If you’re looking for a recipe that blends convenience with mouthwatering flavor, look no further than The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken. This dish brings tender, juicy chicken infused with a rich barbecue aroma right to your table, all with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Cooking: Simply set it and forget it in your crockpot for an easy, hands-free meal.
- Flavor-packed: The combination of barbecue sauce, Italian dressing, and Worcestershire sauce creates a savory blend that’s both sweet and tangy.
- Versatility: From sandwich fillings to pizza toppings, this recipe fits perfectly into a myriad of dishes.
- Crowd-pleaser: Its irresistible flavor profile makes it a hit for gatherings, ensuring everyone reaches for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These straightforward ingredients meld together perfectly, each playing a pivotal role in achieving that bold BBQ flavor. Everything from the barbecue sauce to the Worcestershire sauce adds a delightful depth to your dish.
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts: A lean protein that’s perfect for soaking up flavors.
- 1 1/4 cup barbecue sauce: Sweet Baby Ray’s Honey BBQ adds a delightful sweetness and smokiness.
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing: Provides a burst of zesty richness which complements the BBQ sauce.
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce: Enhances the umami flavor, bringing complexity to the dish.
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar: Adds sweetness that you can adjust to your taste preference.
- 1 tbsp garlic powder: Infuses the chicken with a warm and savory aroma.
- 1 tbsp onion powder: Complements the garlic while providing depth.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: Essential for enhancing all other flavors.
Variations
This recipe is a great starting point, but feel free to experiment and make it your own. It’s incredibly easy to adapt based on what’s in your pantry, dietary needs, or personal taste preferences.
- Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for heat lovers.
- Smoky Twist: Incorporate a teaspoon of smoked paprika for a richer, smokier flavor.
- Herb-infused: Mix in fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for an earthy nuance.
How to Make The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken
Step 1: Prepare Your Crockpot
Start by spraying the inside of your crockpot with non-stick cooking spray, or use a disposable liner to make clean-up a breeze. This ensures your chicken doesn’t stick, allowing for easy transfer and a cleaner appliance.
Step 2: Season Your Chicken
Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Place them at the bottom of the crockpot, allowing the seasoning to settle on the chicken, infusing it with flavor as it cooks.
Step 3: Mix Your Marinade
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce, Italian dressing, light brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Ensure the mixture is well combined before pouring it over the chicken to evenly coat each piece.
Step 4: Cook to Perfection
Place the lid on the crockpot and set it to cook on high for 2.5 to 3 hours, or on low for 5 to 6 hours. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees to guarantee it’s cooked through.
Step 5: Shred and Serve
Once cooked, you can either serve the chicken whole or shred it using two forks right in the crockpot. This allows it to absorb the juices fully, enhancing its flavor. Serve on buns for a classic BBQ sandwich or as a versatile topping.
Pro Tips for Making The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken
- Temperature Check: Ensure the chicken’s core reaches 165°F for perfectly cooked, succulent meat.
- Flavor Infusion: Allow the chicken to rest in the sauce after shredding for an even deeper taste.
- Plan Ahead: Marinate the chicken for a few hours before cooking if you want an extra punch of flavor.
- Lining Benefits: Use crockpot liners not only for easy cleanup but also to prevent the sauce from sticking.
How to Serve The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken
Garnishes
Sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley or scallions on top for a pop of color and a fresh bite. They’re not just decorative; they add a nice contrast to the rich BBQ flavors.
Side Dishes
This chicken pairs beautifully with coleslaw, buttered corn on the cob, or a crisp green salad. Each side complements the dish without overpowering its star flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this BBQ chicken in a rustic tray lined with parchment paper, adorned with buns and a selection of pickles for a casual, inviting vibe. Alternatively, use small bowls for individual servings, making it perfect for a buffet-style meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should keep well for up to 3 to 4 days, making it a perfect candidate for meal prepping your weeknight dinners.
Freezing
For extended storage, place the chicken in a freezer-safe container or bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Make sure to label it with the date for easy tracking.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken gently in the microwave or over low heat on the stove until warmed through. Add a splash of BBQ sauce if it appears too dry after storing.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken. However, extend the cooking time by an hour or so, and always check it reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
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What can I use instead of barbecue sauce?
If you’re out of barbecue sauce, try a mixture of ketchup, brown sugar, a splash of vinegar, and some chili powder as a quick substitute.
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Is it possible to make this dish in advance?
Absolutely! Prepare the recipe as directed, then store it in the fridge. Reheat thoroughly when ready to serve for a quick and effortless meal.
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What other proteins can I use for this recipe?
Try using pork shoulder or beef chuck roast for equally delicious results. Adjust cooking times accordingly, as these meats may require longer to become tender.
Final Thoughts
The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken is more than just a meal; it’s an experience of rich, mouthwatering flavors with every bite. I encourage you to try it and see how it becomes a family favorite, perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!
Print
The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 2.5-6 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes – 6 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crockpot BBQ Chicken recipe is an easy and flavorful dish perfect for quick weeknight dinners or feeding a crowd. Juicy, tender chicken breasts are slow-cooked in a savory BBQ sauce mixture, resulting in shredded or whole chicken that can be served on buns, over rice, or in tacos. The combination of barbecue sauce, Italian dressing, and seasonings creates a deliciously moist and smoky flavor profile with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Meat
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, with fat trimmed off
Sauce and Seasonings
- 1 1/4 cup barbecue sauce (e.g., Sweet Baby Ray’s Honey BBQ)
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing (fat-free preferred)
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the crockpot: Liberally spray the inside of a large crockpot with non-stick cooking spray or line it with a disposable crockpot liner to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Season the chicken: Season the trimmed boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Place them evenly in the bottom of the prepared crockpot.
- Make the sauce: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce, Italian dressing, light brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce until thoroughly combined.
- Add the sauce: Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the seasoned chicken breasts in the crockpot.
- Cook the chicken: Cover, and cook on high for 2.5-3 hours or low for 5-6 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Shred or serve whole: Use a meat thermometer to ensure doneness. Once cooked, you can serve the chicken whole or shred it directly in the crockpot with two forks for pulled chicken that soaks up the sauce beautifully.
- Serve and enjoy: Serve on buns for sandwiches, or as desired over rice, in tacos, on pizza, or in salads.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of brown sugar based on your sweetness preference.
- For a spicier version, add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper.
- Shredded chicken retains heat and moisture well, making it ideal for sandwiches and tacos.
- This recipe can be doubled or tripled for larger groups; just ensure your crockpot is large enough.
- For extra smoky flavor, add a teaspoon of smoked paprika or Liquid Smoke to the sauce mixture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup shredded chicken (approximately 120g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
