Description
Crockpot BBQ Chicken: Tender chicken cooked low and slow in sweet and tangy BBQ sauce. Easy, delicious, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 pounds (1.4 kg) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 cups (480 ml) barbecue sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup (50 g) brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Sauce In a medium bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until thoroughly combined. Take a moment to taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning to your preference. This homemade BBQ mixture will infuse the chicken with layers of flavor as it slowly cooks.
- Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This simple step improves browning and helps the sauce adhere better to the meat. If you’re using larger chicken breasts, consider cutting them in half to ensure even cooking throughout. Place the prepared chicken in the bottom of your slow cooker, arranging the pieces in a single layer whenever possible.
- Step 3: Combine and Begin Cooking Pour your prepared BBQ sauce mixture evenly over the chicken, using a spoon to ensure each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover the crockpot with the lid and set the temperature to LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours. The slow cooking process allows the chicken to become incredibly tender while absorbing all the delicious flavors from the sauce. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking as this releases heat and extends cooking time.
- Step 4: Shred the Chicken When the chicken is fork-tender and registers at least 165°F (74°C) on a meat thermometer, transfer the pieces to a cutting board. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces, adjusting the size according to your preference and intended serving method. You’ll notice how effortlessly the meat pulls apart – a sign of perfectly slow-cooked chicken.
- Step 5: Finish and Serve Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to coat thoroughly with the sauce. Replace the lid and cook on HIGH for an additional 20-30 minutes to allow the chicken to absorb more flavor. If you prefer a thicker sauce, leave the lid slightly ajar during this final cooking period. Before serving your Crockpot BBQ Chicken, give it one final stir and adjust seasoning if needed.
Notes
Fresh ingredients will always yield the best flavor results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350 calories per serving
- Sugar: 15 grams
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 8 grams
- Saturated Fat: 2 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 20 grams
- Fiber: 1 gram
- Protein: 40 grams
- Cholesterol: 120 mg