Introduction
Nothing beats the smell of slow cooked barbecued chicken wafting through the house. Slow cooker barbecued chicken is an incredibly easy and delicious dish to make. You can make it with minimal ingredients, and it’s great for feeding a crowd. The best part is that you can set it and forget it, as the slow cooker does all the work for you.
This classic slow cooker barbecued chicken recipe is perfect for a busy weeknight or a special occasion. It’s packed with flavor from a combination of barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and a few spices. The chicken cooks low and slow in the slow cooker to ensure an ultra-tender and fall-apart texture. And the sauce is sweet, tangy, and smoky, making it the perfect accompaniment to the succulent chicken.
Ingredients
You’ll need a few simple ingredients to make this easy slow cooker barbecued chicken: chicken, barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
For the chicken, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Both types of chicken work well in this recipe. If you’re using chicken breasts, be sure to trim away any visible fat.
For the barbecue sauce, you can use your favorite variety. You can also make your own homemade barbecue sauce if you’d like.
Instructions
Making slow cooker barbecued chicken is incredibly easy. First, coat the chicken in a mixture of barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Place the chicken in the slow cooker and pour the remaining sauce over the top. Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken has cooked through.
Once the chicken is cooked, use two forks to shred it in the slow cooker. Stir the shredded chicken into the sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve the slow cooker barbecued chicken with your favorite sides.
Serving Suggestions
Slow cooker barbecued chicken is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides. For a classic meal, serve it with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a green salad. You can also serve it with cooked grains like quinoa, rice, or farro. Or try it in tacos, on top of nachos, or in a sandwich. The possibilities are endless!
Make Ahead and Storage
Slow cooker barbecued chicken is a great make ahead meal. You can prep the chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to two days. When you’re ready to cook, just pop it in the slow cooker and follow the instructions.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet on the stovetop.
Nutrition
This slow cooker barbecued chicken is a healthy, protein-packed meal. Each serving packs in about 21 grams of protein and just 5 grams of fat. It’s also a good source of iron, vitamin A, and vitamin C.
The barbecue sauce adds a lot of flavor to this dish, but it can also increase the sugar and sodium content. To cut down on the sugar and sodium, use a low-sugar, low-sodium barbecue sauce.
Conclusion
This slow cooker barbecued chicken is an easy and delicious meal that’s perfect for a busy weeknight or a special occasion. It’s packed with flavor and incredibly versatile, so you can serve it with your favorite sides. Best of all, you can set it and forget it, as the slow cooker does all the work for you. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll be sure to love it!
