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Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken

Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken
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This Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken recipe offers tender, juicy chicken smothered in a rich, smoky, tangy barbecue sauce. Simple to prepare and perfect for family meals or meal prep, it delivers a flavorful, melt-in-your-mouth entree with minimal effort. Slow cooking ensures the chicken is easy to shred and infused with delicious BBQ flavors, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 2 to 3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

Seasonings

  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Sauce

  • 1 1/2 cups barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • Optional: 1 to 2 tablespoons brown sugar or honey (adjust to taste, if BBQ sauce is tangy)

Optional Variations

  • 1 teaspoon chili powder or a dash of cayenne pepper (for a spicy kick)
  • 1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke or smoked salt (for smoky flavor boost)
  • Pineapple juice or sliced pineapple (for sweet and tangy twist)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken evenly with salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. This dry rub ensures the chicken is flavorful before cooking.
  2. Arrange in Slow Cooker: Place the seasoned chicken breasts or thighs in a single layer at the bottom of your slow cooker to ensure even cooking.
  3. Add BBQ Sauce and Vinegar: Pour the barbecue sauce over the chicken, coating it thoroughly. Drizzle apple cider vinegar on top to brighten the flavors and balance sweetness. Add optional sweetener if desired.
  4. Cook Low and Slow: Cover and cook on low heat for 6 to 7 hours, or on high heat for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shredded with forks.
  5. Shred and Mix: Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken back to the cooker and stir to combine with the remaining sauce for juicy, flavorful meat.

Notes

  • Choose chicken thighs for juicier, more forgiving results during slow cooking.
  • Do not skip the apple cider vinegar—it’s key for balancing the sauce’s richness.
  • Avoid frequently lifting the slow cooker lid to maintain steady cooking temperature.
  • Use a quality BBQ sauce for best flavor or make your own.
  • Leftover shredded chicken tastes better if allowed to sit in the sauce a little longer before serving.
  • Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave with added sauce or water to prevent drying out.
  • Use thawed chicken for even cooking and food safety.
  • For a gluten-free meal, verify your BBQ sauce is certified gluten-free.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker BBQ chicken, shredded BBQ chicken, easy barbecue recipe, crockpot chicken, meal prep BBQ chicken, smoky BBQ chicken

Find it online: https://marygourmet.com/slow-cooker-bbq-chicken/