If you’re searching for a dinner that practically makes itself, look no further than this Slow Cooker Zesty BBQ Chicken. A few simple ingredients combine to create a tender and flavorful dish that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds. Whether you’re hosting a weekend gathering, meal prepping for the week, or simply craving some delicious comfort food, this recipe fits the bill perfectly.
Why Slow Cooker Zesty BBQ Chicken is Worth Your Time
One of the best things about this Slow Cooker Zesty BBQ Chicken is its hands-off cooking method. Just toss your ingredients into the slow cooker, set the timer, and go about your day. The result? Juicy, flavorful chicken that’s incredibly versatile. Serve it over rice, in a sandwich, or alongside some fresh salad for a meal that’s as easy to prepare as it is to enjoy. Plus, the combination of BBQ sauce, Italian dressing, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce creates a zesty flavor profile that’s sure to please.
The Essentials
To make this Slow Cooker Zesty BBQ Chicken, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 4 to 6 boneless skinless chicken breasts: The star of the show! Tender and juicy, they soak up the flavors beautifully.
- 1 (12-oz) bottle BBQ sauce: Choose your favorite brand for the perfect balance of sweet and tangy.
- ½ cup Italian dressing: Adds a zesty kick and depth of flavor.
- ½ cup brown sugar: Balances out the tanginess with a hint of sweetness.
- 2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce: Enhances the overall flavor with its unique umami.
Gear Up: What to Grab
Before you start cooking, make sure you have the following equipment on hand:
- Slow cooker: A must-have for this recipe. It allows for low and slow cooking that makes the chicken tender.
- Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
- Mixing bowl: To combine your sauces and seasonings.
- Forks or tongs: For shredding the chicken once it’s cooked.
Slow Cooker Zesty BBQ Chicken: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by placing the boneless skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker.
Step 2: Mix the Sauce
In a mixing bowl, combine the BBQ sauce, Italian dressing, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir until well combined.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are well coated.
Step 4: Cook
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, depending on your schedule.
Step 5: Shred the Chicken
Once the cooking time is up, use two forks or tongs to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker. Stir to combine the shredded chicken with the sauce.
Step 6: Serve
Serve the shredded chicken on buns, over rice, or alongside your favorite sides for a complete meal.
Easy Ingredient Swaps
If you’re in a pinch or prefer to customize this recipe, here are some easy swaps:
- Chicken thighs: Use boneless skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for even more flavor.
- Homemade BBQ sauce: Make your own BBQ sauce if you prefer a healthier or personalized option.
- Honey instead of brown sugar: For a different kind of sweetness and flavor.
- Vinegar-based dressing: Swap the Italian dressing for a balsamic or honey mustard dressing for a unique twist.
Learn from These Mistakes
When making Slow Cooker Zesty BBQ Chicken, avoid these common pitfalls:
- Overcooking: Cooking the chicken too long can result in dry meat. Stick to the recommended cooking times.
- Using frozen chicken: If you use frozen chicken breasts, the cook time will need to be adjusted, and it may not cook evenly.
- Not shredding the chicken: For maximum flavor, be sure to shred the chicken and mix it well with the sauce before serving.
Meal Prep & Storage Notes
This Slow Cooker Zesty BBQ Chicken is perfect for meal prep! Here’s how to store it:
- Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: This chicken freezes well! Place it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheat: To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or BBQ sauce to keep it moist.
Common Qs About Slow Cooker Zesty BBQ Chicken
Can I use chicken with skin for this recipe?
While boneless skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe, you can use skin-on chicken. Just be aware that it may yield more fat during cooking.
What can I serve with BBQ chicken?
This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Bake With Ritz Crunch, cornbread, coleslaw, or a fresh garden salad.
Can I cook this on the stovetop instead?
Yes! If you prefer not to use a slow cooker, you can cook the chicken in a pot over medium heat, adding the sauce after searing the chicken until cooked through, about 20-30 minutes.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. A meat thermometer is a great tool to ensure this!
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See You at the Table
Gather your loved ones, prepare this Slow Cooker Zesty BBQ Chicken, and enjoy the delightful flavors and tender texture that make this dish a standout. Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a potluck gathering, this recipe is sure to impress.
With its ease of preparation and delicious results, it’s a meal that you’ll want to make again and again. Enjoy your cooking adventure, and remember, the best meals are those shared with others!
Slow Cooker Zesty BBQ Chicken
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Prepare the Chicken - Place the boneless skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Step 2: Mix the Sauce - In a mixing bowl, combine the BBQ sauce, Italian dressing, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir until well combined.
- Step 3: Coat the Chicken - Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are well coated.
- Step 4: Cook - Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Step 5: Shred the Chicken - Once the cooking time is up, use two forks or tongs to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker.
- Step 6: Serve - Serve the shredded chicken on buns, over rice, or alongside your favorite sides.
Notes
- For more flavor, consider using boneless skinless chicken thighs.
- This dish can be frozen for up to 3 months; just thaw before reheating.
- Adjust cooking times for frozen chicken to ensure even cooking.
