Using Bbq Sauce In A Slow Cooker With Chicken

Absolutely! BBQ sauce is a great addition to chicken in a crock pot. It's an easy and delicious way to make pulled chicken, perfect for sandwiches, sliders, burritos, tacos, and more. The recipe is simple: place chicken breasts in a crock pot, cover them with your favourite BBQ sauce, and let it slow cook. You can also add spices and other ingredients like apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, or olive oil to enhance the flavour.

How long to cook BBQ sauce chicken in a crockpot

Yes, you can put BBQ sauce on chicken in a crockpot! This combination is a great way to make a delicious meal for family or company without having to spend hours at the stove. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to cook BBQ sauce chicken in a crockpot:

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients to make BBQ sauce chicken in a crockpot:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (2-3.5 lbs)
• BBQ sauce (1 1/2 - 2 cups)
• Olive oil (1 tbsp)
• Brown sugar (2-4 tbsp)
• Apple cider vinegar (2 tbsp)
• Worcestershire sauce (1 tbsp)
• Spices: garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper

Instructions

• Prepare the BBQ sauce by mixing it with the other ingredients in the crockpot. You can use a pre-made BBQ sauce or make your own at home.
• Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot and coat them with the sauce. Make sure the sauce gets underneath the chicken.
• Cover the crockpot and cook the chicken on low for 4-7 hours or on high for 2-4 hours. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your chicken and the size of your crockpot, so check on it regularly. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165-167˚F and is easy to shred.
• Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the crockpot and shred it using two forks.
• Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir it into the sauce.
• Serve the BBQ sauce chicken on sandwiches, nachos, wraps, salads, or quesadillas. Enjoy!

Tips

• It is not recommended to cook frozen chicken in a crockpot, as it can increase the risk of bacterial growth. Always make sure your chicken is fully thawed before adding it to the crockpot.
• You can also add other ingredients to the crockpot, such as onions or pickles, to enhance the flavor of your BBQ sauce chicken.
• If you want to thicken the sauce, you can create a cornstarch slurry by mixing cornstarch and water and adding it to the crockpot.

Can you overcook chicken in a crockpot?

Yes, it is possible to overcook chicken in a crockpot. Overcooking chicken will result in meat that is tougher and drier than desired. To avoid this, monitor your chicken to ensure it reaches a temperature of 160-165°F and is easy to shred. For juicy results, it is also recommended to cook chicken on a low heat setting. Boneless chicken breast, in particular, can overcook very quickly due to its low fat and connective tissue content. Chicken thighs are more forgiving and better suited to the slow cooker as their dark meat becomes tender during the long cooking time.

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: 1-2 hours on Low
• Bone-in Split Chicken Breasts: 2-3 hours on Low
• Chicken Thighs: 3-4 hours on Low
• Whole Chicken: 4-6 hours on Low
• Turkey Breast: 5-6 hours on Low

It is also important to note that cooking times can vary depending on the size of the chicken, how hot your slow cooker cooks, and how full your slow cooker is.

What sides go well with BBQ chicken?

There are endless side dishes that go well with BBQ chicken, from traditional dishes to creative salads. Here are some ideas to accompany your BBQ chicken:

Traditional Sides:

• Cornbread is a long-time staple at any BBQ. You can make it without eggs, adding jalapeño and cheddar, or serve it with jams or jellies.
• Baked beans are a classic, sweet and savoury side dish that can be made in a crockpot or on the stovetop.
• Coleslaw is a light and zesty side that balances the smokiness of the chicken. You can make it with a vinegar or mayonnaise base.
• Mac and cheese is a comforting, crowd-pleasing side that pairs well with the smokiness of BBQ chicken.
• Potato salad is a classic side dish that works well with BBQ chicken. You can make it even more filling by adding hard-boiled eggs.

Creative Salads:

• Watermelon feta salad is a unique, refreshing side that combines the sweetness of watermelon with the tanginess of feta cheese and balsamic vinegar.
• Greek pasta salad is a refreshing side with fusilli pasta, tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta cheese.
• Zucchini pasta salad is packed with flavour from zucchini, parmesan cheese, fresh dill, and crunchy walnuts.
• Chickpea and kale salad is a nutritious and filling option, ready in under 15 minutes with a lemon honey dressing.
• Roasted vegetable medley (ratatouille) is a simple and colourful side dish that includes tomatoes, squash, zucchini, and eggplant.
• Grilled peach and burrata salad is a perfect summer salad that combines sweet and savoury elements and is ready in 20 minutes.

Other Creative Sides:

• Air fryer zucchini fries are a blend of crispy and tender, perfect for snacking or as a side dish.
• Avocado fries are a fun, crunchy snack that can be paired with any dipping sauce.
• Bacon-wrapped cheesy stuffed jalapeños add a mildly spicy kick to the BBQ chicken.
• Spinach artichoke dip is a classic and delicious appetizer that can be served with tortilla chips or pretzel thins.
• Burrata bruschetta is a light and refreshing side that pairs well with BBQ chicken, especially if your BBQ party has toasted bread.
• Parmesan truffle fries are a simple and popular side that both kids and adults will enjoy.
• Grilled corn with herb butter is a savoury and easy-to-prepare side—you can even add soft cheese like feta for extra flavour.
• Fried green tomatoes are addictive and use firm, unripe green tomatoes coated in a crunchy and savoury cornmeal batter.

Can you use frozen chicken in a crockpot?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken in a crockpot, but it is not recommended by the USDA and other food safety experts due to food safety concerns.

Food Safety Concerns

The USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service guidelines state that you should "always thaw meat or poultry before putting it into a slow cooker." This is because chicken that is frozen spends too much time in the "danger zone"—the temperature range between 40°F and 140°F where bacteria like salmonella and staphylococcus aureus grow most rapidly. While these bacteria will most likely be killed when the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F, the toxins they leave behind can still cause foodborne illnesses.

Manufacturer Recommendations

Crock-Pot has stated that "you can cook frozen meat in any Crock-Pot brand product, but suggested cook time may need to be increased." They also recommend adding 1 cup of warm liquid to "act as a cushion to prevent sudden temperature changes." It is important to refer to your specific product's instruction manual for the most accurate information.

Safe Ways to Cook Frozen Chicken in a Crockpot

If you choose to cook frozen chicken in a crockpot, there are a few things you can do to reduce the risk of harmful bacteria developing:

• Increase the cook time: This will help ensure that the chicken spends less time in the "danger zone."
• Use a meat thermometer: Check that the internal temperature of the chicken is "well above" 165°F before consuming it.
• Cut the chicken into smaller pieces: Smaller pieces of chicken will thaw and cook more quickly, reducing the time spent in the "danger zone."

While it is possible to cook frozen chicken in a crockpot, it is important to follow food safety guidelines to reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses. Always refer to your product's instruction manual and use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken has reached a safe internal temperature.

How to store and reheat leftover BBQ chicken

Storing leftover BBQ chicken

Once your BBQ chicken is removed from the heat source, you have two hours to eat or refrigerate it. Leftover BBQ chicken will keep in the refrigerator for three to four days. To store your leftovers, transfer the chicken to shallow containers so it will cool quickly to a safe temperature of 40°F or below. If you don't plan to eat the chicken within three to four days, you can freeze it in freezer containers or bags for up to three months. Don't forget to label the bags or containers with the name, date packed, and best-by date.

Reheating leftover BBQ chicken

When reheating leftover BBQ chicken, avoid using a slow cooker as it will take hours for the food to reheat, creating a breeding ground for harmful bacteria. Instead, use a stovetop, oven, or microwave. Reheat the chicken to a minimum temperature of 165°F. To prevent the chicken from drying out, keep it covered as it reheats.

Frequently asked questions