Crock-Pot BBQ Chicken

What is a recipe that saved my sanity on more than one night?Crock-Pot BBQ Chicken, and it’s ridiculously easy. If you can put a few ingredients in swiss slow cooker, you could make this. Think of it as the lazy-person’s pulled pork, but with chicken and a whole lot less effort. My family begs for this all the time, and I’m not complaining because it gives me a break from work. After a long day, standing over the hot stove?

What is a crock pot BBQ chicken?

What exactly is *is*?Crock-Pot BBQ Chicken? It’s essentially shredded chicken that’s been slow-cooked in your favorite barbecue sauce. Think fall-apart tender chicken that’s infused with smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors. It’s comfort food at its finest, and the best part is you set it and forget it. Seriously, it’s perfect for those days when you know you’ll be running around like crazy. Just toss everything in the Crock-Pot in the morning, and dinner is ready when you are. It’s a lifesaver, truly.

Why you’ll love this recipe?

What are some good reasons to love this recipe?

Flavor Explosion: The combination of the juicy chicken and the smoky BBQ sauce is simply irresistible. You can use your favorite store-bought sauce, or even make your own if you’re feeling ambitious. I’ve tried it with honey BBQ, spicy BBQ, and even a sweet and tangy Carolina BBQ sauce, and they all work beautifully.
EffortlessThis recipe requires minimal effort. What is slow cooker cooking? What I love about this is that it frees up my time to do other things, like helping the kids. What is the best way to relax for a few minutes during homework?
Budget FriendlyChicken thighs are usually pretty affordable, and you probably already have most of the other meats. What are some of the best ingredients in your pantry? What is the best way to feed a family without sacrificing flavor?
Super Versatile:You can use this to your advantage.Crock-Pot BBQ ChickenIn so many ways! Serve it on buns as sandwiches, top a salad with it, stuff it into baked potatoes, or even use it in salads. What are some good tacos? Is there any limit to the possibilities? I like roast chicken, but I don’t like it. It’s much more versatile.

It’s similar in concept to slow cooker Pulled Pork, but quicker to prep and often a bit lighter. Is this a good idea to add to your weekly meal rotation? I actually prefer this over ordering takeout sometimes!

How do you make a crockpot BBQ chicken?

Quick Overview

Making Crock-Pot BBQ ChickenIs 1-2-3 easy? If you have a Slow Cooker, smother the chicken with your favorite BBQ sauce and spices, and cook for 30 minutes. Serve immediately. Let it cook low and slow until it’s fall-apart tender. Then, shred it with two forks and serve it up! Is it a foolproof method that delivers consistently delicious results? I have never had a bad batch of this, and believe me, I’ve made it . !

Ingredients

For the Crock-Pot BBQ Chicken:

2-3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts, but they are more flavorful) ) – I always opt for thighs; they stay so much juicier during the long cooking process.
1 12 – 2 cups of your favorite BBQ sauce – Use whatever brand you love! I’m partial to Sweet Baby Ray’s, but you do you.
How do you add smoked paprika to a dish?
1 teaspoon garlic powder – For that extra garlicky goodness.
1 teaspoon onion powder – To round out the flavors.
12 teaspoon salt – To enhance the flavors.
14 teaspoon black pepper – Freshly ground is always best!
What are some good uses for apple cider vinegar?

For Serving:

What are some good Hawaiian rolls to serve with a sandwich?
Coleslaw, for topping sandwiches – Adds a cool, creamy crunch.
Pickles, for serving on the side – Gotta have those pickles!

What are the steps to

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Trim any excess fat from the chicken thighs. Don’t worry about getting every single bit, but just remove any large pieces. Place the chicken in the bottom of a Slow Cooker.

Step 2: Add the BBQ Sauce and Spices

In a small bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder and salt. Set aside. Is apple cider vinegar a good substitute for regular vinegar? How do you pour the mixture over chicken?

Step 3: Cook on Low

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. When a chicken is shredded with two forks, it’s done. I always prefer the slow and low method, because it really allows the flavors to meld together. How do you make chicken tender? I usually start it before I leave for work, and it’s ready when I get home.

Step 4: Shred the Chicken

Once the chicken is cooked, use two forks to shred it directly in the slow cooker. How do you stir shredded chicken into the BBQ sauce? All that delicious sauce coats every strand of chicken.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve the Crock-Pot BBQ ChickenOn buns, top with coleslaw and pickles, if desired. Can you serve it over rice, in tacos, or in salads?

What should I serve it with?

This Crock-Pot BBQ Chicken is so versatile, you can serve it with just about anything! Here are a few of my favorite pairings:

Classic BBQ Sides: Coleslaw, potato salad, macaroni and cheese, and baked beans are always a hit. I always make a big batch of my Grandma’s potato salad; it’s the perfect complement to the BBQ chicken.
Fresh Salads: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing, or a corn and black bean salad, adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes are healthy and delicious. I love roasting them with a little olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Comfort Food Favorites: French fries, onion rings, or tater tots are always a crowd-pleaser. My kids always beg for tater tots when I make this!
On Buns: Pile high on toasted buns for a classic BBQ chicken sandwich. Don’t forget the coleslaw and pickles!

I’ve even served it with cornbread muffins for a cozy, comforting meal. It’s just so adaptable; you really can’t go wrong!

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Crock-Pot BBQ Chicken

Here are a few tips I’ve learned over the years to help you make the best Crock-Pot BBQ Chicken ever:

Don’t Overcook It: While it’s hard to really mess this up, overcooking the chicken can make it a little dry. Keep an eye on it and shred it as soon as it’s easily shredded with a fork.
Use Chicken Thighs for Extra Flavor and Moisture: As I mentioned before, chicken thighs are my go-to for this recipe because they stay juicier and more flavorful than chicken breasts. But if you prefer chicken breasts, go for it! Just be sure to not overcook them.
Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment with BBQ Sauce: The BBQ sauce is the star of the show, so choose one you love! I’ve tried countless different sauces over the years, and they all work well. You can even mix and match different sauces to create your own unique flavor. I sometimes mix a smoky chipotle sauce with a sweeter honey BBQ for a little kick.
Add a Little Liquid Smoke for Extra Smokiness: If you want to add even more smoky flavor, add a teaspoon of liquid smoke to the BBQ sauce mixture. Be careful not to add too much, though, as it can be overpowering.
Use a Slow Cooker Liner for Easy Cleanup: If you hate cleaning your slow cooker, use a slow cooker liner! It makes cleanup a breeze. I always have a box of these on hand; they’re a total game-changer.
Shred the Chicken Directly in the Slow Cooker: This makes shredding the chicken so much easier, and it also allows the chicken to soak up even more of the BBQ sauce.
Adjust Seasonings to Taste: Taste the shredded chicken and adjust the seasonings as needed. You may want to add a little more salt, pepper, or BBQ sauce to suit your preferences.

I’ve even tried adding a little brown sugar to the sauce for a sweeter flavor, and it’s delicious! The key is to experiment and find what works best for you and your family. I’ve also found that adding a can of diced tomatoes (drained) can add a nice touch of acidity and texture.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Here’s how to properly store and reheat your leftover Crock-Pot BBQ Chicken:

Refrigerator Storage: Store the shredded chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to let it cool completely before refrigerating it.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, freeze the shredded chicken in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. I usually divide it into smaller portions so I can easily grab what I need for a quick lunch or dinner.
Reheating in the Microwave: Reheat the chicken in the microwave on medium power until heated through, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water or broth if it seems dry.
Reheating on the Stovetop: Reheat the chicken in a saucepan on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water or broth if it seems dry.
Reheating in the Oven: Reheat the chicken in a baking dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. Cover the dish with foil to prevent the chicken from drying out.

I usually reheat mine in the microwave for a quick and easy lunch, but the stovetop method is great for retaining moisture. The key is to not overcook it during reheating, as it can become dry. I’ve even reheated it in a skillet with a little extra BBQ sauce for added flavor and moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen chicken?

While it’s generally recommended to use thawed chicken for even cooking, you *can* use frozen chicken thighs in a slow cooker. However, you’ll need to add at least an hour or two to the cooking time and make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). It’s always safer to thaw it first, though, to ensure it cooks properly.

Can I make this spicier?

Absolutely! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, a dash of hot sauce, or a spoonful of chili flakes to the BBQ sauce mixture. You can also use a spicier BBQ sauce or add some chopped jalapeños to the slow cooker. My husband loves it when I add a little bit of sriracha!

Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?

Yes! Adding chopped onions, bell peppers, or even pineapple chunks to the slow cooker can add extra flavor and nutrients. I’ve even added a can of drained corn for a little sweetness and texture.

What if my chicken is dry?

If your chicken is dry, add a little extra BBQ sauce or chicken broth to the slow cooker and stir it in. You can also try shredding the chicken and then letting it sit in the sauce for a while longer to soak up the moisture. Using chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts can also help prevent dryness.

Can I make this in an Instant Pot?

Yes, you can adapt this recipe for the Instant Pot. Place the chicken, BBQ sauce, and spices in the Instant Pot. Cook on high pressure for 15-20 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release. Then, shred the chicken and serve!

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it – my super easy and delicious Crock-Pot BBQ Chicken recipe! I truly hope you give it a try. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or any time you’re craving a comforting and flavorful meal. The best part? It’s so incredibly simple, anyone can make it. If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out my other slow cooker recipes! I’ve got a few that are just as easy and delicious. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Don’t forget to leave a comment and rating below, and share your own variations. I love seeing what you guys come up with!

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