
Slow cooker BBQ chicken is a quick, easy, and flavorful meal that's perfect for any party, potluck, or picnic, or lazy summer day. It's a great option when you don't want to stand over the stove or turn on the oven. This recipe typically involves placing chicken breasts in a slow cooker with BBQ sauce and various seasonings, then serving the tender, shredded chicken on sandwiches, tacos, bowls, or other dishes.
What You'll Learn
Choosing the right BBQ sauce
Flavour Profile
The flavour profile of BBQ sauces can vary widely, ranging from mild and sweet to spicy and smoky. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, look for those that list sugar or honey as a primary ingredient. For a tangier sauce, opt for one with a higher vinegar content. If you enjoy a bit of spice, choose a sauce with ingredients like chipotle peppers, jalapeños, or cayenne pepper. Alternatively, you can add your own spices to a milder sauce to customise the heat level to your preference.
Consistency
The consistency of BBQ sauce can also vary, with some sauces being thinner and more watery, while others are thicker and stickier. If you're looking for a sauce that will coat your chicken evenly and not drip off, opt for a thicker variety. Thinner sauces may be better if you want the sauce to penetrate the meat more deeply, but be aware that they can also make your chicken appear soggy if not reduced properly.
Ingredients
When choosing a BBQ sauce, it's important to consider the ingredients and their quality. Some sauces may contain high levels of sugar or sodium, or preservatives, which you may want to avoid. If you're health-conscious or have dietary restrictions, look for sauces with natural ingredients and minimal additives. You can even make your own BBQ sauce from scratch to ensure you know exactly what's in it.
Brand and Reviews
If you're unsure which BBQ sauce to choose, it can be helpful to research popular brands and read reviews from other customers. This can give you an idea of the flavour, consistency, and overall quality of the sauce before you purchase it. Ask your friends and family for recommendations as well, especially if they have similar taste preferences to yours.
Complementary Flavours
Consider the other ingredients you'll be using in your shredded BBQ chicken and choose a sauce that will complement them. For example, if you're adding pineapple and soy sauce for a Hawaiian twist, you'll want a BBQ sauce that won't overpower those flavours. Alternatively, if you're keeping things classic with just chicken and sauce, you may want a sauce with more complex flavours to create a well-rounded dish.
Remember, the right BBQ sauce will enhance your shredded chicken and make it truly delicious. Don't be afraid to experiment with different options until you find the one that suits your taste buds perfectly!
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Chicken prep
Step 1: Selecting the Chicken
For this recipe, you'll want to use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They are perfect for shredding and provide a tender, juicy texture. You can also use boneless chicken thighs if you prefer dark meat. Aim for around 2 to 3 pounds of chicken for a generous serving.
Step 2: Trimming and Seasoning
Before adding any seasonings or sauces, trim any excess fat from the chicken breasts. This step ensures that your final dish is not overly greasy. You can also sprinkle the chicken with a dry rub of spices like smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. This step is optional but adds a nice depth of flavor to the chicken.
Step 3: Searing (Optional)
While not necessary, searing the chicken before slow cooking can add a nice crust and enhance the flavor. Heat some oil in a pan and sear the chicken breasts for a few minutes on each side until lightly browned. This step is entirely optional, but it can add a bit of extra texture and flavor to your dish.
Step 4: Adding Sauce and Cooking
Place the chicken in the slow cooker, either seared or unseared. Pour your favorite BBQ sauce over the chicken, making sure it's fully coated. You can use a store-bought BBQ sauce or make your own. Some recipes also call for adding other ingredients like apple cider vinegar, Italian salad dressing, or Worcestershire sauce to the mix.
Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 2-3 hours or on low for 4-6 hours. The longer cooking time on low heat will result in more tender and flavorful chicken. Check your slow cooker periodically to ensure the chicken isn't overcooking, as this can make it dry and unappetizing.
Step 5: Shredding and Serving
Once the chicken is cooked through and tender, remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir it into the sauce. You can serve it as-is or use it as a filling for sandwiches, tacos, burritos, or bowls. It's a versatile and delicious dish that's perfect for a casual get-together or a family meal.
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Cooking time and temperature
The cooking time and temperature for shredded BBQ chicken in a slow cooker can vary depending on the specific recipe and the size of your slow cooker. However, most recipes recommend cooking the chicken on a "low" setting for around 4-7 hours or on a "high" setting for about 2-3 hours.
It's important to note that the cooking time may depend on the thickness of your chicken and the size of your slow cooker. It's always a good idea to check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer to ensure it has reached a safe temperature of 165°F (74°C) before consuming.
Some recipes suggest that you can cook frozen chicken in a slow cooker, but this is not recommended due to food safety concerns. It is best to thaw your chicken before adding it to the slow cooker.
Additionally, it's important not to overcook the chicken, as this can result in dry and unappetizing meat. The chicken is done when it is tender and easy to shred with a fork.
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Shredding the chicken
Removing the Chicken from the Slow Cooker:
First, carefully take the chicken breasts out of the slow cooker. They should be very tender and easy to shred at this point. Use tongs or a large spoon to lift them out gently, as they will be fragile. Place the chicken on a cutting board or large plate.
The best tool for shredding the chicken is a pair of forks. Hold one fork in each hand and use them to pull the meat apart. Start by piercing the meat with the tines of the forks, then pull them gently in opposite directions. You can also use one fork to hold the meat in place while you pull pieces off with the other fork. Work your way through the entire breast, creating thin strands of chicken. The meat should be tender enough to shred easily.
Returning the Shredded Chicken to the Sauce:
Once you've shredded all the chicken, it's time to put it back into the slow cooker with the sauce. Place the shredded chicken back into the crockpot and give it a good stir to ensure all the meat is coated in the delicious BBQ sauce. This step will ensure your chicken stays moist and flavourful.
Serving Suggestions:
At this point, your shredded BBQ chicken is ready to serve! You can dish it up as-is, or try some of these serving suggestions:
- Sandwiches or sliders: Serve the chicken on soft rolls or buns with coleslaw and pickles.
- Tacos, burritos, or bowls: Use the chicken as a filling with your favourite toppings and sides.
- With sides: Try it with potato salad, coleslaw, mac and cheese, three-bean salad, fried cabbage, or cowboy caviar.
Your slow cooker shredded BBQ chicken is now ready to enjoy! It's a great dish for feeding a crowd, and you can easily adapt it with your favourite BBQ sauce and spices.
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Serving suggestions
Shredded BBQ chicken is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Sandwiches or sliders: Serve the shredded BBQ chicken on soft rolls or buns, such as Hawaiian rolls, with toppings like coleslaw, pickles, and sliced onions.
- Tacos, burritos, or wraps: Use the shredded chicken as a filling for tacos, burritos, or wraps, and add your favourite toppings and sauces.
- Bowls: Create a meal prep bowl by serving the shredded chicken over rice, quinoa, or greens, along with various toppings and sauces.
- Nachos: Pile the shredded chicken on top of a bed of nachos, along with cheese, beans, and other desired toppings.
- Baked potatoes or sweet potatoes: Stuff baked potatoes or sweet potatoes with the shredded chicken and top with cheese, sour cream, and green onions.
- Salads: Use the shredded chicken as a protein boost in a salad, such as a BBQ chicken salad or a chicken Caesar salad.
- Pizza: Top a pizza base with the shredded chicken, along with cheese and your favourite pizza toppings.
- Sides: Serve the shredded BBQ chicken with classic comfort food sides such as potato salad, coleslaw, mac and cheese, three-bean salad, fried cabbage, or cowboy caviar.
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Frequently asked questions
It is not recommended to use frozen chicken in a slow cooker due to food safety concerns. Always use thawed chicken.
Yes, overcooking chicken will result in dry and tough meat. For best results, cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 160-167˚F and is easy to shred.
A 5-quart slow cooker is recommended, but you can use a smaller one if you have one. Avoid using a larger cooker as it may affect the cooking time.
You can use any type of BBQ sauce you like. Feel free to experiment with different flavors such as smoky, honey, pineapple, or spicy.
This chicken goes well with salads and side dishes like coleslaw, potato salad, mac and cheese, and baked potatoes. Serve it on a bun with coleslaw and pickles for a classic BBQ chicken sandwich.