Crockpot BBQ Chicken : It’s juicy, flavorful, and irresistible aroma of barbecue filling your kitchen, with savoring tender, melt-in-your-mouth chicken for a comfort food that’s perfect for a busy weeknight or a lazy Sunday dinner.
What Makes Crockpot BBQ Chicken So Special?
Slow cooking is one of the easiest ways to infuse chicken with deep, rich flavors without having to stand over a stove or grill. The crockpot does all the hard work, breaking down the chicken until it’s so tender you can pull it apart effortlessly. Plus, with the right BBQ sauce and a few extra ingredients, the flavor is unbeatable.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Crockpot BBQ Chicken
- Choose the Right Cut of Chicken: Chicken thighs are less likely to dry out compared to breasts. However, if you prefer leaner meat, chicken breasts work well, especially when cooked on low heat.
- Don’t Overcook: Overcooking can make the chicken dry, even in a crockpot. Stick to the recommended cooking times and check for doneness.
- Use Liner Bags for Easy Cleanup: Crockpot liner bags make cleanup a breeze, especially when cooking sticky dishes like BBQ chicken.
- Enhance the Flavor: For a smoky kick, add a bit of liquid smoke or smoked paprika to the sauce.
- Make It Spicy: If you love heat, stir in some cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce.
Variations to Try
- Hawaiian BBQ Chicken: Add pineapple chunks and a bit of pineapple juice for a tropical twist.
- Honey BBQ Chicken: Replace the brown sugar with honey for a richer sweetness.
- Buffalo BBQ Chicken: Mix BBQ sauce with a bit of buffalo sauce for a tangy, spicy version.
- BBQ Ranch Chicken: Stir in a packet of ranch seasoning for a creamy, herby flavor.
How to Serve Crockpot BBQ Chicken
This dish is incredibly versatile, so you can serve it in many ways:
- Classic Sandwich: Pile the shredded BBQ chicken onto a toasted bun and top with coleslaw for a satisfying sandwich.
- Tacos: Add the chicken to warm tortillas and top with pickled onions, avocado, and a squeeze of lime.
- Loaded Baked Potatoes: Spoon the BBQ chicken over baked potatoes and sprinkle with shredded cheese and green onions.
- Over Rice: Serve it over steamed rice for a simple, hearty meal.
- BBQ Chicken Pizza: Spread the chicken on a pre-made pizza crust with red onions and mozzarella cheese. Bake until bubbly.
How to Store and Reheat
Storing: Place leftover BBQ chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Freezing: You can freeze the chicken for up to 3 months. Make sure to store it with some of the sauce to keep it moist.
Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of BBQ sauce or water to prevent it from drying out. You can also microwave it in 30-second increments, stirring in between.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken in the crockpot?
Yes, but it’s best to thaw the chicken first. Using frozen chicken may lead to uneven cooking and can be a food safety risk. Always ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F.
What’s the best BBQ sauce to use?
This comes down to personal preference! Sweet Baby Ray’s is a popular choice, but you can also use a homemade sauce if you prefer to control the sweetness and smokiness.
Can I make this dish in advance?
Absolutely! Crockpot BBQ Chicken tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. Just store it in the fridge and reheat before serving.
How can I make this meal healthier?
Opt for low-sugar BBQ sauce, and use chicken breasts instead of thighs. You can also skip the brown sugar or use a natural sweetener like honey.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Just make sure your crockpot is large enough to handle the extra chicken, and adjust the cooking time if needed.
Crockpot BBQ Chicken
Crockpot BBQ Chicken : It’s juicy, flavorful, and irresistible aroma of barbecue filling your kitchen, with savoring tender, melt-in-your-mouth chicken for a comfort food that’s perfect for a busy weeknight or a lazy Sunday dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/4 cup Italian dressing
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Lightly season your chicken breasts with a pinch of sea salt per piece. Pop them into your crockpot.
- In a bowl, combine BBQ sauce, Italian dressing, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Whisk until smooth and well-blended.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken, cover, and set your crockpot to HIGH. Let it cook for 3-4 hours.
- When done, you can either serve the chicken breasts whole or shred them with two forks. If shredding, let the chicken soak up the flavorful sauce for another 10-15 minutes on low heat.
- This versatile dish is perfect on buns, over rice, wrapped in tortillas, or even on a crisp salad. Our personal favorite - On fresh rolls with a heap of crunchy coleslaw!
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 385Total Fat: 8gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 129mgSodium: 819mgCarbohydrates: 28gFiber: 0gSugar: 24gProtein: 47g
Chickenrecipes.blog, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Crockpot BBQ Chicken is a recipe you’ll want to make again and again. It’s perfect for family dinners, meal prepping, or feeding a crowd at your next barbecue gathering. With minimal ingredients and maximum flavor, it’s sure to become a staple in your meal rotation.
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