The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken
The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken
Crockpot BBQ chicken is a dish that captures the essence of comfort food while making meal preparation a simple and convenient task. If you are looking for a flavorful, tender, and juicy chicken dish that almost cooks itself, then look no further. Using just a handful of ingredients and a slow cooker, you can create a delicious meal that pleases both family and friends alike. Imagine walking into your home after a long day to the delightful aroma of spicy, sweet barbecue chicken wafting through the air. This recipe will have you covered for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or even game-day festivities, making it a favorite in any household.
One of the biggest advantages of making Crockpot BBQ chicken is the ease of preparation. The slow cooker does most of the work for you while you carry on with your day. It’s a true set-it-and-forget-it type of meal. Whether you are busy working, taking care of your children, or running errands, you can have peace of mind knowing that dinner is on its way. Moreover, the combination of barbecue sauce, Italian dressing, and seasonings soaks into the chicken as it cooks, resulting in an incredibly flavorful dish that is sure to impress.
Why make this recipe
There are many reasons why Crockpot BBQ chicken is a must-try recipe. First and foremost, it is wildly flavorful, thanks to the combination of sweet and tangy ingredients. The barbecue sauce provides that rich, smoky taste we all love, while the Italian dressing adds a zesty kick. This recipe also promotes versatility as it can easily be served in various ways: on sliders, over rice, or as a topping for salads. Plus, it caters to busy lifestyles by offering an easy cooking method that’s perfect for meal prepping or for special occasions.
Additionally, this dish is budget-friendly, utilizing simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store. It’s a great way to enjoy a comforting homemade meal without the need for expensive cuts of meat. The chicken becomes incredibly tender through the slow cooking process, often resulting in leftovers that can be easily repurposed into different meals throughout the week. You can make hearty wraps or toss it into pasta for a quick and satisfying dinner.
How to make The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken
Making The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken is incredibly straightforward. With both the prep time and cooking time taken into account, this dish is an absolute winner for those busy days when convenience and taste are essential. Let’s get into how you can prepare this delicious meal in just a few easy steps.
Ingredients:
To create the delicious Crockpot BBQ chicken, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, trimmed
- 1 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Directions:
- Start by spraying the inside of a large crockpot or slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Take the trimmed chicken breasts and season them with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Place the seasoned chicken into the crockpot.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the barbecue sauce, Italian dressing, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Pour this savory mix over the chicken in the crockpot.
- Cover the crockpot with its lid and set it to cook on high for 2.5 to 3 hours or on low for 5 to 6 hours. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Once cooked, you have the option to either serve the chicken whole or shred it directly in the crockpot. Either way, it pairs wonderfully with buns, rice, or alongside a fresh salad.
Time Breakdown
Preparation time for this recipe is quite minimal, taking around 10 minutes to season the chicken and mix the sauces. After that, let your slow cooker do the work while you go about your day. Cooking time can range from 2.5 to 6 hours, depending on your chosen heat setting. This gives you ample time to relax or accomplish other tasks, making it a practical option for a hassle-free meal.
How to serve The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken
When it comes to serving Crockpot BBQ chicken, the possibilities are endless. For a delightful sandwich, shred the chicken and place it on a soft bun, then top it with extra barbecue sauce and some coleslaw for crunch. Alternatively, serve it over a bed of fluffy white rice or on a fresh salad, drizzling a bit of the leftover sauce on top for extra flavor. You can also present it as a standalone dish alongside your favorite sides, such as baked beans or corn on the cob.
How to store The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken
Storing leftovers of this delicious BBQ chicken is simple. Allow the chicken to cool down, then transfer it into an airtight container. You can refrigerate it for up to 4 days or freeze it for longer storage. If freezing, it’s recommended to separate it into meal-sized portions for quick access later on. Make sure to label your containers with the date to keep track of freshness.
Tips to make The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken
To enhance your Crockpot BBQ chicken experience, consider a few helpful tips. First, using high-quality barbecue sauce can significantly impact the flavor. Experimenting with different brands or even homemade options allows you to customize the dish to your taste. If you like a bit of heat, consider adding chili powder or hot sauce for a spicy kick. Always shred the chicken in the crockpot once cooked for maximum flavor immersion. Lastly, be sure to keep the lid closed during cooking to retain moisture and temperature.
Variation
While this recipe is fantastic on its own, feel free to play around with different flavor profiles. You can swap out the barbecue sauce for a teriyaki or honey mustard sauce for a unique twist. Additionally, try incorporating different spices like cumin or smoked paprika for added depth. Using different types of chicken, such as thighs instead of breasts, can give the dish another layer of flavor as well.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Understanding the nutritional content of your meal can help in planning balanced diets. On average, a serving of Crockpot BBQ chicken contains roughly 290 calories, 7g of fat, 42g of protein, and 10g of carbohydrates. This varies based on the specific brands of sauces and dressings used, as well as any additional toppings you may choose to add. Keep in mind that nutritional values may change if the chicken is served with sides or in sandwiches.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just be sure to extend the cooking time to ensure they cook through fully.
2. Can I make this recipe in advance?
Absolutely! This recipe is great for meal prep. You can cook it in advance, store it in the fridge, and reheat it when you’re ready.
3. Is it possible to reduce the sugar in the recipe?
Yes, if you’re looking to cut down on sugar, you can reduce the amount of brown sugar or use a sugar substitute. Keep in mind that it may slightly alter the overall flavor.
In conclusion, The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken provides a delicious and convenient meal option for any day of the week. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, it’s a fantastic dish to have in your recipe repertoire. Enjoy it, share it, and savor the many flavors it brings to your table!
Crockpot BBQ Chicken
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, trimmed
- 1 1/4 cup barbecue sauce Use high-quality barbecue sauce for best flavor.
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar Can be adjusted for lower sugar options.
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- to taste Salt and black pepper
Instructions
Preparation
- Spray the inside of a large crockpot or slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray.
- Season the trimmed chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder, then place them into the crockpot.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the barbecue sauce, Italian dressing, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Pour the mixture over the chicken in the crockpot.
Cooking
- Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on high for 2.5 to 3 hours or on low for 5 to 6 hours, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Once cooked, serve the chicken whole or shred it directly in the crockpot.
