The Best Crockpot Bbq Chicken Recipe

If you’re looking for a versatile, delicious, and easy-to-make meal, this Crockpot BBQ Chicken recipe is exactly what you need. Perfect for busy weekdays or relaxed weekends, this dish brings together tender chicken and rich barbecue flavors with minimal effort. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving a satisfying dinner, this recipe will quickly become a household favorite.

Ingredients Overview

The success of any dish starts with its ingredients, and this Crockpot BBQ Chicken is no exception. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each component is important:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of the dish, these provide a lean, tender base that absorbs all the flavors beautifully.
• 1 1/4 cup masterfoods BBQ Sauce: This gives the chicken its signature sweet and tangy flavor.
• 1/2 cup Italian dressing: Adds a zesty, herbaceous flavor that complements the BBQ sauce perfectly.
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce: Introduces a savory depth to the sauce, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar: Balances the tanginess with a touch of sweetness, but you can reduce or omit it if you prefer a less sweet taste.
• 1 tbsp garlic powder and 1 tbsp onion powder: These spices bring warmth and complexity, making the dish more aromatic and flavorful.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning the chicken and bringing out all the flavors.

this RECIPE

Kitchen Equipment Needed

To make this Crockpot BBQ Chicken, you’ll need just a few basic kitchen tools:

• Crockpot or slow cooker: The heart of this recipe, ensuring the chicken cooks low and slow, resulting in juicy, flavorful meat.
• Mixing bowl: For combining the BBQ sauce mixture.
• Whisk: To ensure the sauce ingredients are well blended.
• Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
• Tongs or forks: To shred the chicken once it’s fully cooked.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s walk through the steps to prepare this mouthwatering Crockpot BBQ Chicken.

Preparing the Chicken and Seasoning

1. Start by liberally spraying the inside of your crockpot with non-stick cooking spray, or if you prefer an easier cleanup, use a slow cooker liner.
2. Trim any excess fat from the boneless, skinless chicken breasts.
3. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder, ensuring all sides are evenly coated.
4. Place the seasoned chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot.

Mixing the BBQ Sauce Mixture

1. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine themasterfoods BBQ Sauce, Italian dressing, Worcestershire sauce, and light brown sugar.
2. Whisk the ingredients together until fully blended. The mixture should be smooth and consistent, with no lumps of sugar remaining.

Cooking the Chicken in the Crockpot

1. Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the chicken breasts in the crockpot, making sure each piece is well-coated.
2. Place the lid on the crockpot and set it to cook on high for 2.5 to 3 hours or on low for 5 to 6 hours.
3. About 30 minutes before the cooking time is up, check the chicken’s internal temperature. It should reach 165°F to ensure it’s fully cooked.
4. Once done, you can either serve the chicken whole or shred it directly in the crockpot using two forks. Shredding allows the meat to soak up even more of the delicious sauce.

Tips for Perfect Crockpot BBQ Chicken

To make sure your Crockpot BBQ Chicken turns out perfectly every time, here are some helpful tips:

• Avoid Overcooking: Keep an eye on the time, as cooking the chicken for too long can result in dry meat. Using a meat thermometer is the best way to ensure your chicken is cooked just right.
• Mix Well: When making the sauce, ensure all the ingredients are fully combined. This will help the flavors distribute evenly across the chicken.
• Don’t Skip the Seasoning: Properly seasoning the chicken with salt, pepper, and spices before adding the sauce ensures the flavor penetrates the meat, not just the surface.

Serving Suggestions

Crockpot BBQ Chicken is incredibly versatile, making it suitable for a variety of meals:

• BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches: Serve the shredded chicken on soft buns, topped with coleslaw for added crunch.
• Pizza Topping: Use the BBQ chicken as a topping for a homemade pizza, adding cheese and your favorite vegetables.
• Salad: For a lighter option, top a green salad with the BBQ chicken, along with some corn, beans, and a drizzle of extra BBQ sauce.
• Tacos or Nachos: Add the shredded chicken to tacos or nachos, along with cheese, sour cream, and your favorite toppings.
• Over Rice: Serve the chicken over a bed of steamed rice for a simple, hearty meal.

Recipe Variations

You can customize this recipe to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs:

• Healthier Version: Reduce the sugar or use a sugar-free barbecue sauce. You can also use a low-fat Italian dressing to cut down on calories.
• Spicy BBQ Chicken: Add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the BBQ sauce mixture for a spicy kick.
• Different Cuts of Chicken: While chicken breasts are lean and tender, you can use chicken thighs for a juicier result. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.

Storage and Leftover Ideas

This Crockpot BBQ Chicken is perfect for meal prepping or storing leftovers:

• Storing Leftovers: Once cooled, transfer the chicken to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the shredded chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat the chicken in a microwave or on the stovetop. Add a splash of water or extra BBQ sauce if the chicken seems dry.

FAQ Section

Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe? Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just be aware that it may increase the cooking time by about an hour. Always check the internal temperature to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.

How Can I Adjust the Cooking Time? If you’re short on time, cook on high for 2.5 to 3 hours. For a more tender result, cook on low for 5 to 6 hours. Always use a meat thermometer to check doneness.

What If I Don’t Have Italian Dressing? If you don’t have Italian dressing on hand, you can substitute it with a mixture of olive oil, vinegar, and a teaspoon each of dried herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme.

Conclusion

This Crockpot BBQ Chicken recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that’s both easy to make and incredibly versatile. Whether you’re serving it on sandwiches, pizza, or salads, it’s sure to be a hit. Give this recipe a try, and don’t forget to share it with your friends and family. If you loved this recipe, be sure to subscribe to our blog for more delicious and easy meal ideas!

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