Slow Cooker Shredded BBQ Chicken is a delicious and easy meal that brings the taste of a barbecue right to your kitchen. This dish is perfect for busy days, as you can set it in the morning and let it cook while you go about your day. The result is tender, juicy chicken that is packed with flavor and ready to be enjoyed in various ways.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is a great choice for several reasons. First, it’s extremely simple to prepare. With just a few ingredients and a slow cooker, you can have a hearty meal without spending much time in the kitchen. Second, it’s versatile! You can serve this shredded chicken in sandwiches, over rice, or even in tacos. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends.
How to Make Slow Cooker Shredded BBQ Chicken
Making Slow Cooker Shredded BBQ Chicken is quick and straightforward. Just follow these easy steps:
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 3 breasts)
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons ketchup
- ¼ cup prepared mustard
- 2 tablespoons cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons liquid smoke
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
Directions
- Place the 1 ½ pounds of boneless skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the ¾ cup of brown sugar, 3 tablespoons of ketchup, 2 tablespoons of cider vinegar, ¼ cup of prepared mustard, 2 teaspoons of liquid smoke, 1 teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of pepper until well combined.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on HIGH for 3-4 hours or on LOW for 5-6 hours.
- After cooking, shred the chicken using two forks and serve it on top of cooked rice or in a bun as a sandwich.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Shredded BBQ Chicken
You can serve Slow Cooker Shredded BBQ Chicken in many delicious ways. For a classic option, put the shredded chicken on a bun and top it with coleslaw for a tasty sandwich. Alternatively, you can serve it over a bed of rice for a filling meal or in tacos with your favorite toppings like avocado or cheese.
How to Store Slow Cooker Shredded BBQ Chicken
If you have leftovers, storing them is easy. Place the cooled chicken in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze the shredded chicken for longer storage. Just make sure to put it in a freezer-safe container or bag. It will keep well in the freezer for about 2-3 months.
Tips to Make Slow Cooker Shredded BBQ Chicken
- For extra flavor, you can add chopped onions or garlic to the slow cooker with the chicken.
- If you like it spicy, add a bit of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
- Make sure to shred the chicken well after cooking; this helps the meat soak up more of the sauce.
Variation
You can easily switch up the flavors in this dish! Try using different sauces, like teriyaki or salsa, to create new taste experiences. This allows you to customize the recipe to your family’s preferences.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but they may require a longer cooking time. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safety.
2. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure your slow cooker is big enough to hold all the ingredients. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.
3. What can I serve with Slow Cooker Shredded BBQ Chicken?
This dish pairs well with coleslaw, cornbread, or a simple green salad. You can also enjoy it with potato wedges or chips for a complete meal.
Slow Cooker Shredded BBQ Chicken
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts About 3 breasts
- 0.75 cup brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons ketchup
- 0.25 cup prepared mustard
- 2 tablespoons cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons liquid smoke
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
Preparation
- Place the boneless skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, ketchup, cider vinegar, prepared mustard, liquid smoke, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on HIGH for 3-4 hours or on LOW for 5-6 hours.
- After cooking, shred the chicken using two forks and serve it.
