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Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken

Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken
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Enjoy a tender and flavorful Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken that’s easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends. This recipe features boneless, skinless chicken cooked low and slow in a rich, smoky, and slightly sweet barbecue sauce, resulting in juicy chicken that shreds effortlessly and can be used in sliders, tacos, salads, or served as a main dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 2 to 3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

BBQ Sauce Mixture

  • 1 to 1½ cups BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Trim any excess fat from the chicken breasts or thighs to ensure even cooking and a tender texture. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to help the BBQ sauce adhere better.
  2. Mix the Seasonings and Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine BBQ sauce with onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and apple cider vinegar if using. Stir until spices are evenly incorporated into the sauce.
  3. Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker: Place the chicken pieces in the slow cooker. Pour the BBQ sauce mixture over the chicken, making sure each piece is thoroughly coated to absorb all flavors.
  4. Cook Low and Slow: Cover and cook on low heat for 6 to 7 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and is tender enough to shred easily.
  5. Shred and Serve: Remove the cooked chicken and shred it directly in the slow cooker or on a cutting board using two forks. Toss the shredded chicken back into the sauce to soak up remaining juices before serving.

Notes

  • Choose thighs for juicier, more tender chicken or breasts for a leaner option.
  • Do not lift the lid frequently during cooking to maintain consistent heat and texture.
  • Marinate chicken in BBQ sauce overnight for deeper flavor before cooking.
  • If sauce is too thin after cooking, remove chicken and simmer sauce on stove to thicken into a glaze.
  • Use freshly ground spices for best aroma and flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker chicken, BBQ chicken, shredded chicken, easy dinner, slow cooker recipe, barbecue chicken, family meal

Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/slow-cooker-bbq-chicken/