Looking for a delicious and easy dish to serve at your next gathering? Look no further than this Crock Pot BBQ Chicken recipe! With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a mouthwatering meal that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- The flavors in this dish are unbeatable – tender chicken smothered in tangy BBQ sauce is a winning combination.
- This recipe is perfect for busy days when you don’t have time to spend hours in the kitchen. Just set it and forget it!
- It’s a great option for meal prep – make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week in various dishes.
Ingredient Notes:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breast: Provides a lean protein base for the dish. You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer.
- BBQ sauce (Sweet Baby Ray’s): Adds a rich and flavorful sauce to the chicken. Feel free to use your favorite brand or homemade sauce.
- Brown sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance out the tanginess of the BBQ sauce.
- Apple cider vinegar: Adds a hint of acidity to the dish.
- Olive oil: Helps to keep the chicken moist during cooking.
- Garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, crushed red pepper: These spices add depth and flavor to the dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Place the chicken breasts in the crock pot.
- In a bowl, mix together the BBQ sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, and spices.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken, making sure it’s evenly coated.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.
- Shred the chicken using two forks and mix it back into the sauce.
- Serve the BBQ chicken on buns, over rice, or with your favorite side dishes.
Helpful Tips:
- For a spicier kick, add more crushed red pepper.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, place the chicken in a microwave-safe dish and heat until warmed through.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- To enhance the flavor, marinate the chicken in the BBQ sauce mixture overnight before cooking.
- For a smokier flavor, add a few drops of liquid smoke to the sauce.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve this Crock Pot BBQ Chicken with coleslaw, cornbread, or grilled vegetables for a complete meal. Pair it with a cold beer or a refreshing lemonade for the perfect backyard barbecue experience.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
Store any leftover BBQ chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a microwave-safe dish and heat until warmed through. You can also freeze the cooked chicken for up to 3 months for future meals.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?
No, it’s best to use thawed chicken for even cooking. - Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?
Yes, you can use pork or beef instead of chicken for a different twist on this dish. - Can I make this recipe in the oven instead of a crock pot?
Yes, you can bake the chicken in a covered dish at 350°F for 45-60 minutes until cooked through.
Conclusion:
This Crock Pot BBQ Chicken recipe is a surefire crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion. Give it a try and let us know how you like it! Happy cooking!
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Crock Pot BBQ Chicken
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 4-5 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 mins
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Crock Pot BBQ Chicken recipe delivers tender and flavorful chicken smothered in a sweet and tangy BBQ sauce. It’s the perfect dish for a hassle-free dinner that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
- 3.5 lbs (1.5 kg) boneless skinless chicken breast
- 2 cups BBQ sauce (I use Sweet Baby Ray’s)
- ¼ cup (60 g) light or dark brown sugar packed
- 2 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼–½ teaspoon crushed red pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Place chicken breasts in the bottom of the crock pot.
- Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine BBQ sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and crushed red pepper. Mix well.
- Step 3: Pour the sauce over the chicken, making sure it’s fully coated.
- Step 4: Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or until the chicken is tender.
- Step 5: Shred the chicken using two forks and mix it with the sauce in the crock pot.
- Step 6: Serve the BBQ chicken on buns or over rice, and enjoy!
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of crushed red pepper to control the spiciness of the dish.
- For a richer flavor, marinate the chicken in the sauce overnight before cooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg