sauce that makes it ideal for sandwiches or served alongside coleslaw. It’s versatile enough to satisfy any crowd!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Prep takes only 10 minutes, making this recipe perfect for busy lives.
- Flavorful: The combination of BBQ sauce and spices creates a mouthwatering taste that everyone will love.
- Versatile: Enjoy it on buns, over rice, or with a side of veggies—this dish fits any occasion!
- Crowd-Pleaser: Serve it at parties or gatherings; it’s sure to impress your guests.
- Healthy Option: Made with lean chicken breasts, this recipe is lower in fat while still being delicious.
Tools and Preparation
To make this Crockpot BBQ Chicken, you’ll need a few essential tools to ensure everything goes smoothly.
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Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Two forks (for shredding)
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow cooker: Allows for hands-off cooking, making meal prep easy and convenient.
- Mixing bowl: Helps combine ingredients thoroughly for an even flavor throughout the chicken.
- Two forks: Perfect for shredding the cooked chicken right in the crockpot.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1.5 cups BBQ sauce (use your favorite)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
For Serving
- Buns
- Coleslaw
- Other preferred sides
How to Make Crockpot BBQ Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Place the chicken breasts in your slow cooker.
Step 2: Mix the Sauce
- In a mixing bowl, add the remaining ingredients: BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, chili powder, onion powder, and garlic powder.
- Stir together until smooth.
Step 3: Combine and Cook
- Pour the sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker.
- Toss to ensure the chicken is well coated with the sauce.
- Cover and cook on high for 3-4 hours (3.5 hours is recommended) or on low for 6-7 hours.
Step 4: Shred and Serve
- Once cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker.
- Stir it into the sauce until well coated.
- Add salt & pepper to taste before serving.
Enjoy your delicious Crockpot BBQ Chicken!
How to Serve Crockpot BBQ Chicken
Crockpot BBQ chicken is incredibly versatile and can be served in various delicious ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a cozy meal at home, these serving suggestions will elevate your dish.
On Sandwiches
- Classic BBQ Sandwiches: Serve the pulled chicken on toasted buns topped with coleslaw for a crunchy texture.
- Sliders: Use mini buns for sliders, perfect for parties or game day snacks.
With Sides
- Coleslaw: The creamy crunch of coleslaw complements the sweetness of the BBQ chicken beautifully.
- Potato Salad: A cool potato salad can balance the warm, saucy chicken.
On Salads
- BBQ Chicken Salad: Place shredded chicken over mixed greens, add cherry tomatoes, and drizzle with ranch dressing.
- Taco Salad: Layer BBQ chicken over tortilla chips with cheese and jalapeños for a fun twist.
In Wraps
- BBQ Chicken Wraps: Wrap shredded chicken with lettuce, cheese, and ranch dressing in a tortilla for a quick meal.
- Lettuce Wraps: For a low-carb option, use lettuce leaves to hold the BBQ chicken and toppings.
How to Perfect Crockpot BBQ Chicken
To make your Crockpot BBQ chicken even better, follow these helpful tips. These suggestions will ensure that your dish turns out flavorful and tender every time.
- Choose Quality Chicken: Opt for fresh, high-quality boneless skinless chicken breasts to enhance flavor and texture.
- Use Your Favorite Sauce: Select a BBQ sauce that you love; this will greatly influence the taste of your dish.
- Adjust Cook Time: If you prefer more tender chicken, consider cooking it longer on low heat rather than high.
- Add Extra Spice: For a kick of flavor, mix in additional spices like cayenne pepper or smoked paprika.
- Keep It Moist: If cooking for an extended period, add a splash of broth to maintain moisture in the slow cooker.
- Shred While Hot: Shred the chicken immediately after cooking for easier handling and better absorption of the sauce.
Best Side Dishes for Crockpot BBQ Chicken
Crockpot BBQ chicken pairs well with numerous sides that can complement its rich flavors. Here are some top choices to consider for your meal:
- Cornbread: A sweet and crumbly cornbread makes for a delightful pairing with BBQ flavors.
- Baked Beans: The smoky flavor of baked beans complements the sweet barbecue sauce perfectly.
- Grilled Vegetables: Charred veggies provide a fresh contrast to the richness of pulled chicken.
- French Fries: Crispy fries are always a crowd-pleaser alongside any barbecue dish.
- Macaroni and Cheese: Creamy mac and cheese pairs wonderfully with BBQ for comfort food lovers.
- Sweet Potato Fries: Their natural sweetness balances out the tangy barbecue sauce nicely.
- Garden Salad: A light garden salad helps cut through the heaviness of the meal while adding freshness.
- Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf offers a neutral base that absorbs extra BBQ sauce well.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Crockpot BBQ Chicken, there are a few common mistakes to keep in mind. Avoiding these will ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time.
- Using the wrong type of chicken: Always use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the best results. Other cuts may not shred properly.
- Not measuring the sauce: Too much or too little BBQ sauce can change the flavor dramatically. Stick to the recipe for balance.
- Overcooking the chicken: Cooking on high for too long can lead to dry chicken. Monitor cooking times closely for juicy results.
- Skipping seasoning: Don’t forget to add Worcestershire sauce and spices! They enhance the overall flavor and make your BBQ chicken delicious.
- Ignoring shredding technique: Shred the chicken right in the crockpot. This keeps it moist and helps it soak up more sauce.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Consume within 3-4 days for best quality.
Freezing Crockpot BBQ Chicken
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- It can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating Crockpot BBQ Chicken
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F, cover with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes or until warmed through.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in intervals of 1-2 minutes, stirring in between.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about making Crockpot BBQ Chicken.
How do I make Crockpot BBQ Chicken spicy?
You can add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the recipe to give it an extra kick. Adjust according to your spice preference.
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts! Just increase the cooking time by an hour if using a high setting on your crockpot.
What can I serve with Crockpot BBQ Chicken?
This dish pairs well with coleslaw, baked beans, or corn on the cob. It also works great in sandwiches or tacos!
Is this recipe healthy?
Crockpot BBQ Chicken is relatively healthy as it’s high in protein and low in fat. You can choose low-sugar BBQ sauce for a healthier option.
Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely! Just ensure your crockpot has enough capacity and adjust cooking times if necessary.
Final Thoughts
Crockpot BBQ Chicken is a delightful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings. Its versatility allows you to customize it with different sauces or spices according to your taste. Give it a try – you won’t be disappointed!
Crockpot BBQ Chicken
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Description
Crockpot BBQ Chicken is the ultimate comfort food that transforms simple ingredients into a flavorful dish with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this slow-cooked chicken becomes incredibly tender, thanks to the rich BBQ sauce infused with spices. In just 10 minutes of prep, you can let your slow cooker do the work, resulting in juicy pulled chicken that’s perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or served alongside coleslaw. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a cozy meal at home, this versatile recipe is guaranteed to please everyone at the table.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1.5 cups BBQ sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
- In a bowl, mix BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, chili powder, onion powder, and garlic powder until smooth.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken and toss to coat evenly.
- Cover and cook on high for 3-4 hours (recommended 3.5 hours) or low for 6-7 hours.
- Shred the chicken in the crockpot using two forks and stir it into the sauce before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: High (3.5 hours) or Low (6-7 hours)
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
