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Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken with Easy Pulled Chicken
why make this recipe
Crockpot BBQ Chicken is a simple and delicious meal that requires minimal effort. With just a few ingredients, you can create a flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings. The crockpot does all the work for you, making the chicken tender and juicy. Plus, this recipe is versatile! You can serve it in sandwiches, salads, or even on nachos. It’s a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love.
how to make The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken
Ingredients:
- 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 (I use this fat-free one)
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar (can reduce to 1/8 cup or omit if you prefer it less sweet)
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- salt and black pepper, to taste
Directions:
- First, liberally spray the inside of a large crockpot or slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray. For less mess, you can use disposable liners.
- Season your trimmed boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Place them in the bottom of your crockpot.
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, add the 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 check that the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees.
- Once fully cooked, you can either serve the chicken whole or shred it with two forks right in the crockpot. This allows the chicken to soak up all the extra marinade and BBQ sauce.
- Serve on buns for delicious BBQ pulled chicken sandwiches or on pizza, salad, tacos, nachos, over rice, or by itself. Enjoy!
how to serve The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken
The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken can be served in many ways. For a classic option, pile the shredded chicken on toasted buns to make pulled chicken sandwiches. You can also serve it over rice or pasta for a hearty meal. Try adding it to salads for a tasty protein boost or using it as a filling for tacos. Don’t forget to top it with your favorite ingredients like coleslaw or pickles!
how to store The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken
If you have leftovers, let the chicken cool down before transferring it to an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Make sure to place the chicken in a freezer-safe container or bag, and it should last for about 2-3 months in the freezer. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm it up in the microwave or on the stovetop.
tips to make The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken
- Make sure to trim off any excess fat from the chicken before cooking for a healthier meal.
- Feel free to adjust the sweetness by reducing the brown sugar or omitting it altogether.
- For added flavor, you can add some chopped onions or bell peppers to the crockpot.
- Use different barbecue sauces to switch up the flavor profile. A spicy sauce can give it a nice kick!
variation
You can easily customize this recipe by adding different spices or sauces. For a tangy twist, add a bit of apple cider vinegar. If you like it spicy, consider adding some hot sauce or red pepper flakes. You can also substitute chicken breasts with thighs for a richer flavor.
FAQs
Can I cook frozen chicken in the crockpot?
It’s not recommended to cook frozen chicken in the crockpot as it may not reach a safe temperature quickly enough. Always thaw chicken before cooking.
Can I use other meats?
Yes! You can substitute chicken with pork or beef, but cooking times may vary. Make sure to adjust accordingly based on the type of meat you use.
Is it necessary to use a liner?
Using a liner is not necessary, but it can make cleanup easier. If you don’t have one, just be sure to spray the crockpot with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Crockpot BBQ Chicken
A simple and delicious BBQ chicken recipe cooked in the crockpot, perfect for busy weeknights and gatherings.
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, with fat trimmed off Trim off any excess fat for a healthier meal.
- 1.25 cups barbecue sauce (We love sweet Baby Ray's Honey BBQ) Feel free to use different barbecue sauces for flavor variation.
- 0.5 cups Italian dressing (fat-free recommended) Used for added moisture and flavor.
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce Adds a depth of flavor.
- 0.25 cups light brown sugar Can be reduced to 1/8 cup or omitted for less sweetness.
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- salt and black pepper, to taste Season the chicken liberally.
Instructions
Preparation
- Liberally spray the inside of a large crockpot or slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray.
- Season the trimmed chicken breasts with salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder.
- Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot.
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the barbecue sauce, Italian dressing, light brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Whisk until combined.
- Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the chicken breasts.
Cooking
- 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 check that the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees.
Serving
- Once fully cooked, serve the chicken whole or shred it with two forks right in the crockpot.
- Serve on buns for pulled chicken sandwiches, or over rice, salad, tacos, nachos, or by itself.
Notes
If you have leftovers, let the chicken cool down before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or freeze for 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm up in the microwave or stovetop.
