Crockpot BBQ Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Crockpot BBQ Chicken is an easy and flavorful dish that requires minimal effort but delivers delicious results. Perfect for busy days, this recipe uses simple ingredients and slow cooking to create tender, juicy chicken infused with smoky barbecue flavor.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1½ cups barbecue sauce (Korean BBQ sauce works well too)
• 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ tsp ground black pepper
• Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of a 6-quart crockpot.
2. Step 2: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, minced garlic, and ground black pepper until well combined.
3. Step 3: Pour the barbecue sauce mixture evenly over the chicken breasts in the crockpot.
4. Step 4: Close the lid and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
5. Step 5: Serve the chicken as is, garnished with chopped fresh parsley, or shred it to use in sandwiches.

Tips & Variations

• For extra smoky flavor, add a few drops of liquid smoke to the sauce before cooking.
• Try swapping brown sugar with honey or maple syrup for a different sweetness profile.
• If you prefer a spicier dish, mix in some hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a richer, juicier result.

Storage

Store leftover crockpot BBQ chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. It also freezes well for up to 2 months—thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts in this recipe?

It’s best to use thawed chicken breasts to ensure even cooking. Cooking from frozen may increase the cooking time and could result in unevenly cooked chicken.

How can I make the sauce thicker?

After cooking, remove the chicken and set the crockpot to high. Let the sauce cook uncovered for 15-20 minutes to reduce and thicken before serving.

Crockpot BBQ Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 149 reviews

This Crockpot BBQ Chicken recipe offers a deliciously tender and flavorful meal perfect for busy days. By slow cooking boneless, skinless chicken breasts with a tangy barbecue sauce blend enriched with apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and garlic, you achieve mouthwatering BBQ chicken without any hassle. Serve it as is garnished with fresh parsley or shred it for versatile sandwiches.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 to 4 hours
• Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes to 4 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Sauce

• 1½ cups barbecue sauce (Korean BBQ sauce works well)
• 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ tsp ground black pepper

Garnish

• Chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of a 6-quart crockpot to ensure an even cooking surface for flavorful results.
2. Make the Sauce: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, minced garlic, and ground black pepper until well combined for a tangy and slightly sweet BBQ flavor.
3. Add Sauce to Chicken: Pour the prepared BBQ sauce mixture evenly over the chicken breasts in the crockpot, coating them thoroughly.
4. Cook the Chicken: Close the crockpot lid and cook the chicken on the low setting for 3 to 4 hours, allowing the flavors to deeply infuse and the chicken to become tender and juicy.
5. Serve: Once cooked, enjoy the chicken as is, garnished with chopped fresh parsley, or shred the chicken for delicious BBQ sandwiches.

Notes

• Using boneless skinless chicken breasts keeps this recipe lean and easy to shred after cooking.
• Cooking on low heat for 3-4 hours is key to tender, juicy chicken without drying it out.
• Feel free to swap in your favorite BBQ sauce variety, including Korean BBQ, for a different flavor profile.
• Shredded BBQ chicken is excellent for sandwiches, tacos, or salads.
• Garnishing with fresh parsley adds a pop of color and fresh herbal aroma.

Keywords: Crockpot BBQ chicken, slow cooker BBQ chicken, easy BBQ chicken, shredded BBQ chicken, barbecue chicken breasts