Get ready to savor a dish that’s all about ease and flavor! The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken delivers mouth-watering, tender pulled chicken coated in a deliciously sweet and tangy barbecue sauce. It’s not only a feast for the taste buds, but it’s also visually stunning, with rich colors that make it perfect for gatherings, game days, or a cozy family dinner. Imagine the juicy, succulent chicken served on soft buns or over rice, inviting everyone to dig in.
As the aroma fills your kitchen, you’re in for a treat that combines convenience and incredible taste. The texture of the shredded chicken paired with flavorful sauce creates a sensory delight that’s hard to resist. In this article, you’ll discover why this recipe is a must-have, how to whip it up easily, and some creative ways to serve it. Let’s dive into the details of making this amazing dish!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fresh Ingredients: The recipe uses simple, fresh ingredients for a vibrant taste.
- Ease of Preparation: With minimal hands-on time, you can set it and forget it!
- Nutrition: Lean chicken and flavorful sauces make for a satisfying meal.
- Versatility: Enjoy it in sandwiches, salads, tacos, or even on pizza!
- Presentation: The colorful dish looks appealing and is great for sharing.
You’ll find that this recipe truly is a crowd-pleaser.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total time: 5-6 hours
- Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 5-6 hours on low or 2.5-3 hours on high.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 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 (fat-free recommended)
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar (can reduce to 1/8 cup or omit)
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
How To Make The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken (Easy Pulled Chicken)
First, liberally spray the inside of a large crockpot or slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray, or for less mess, use one of these awesome disposable liners. Next, season your trimmed boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder, and place them in the bottom of your crockpot.
In a medium-size mixing bowl, add barbecue sauce, Italian dressing, light brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Whisk until combined. Pour the mixture evenly over the chicken breasts, place the lid on the crockpot, and cook on high for 2.5-3 hours or low for 5-6 hours. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees.
Once fully cooked, you can either serve the chicken whole or use two forks to shred it. I love to shred it right in the crockpot to soak up all the extra marinade and BBQ sauce. 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
- Presentation: Serve the pulled chicken on a platter for a beautiful display.
- Accompaniments: Pair with coleslaw, baked beans, or corn on the cob for a complete meal.
- Portions: Use a generous scoop for sandwiches or serve smaller portions for a buffet-style meal.
- Beverage Pairing: Complement with iced tea, lemonade, or a light beer for the perfect match.
Feel free to mix things up and find the serving style that suits your occasion!
Additional Tips
- Enhance flavor: Add smoked paprika for a smoky twist.
- Customize: Swap out the BBQ sauce for your favorite flavor or brand.
- Serving suggestions: Top with pickles or sliced jalapeños for extra zest!
Recipe Variations
- Spicy BBQ Chicken: Add hot sauce or cayenne pepper for a kick.
- Honey Mustard Chicken: Substitute BBQ sauce with honey mustard for a unique flavor.
- Asian BBQ Chicken: Use teriyaki sauce and add sesame seeds for an Asian twist.
Freezing and Storage
- Storage: Keep leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
- Freezing: Best to freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Special Equipment
- Slow cooker or crockpot
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Meat thermometer
- Non-stick cooking spray or disposable liners
FAQ’s
1. Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just be sure to cook it on the high setting for longer to ensure it reaches the safe temperature.
2. Is this recipe healthy?
Yes, it features lean chicken and you can control the amount of sauce and sugar used for a healthier meal.
3. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prep the ingredients and store them in the crockpot overnight in the fridge, then cook in the morning.
4. Can I customize the flavors?
Definitely! You can change the BBQ sauce, add spices, or mix in other ingredients like onions or peppers.
5. What are alternative cooking methods for this recipe?
You can make this BBQ chicken in an Instant Pot or cook it on the stovetop if you prefer.
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Conclusion
This Crockpot BBQ Chicken recipe is the perfect blend of ease, flavor, and texture. With its rich taste and wholesome ingredients, it’s great for any occasion, from casual get-togethers to family feasts. You’ll love how this dish keeps everyone satisfied and coming back for more. So why not give it a try? This meal is not just simple to prepare; it’s delicious enough to impress!
Crockpot BBQ Chicken
Ingredients
Method
- Spray the inside of a large crockpot or slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray or use disposable liners.
- Season the trimmed chicken breasts with salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder, and place them in the bottom of the crockpot.
- In a medium-size mixing bowl, combine barbecue sauce, Italian dressing, light brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Whisk until combined.
- Pour the mixture evenly over the chicken breasts, place the lid on the crockpot, and cook on high for 2.5-3 hours or low for 5-6 hours.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees.
- Once fully cooked, serve the chicken whole or shred it right in the crockpot to soak up the marinade and BBQ sauce.
Did you make this recipe?
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