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Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken
Why Make This Recipe
Crockpot BBQ Chicken is a fantastic dish for anyone who loves tender, flavorful pulled chicken. Not only is it simple to make, but it also requires minimal effort. Just toss your ingredients into the crockpot, let it cook, and enjoy delicious meals throughout the week. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, feeding the family, or preparing meals for the week, this recipe fits perfectly into any scenario. You’ll love the blend of sweet and tangy barbecue flavors, making it an instant favorite.
How to Make The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, with fat trimmed off
- 1 1/4 cup barbecue sauce (We love sweet Baby Ray’s Honey BBQ)
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing (I use this fat-free one)
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar (can reduce to 1/8 cup or omit if you prefer it less sweet)
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Directions:
- First, liberally spray the inside of a large crockpot or slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray. For less mess, you can use disposable liners.
- Next, season your trimmed boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Place these seasoned breasts in the bottom of your crockpot.
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the barbecue sauce, Italian dressing, light brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Whisk until everything is well mixed.
- Pour this mixture evenly over the chicken breasts. Cover the crockpot with its lid.
- Cook on high for 2.5-3 hours or on low for 5-6 hours. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees.
- Once fully cooked, you can serve the chicken whole or use two forks to shred it. Shredding it right in the crockpot lets the chicken soak up all the extra marinade.
- Serve on buns for delicious BBQ pulled chicken sandwiches or enjoy it on pizza, salad, tacos, nachos, over rice, or by itself. Enjoy!
How to Serve The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken
The possibilities are endless when it comes to serving this delicious pulled chicken! You can put it on sandwich buns for BBQ pulled chicken sandwiches, or you can serve it with a side of coleslaw and baked beans for a classic BBQ meal. It also works great in tacos, atop a salad, or mixed into nachos for a tasty twist. The sweet and tangy flavors make it a hit in all forms.
How to Store The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken
To store leftover BBQ chicken, let it cool to room temperature, then place it in an airtight container. The chicken can be kept in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. If you want to store it for longer, freeze it in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat it in the microwave or stovetop.
Tips to Make The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken
- Always use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees for safety.
- If you prefer a less sweet flavor, reduce the brown sugar or omit it entirely.
- You can customize the recipe by adding your favorite seasonings or barbecue sauces for a personal touch.
- Shred the chicken right in the crockpot to enhance the flavor, as it absorbs more of the marinade.
Variation
For a smoky flavor, add some smoked paprika or chipotle powder to the seasoning mix before cooking. You can also try using different kinds of barbecue sauce, such as spicy or apple cider varieties, to switch up the taste.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just extend the cooking time by about one hour on low.
What can I do with the extra sauce?
You can use the extra sauce to drizzle over your sandwiches, or save it as a dipping sauce for fries or vegetables.
Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?
Yes, you can! Use the ‘pressure cook’ function for about 10-15 minutes followed by a natural release for best results.
Enjoy your cooking, and dive into this delightful Crockpot BBQ Chicken for your next meal!
Crockpot BBQ Chicken
Tender and flavorful pulled chicken cooked in BBQ sauce, perfect for sandwiches and meal prep.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, with fat trimmed off
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
Sauce Ingredients
- 1.25 cup barbecue sauce Recommended: Sweet Baby Ray's Honey BBQ
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing Fat-free preferred
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar Can reduce to 1/8 cup or omit for less sweetness
Instructions
Preparation
- Liberally spray the inside of a large crockpot with non-stick cooking spray or use disposable liners.
- Season trimmed chicken breasts with salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Place them at the bottom of the crockpot.
- In a bowl, combine barbecue sauce, Italian dressing, light brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Whisk until mixed.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken breasts and cover the crockpot.
Cooking
- Cook on high for 2.5-3 hours or on low for 5-6 hours, until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees.
- Once cooked, shred the chicken in the crockpot to soak up the marinade.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
