Why make this recipe
Making the Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken is a great idea for so many reasons. First, it’s incredibly easy to prepare. Just toss the ingredients in the Crockpot and let it do its magic while you carry on with your day. Second, the chicken comes out tender and full of flavor, making it ideal for family dinners, parties, or meal prep for the week. Plus, making BBQ chicken in a Crockpot is a healthier way to enjoy your favorite comfort food without sacrificing taste!
How to make The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken
Creating The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken is simplified with these straightforward steps:
- Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of the Crockpot.
- In a bowl, combine the barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
- Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the chicken breasts in the Crockpot.
- Add water or chicken broth around the edges of the chicken to keep it moist while cooking.
- Secure the lid on the Crockpot and set it to low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
- Once the cooking time is complete, ensure the chicken is fully cooked and tender. It should easily shred with two forks.
- Remove the chicken from the Crockpot and place it on a cutting board. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Return the shredded chicken to the Crockpot and stir it into the remaining sauce until well-coated.
- Allow the shredded chicken to sit in the sauce for an additional 15-30 minutes on the warm setting for extra flavor.
- Your BBQ chicken is now ready to be served!
How to serve The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken
You can serve The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken in many delicious ways. Try it on a bun to make a BBQ chicken sandwich, or spoon it over rice or mashed potatoes for a heartwarming meal. It also pairs nicely with coleslaw, baked beans, or corn on the cob for a classic BBQ plate. Don’t forget to drizzle some extra barbecue sauce on top for added flavor!
How to store The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken
To store any leftovers, let the BBQ chicken cool to room temperature first. Then, place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you’d like to keep it longer, you can freeze the chicken for up to 3 months. Just make sure to thaw it in the fridge before reheating.
Tips to make The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the barbecue sauce mixture overnight in the fridge before cooking.
- Use different types of barbecue sauce to find your favorite flavor profile. Sweet, spicy, or smoky sauces all work well!
- If you prefer crispy edges, you can broil the shredded chicken for a few minutes after cooking to get a nice char.
Variation
You can easily make this recipe your own by adding other ingredients. For example, throw in some diced onions or bell peppers for added texture and flavor. If you enjoy a bit of sweetness, add some honey or brown sugar to the sauce mixture. You can also use chicken thighs instead of breasts for richer taste and juiciness.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but the cooking time will be longer. If cooking on low, it may take about 10 hours, and on high, around 5-6 hours.
Can I make this recipe without BBQ sauce?
Yes, you can substitute with a different sauce like teriyaki or honey mustard. Just adjust the flavors according to your preference.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
You can make it gluten-free by ensuring that the barbecue sauce and Worcestershire sauce you use are gluten-free certified. Many brands offer gluten-free options.
