Barbecue chicken is a classic favorite, loved for its smoky, tangy, and sweet flavors. But what if you don’t have access to a grill or want to save time without sacrificing taste? The answer is simple: make barbecue chicken in a crock pot! This method is incredibly easy, requires minimal prep, and results in tender, juicy chicken infused with rich BBQ flavor. Here’s a friendly, step-by-step guide to making mouthwatering crock pot barbecue chicken that you can enjoy in sandwiches, salads, pizzas, or straight off the plate.
Why Choose Crock Pot Barbecue Chicken?
– Effortless Cooking: Just combine the ingredients and let the slow cooker do the work while you go about your day.
– Tender and Juicy: Slow cooking ensures the chicken becomes fall-apart tender.
– Versatile: Use the cooked chicken in sandwiches, salads, tacos, or even on pizza.
– Minimal Cleanup: One pot cooking means fewer dishes to wash.
Ingredients You’ll Need
– 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs if preferred)
– ½ cup water (or chicken broth, apple juice, or beer for extra flavor)
– 1 ½ cups barbecue sauce (choose your favorite brand or homemade)
– 1 teaspoon sea salt (or half the amount if using table salt)
– 1 tablespoon minced garlic (fresh or roasted)
– 1 cup finely diced red onion (sweet onions work well too)
How to Make Barbecue Chicken in a Crock Pot
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce Mixture
In the crock pot, whisk together the water, 1 cup of barbecue sauce, sea salt, minced garlic, and diced onion. This flavorful base will soak into the chicken as it cooks.
Step 2: Add the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts into the crock pot, turning them to coat evenly with the BBQ sauce mixture.
Step 3: Cook Low and Slow
Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours, until the chicken is fork-tender and easy to shred. For even cooking, rotate the chicken breasts halfway through the cooking time.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken
Once cooked, shred the chicken with two forks directly in the crock pot or transfer it to a cutting board or bowl. For a quicker method, you can use a stand mixer with a paddle attachment to shred the chicken in about 30-60 seconds.
Step 5: Let the Flavors Meld
Return the shredded chicken to the crock pot and stir it into the juices. Cook for an additional hour on low or 30 minutes on high to allow the chicken to soak up even more BBQ flavor.
Optional Step 6: Crisp It Up in the Oven
For a delicious finishing touch, transfer the shredded chicken and its juices to a loaf pan. Stir in an extra ½ cup of barbecue sauce and bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes. This step creates a crispy, slightly charred top layer that adds a wonderful texture and smoky flavor.
Serving Suggestions
– BBQ Chicken Sandwiches: Pile the chicken on fresh buns or rolls, and top with coleslaw for a classic combo.
– BBQ Chicken Pizza: Spread the chicken over your favorite pizza dough, add cheese and veggies, then bake.
– Salads: Toss the BBQ chicken over mixed greens for a hearty, flavorful salad.
– Tacos or Wraps: Use the pulled chicken as a filling with your favorite toppings.
– Sides: Pair with mac and cheese, roasted vegetables, sweet potato fries, or coleslaw for a complete meal.
Tips and Variations
– Chicken Choice: Boneless skinless breasts are common, but thighs add extra moisture and flavor.
– Liquid Variations: Swap water for chicken broth, apple juice, or even beer to add depth.
– BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite brand or homemade sauce. Sweet Baby Ray’s is a popular choice, but feel free to experiment.
– Add Extras: Try adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, or vinegar for a tangier taste.
– Onion and Garlic: Fresh minced garlic and diced onions add great flavor, but garlic powder and onion powder work in a pinch.
– Slow Cooker Size: A 6-quart slow cooker is ideal. Avoid too large a cooker to ensure proper cooking and avoid damage.
Barbecue chicken made in a crock pot is a game-changer for busy days or when you want that BBQ flavor without firing up the grill. With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, you can have a delicious, versatile meal ready to enjoy anytime. Give it a try and watch it become a staple in your recipe rotation!