Olivia Carter
Do you love delicious and tender BBQ chicken, but don’t have access to a grill? Don’t worry! With a simple slow cooker, you can easily make mouth-watering BBQ chicken that falls off the bone.
Making BBQ chicken in a slow cooker is not only convenient, but it also ensures that the meat is perfectly cooked and infused with all the flavors of your favorite BBQ sauce. Whether you’re hosting a backyard party or simply craving a savory meal, this recipe is sure to satisfy your taste buds.
To begin, you’ll need a few key ingredients: chicken pieces of your choice (such as drumsticks, thighs, or breast), your preferred BBQ sauce, and some basic seasonings like salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
The first step is to season the chicken generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. This will help to enhance the flavors and ensure that each bite is packed with deliciousness. After seasoning, place the chicken pieces in the slow cooker, making sure they are evenly spaced and not overcrowded.
Next, pour your desired amount of BBQ sauce over the chicken. For a tangy and smoky flavor, you can choose a traditional BBQ sauce. If you prefer a sweeter taste, opt for a honey or brown sugar-based sauce. Remember, the sauce will infuse the chicken as it cooks, so be generous with it!
Guide to Cooking BBQ Chicken in a Slow Cooker
Cooking BBQ chicken in a slow cooker is a great way to enjoy tender and flavorful chicken without having to worry about constant monitoring. Whether you’re hosting a backyard party or just want a fuss-free dinner, using a slow cooker can be a convenient option.
Here are the steps to cook BBQ chicken in a slow cooker:
- Start by selecting your chicken pieces. You can use bone-in or boneless chicken thighs, drumsticks, or even a mix of both. Make sure to remove any excess fat or skin.
- Prepare your BBQ sauce. You can use a store-bought sauce or make your own by combining ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and spices like paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Adjust the seasonings according to your taste.
- Place the chicken pieces in the slow cooker and pour the BBQ sauce over them. Make sure all the chicken is coated evenly in the sauce.
- Cover the slow cooker with a lid and set it to cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours. Slow cooking allows the chicken to become tender and absorb all the flavors of the BBQ sauce.
- Halfway through the cooking time, you can baste the chicken with more BBQ sauce for extra flavor. This step is optional, but it helps to enhance the taste.
- Once the chicken is cooked, check the internal temperature using a meat thermometer. It should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and place it on a serving platter. The chicken should be moist and fall off the bone easily.
- Optional: If you prefer a caramelized and crispy exterior, you can transfer the chicken to a baking sheet lined with foil and broil it in the oven for a few minutes until the BBQ sauce caramelizes.
- Serve the BBQ chicken hot with your favorite sides like coleslaw, cornbread, or mashed potatoes. Enjoy!
Now you know how to cook delicious BBQ chicken in a slow cooker. It’s a simple and hassle-free way to enjoy juicy and flavorful chicken. Try this recipe for your next meal or gathering and impress your family and friends!
Choosing the Right Chicken Cut
When it comes to cooking BBQ chicken in a slow cooker, choosing the right chicken cut is essential for the best results. The cut of chicken you use can affect the taste, texture, and overall cooking time of the dish. Here are a few popular chicken cuts that work well for slow cooking:
1. Chicken Thighs: Chicken thighs are a popular choice for slow cooking because they have a higher fat content, which helps keep them moist and tender. They also have a rich flavor that pairs well with BBQ sauce.
2. Chicken Drumsticks: Chicken drumsticks are another great option for slow cooking. They have a slightly higher fat content compared to chicken breasts, making them more flavorful and less likely to dry out during the long cooking process.
3. Chicken Breasts: While chicken breasts are leaner and have a milder flavor, they can still be used for slow cooking BBQ chicken. To prevent them from drying out, it’s important to use a sauce or marinade to add moisture and flavor.
When selecting chicken cuts for slow cooking, it’s also important to consider bone-in vs. boneless options. Bone-in chicken tends to have more flavor, but boneless cuts can be easier to eat and serve. Ultimately, the choice of chicken cut will depend on personal preference and the specific recipe you are using.
Regardless of the chicken cut you choose, make sure to trim any excess fat or skin before adding it to the slow cooker. This will help prevent the dish from becoming greasy.
By selecting the right chicken cut for your slow cooker BBQ chicken recipe, you can ensure a delicious and flavorful result.
Preparing the Chicken
Before you can start cooking your BBQ chicken in the slow cooker, you’ll need to properly prepare the chicken. Here are the steps to follow:
1. Choose the Right Chicken
When it comes to making BBQ chicken, it’s important to choose the right cut of chicken. You can use bone-in or boneless chicken pieces, such as chicken breasts, thighs, or drumsticks. Choose fresh chicken that is not expired and has no off-putting smell.
2. Trim the Chicken
Trim any excess fat from the chicken pieces. Leaving too much fat on the chicken can result in greasy BBQ chicken. You can use a sharp knife or kitchen shears to trim the fat.
3. Season the Chicken
Next, you’ll want to season the chicken to enhance the flavor. You can use a store-bought BBQ seasoning blend or make your own using a combination of salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and any other desired spices. Sprinkle the seasoning evenly over both sides of the chicken pieces and rub it in gently with your hands.
4. Marinate the Chicken (Optional)
If you have time, marinating the chicken can add extra flavor and tenderness. You can use your favorite BBQ marinade or a simple mixture of olive oil, vinegar, sugar, salt, pepper, and spices. Place the chicken in a resealable plastic bag or a covered container and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, but preferably overnight.
5. Prepare the Slow Cooker
Before placing the seasoned chicken in the slow cooker, make sure to prepare it properly. Spray the inside of the slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray or line it with slow cooker liners for easy cleanup. This will help prevent the chicken from sticking to the bottom and make cleaning up a breeze.
Now that your chicken is properly prepared, you’re ready to start cooking it in the slow cooker to achieve tender and flavorful BBQ chicken.
Gathering the Ingredients for the BBQ Sauce
Before you begin cooking BBQ chicken in a slow cooker, it’s important to gather all the necessary ingredients for the BBQ sauce. The sauce is what gives the chicken its delicious flavor and makes it so irresistible. Here are the key ingredients you will need:
1. Ketchup
Start by getting a bottle of quality ketchup. Look for a brand that you enjoy, as this will significantly impact the taste of your BBQ sauce. The ketchup will serve as the base for the sauce and provide a tangy flavor.
2. Brown Sugar
Brown sugar will add sweetness to the BBQ sauce and help balance out the tanginess from the ketchup. Make sure you have enough brown sugar on hand to achieve the desired level of sweetness in your sauce.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar provides a subtle acidity and brightness to the BBQ sauce. It helps cut through the richness of the other ingredients and gives the sauce a delicious tang. Make sure you have this vinegar stocked in your pantry before you start.
4. Worcestershire Sauce
Worcestershire sauce is a savory ingredient that adds depth of flavor and richness to the BBQ sauce. It has a slightly tangy and umami taste that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients. Be sure to have a bottle of Worcestershire sauce ready for use.
5. Dijon Mustard
Dijon mustard brings a unique and spicy flavor to the BBQ sauce. It adds a touch of heat and complexity to the overall taste. Make sure you have a jar of Dijon mustard in your refrigerator before you start making the sauce.
6. Garlic Powder
Garlic powder is an essential seasoning for the BBQ sauce. It provides a subtle garlic flavor without the harshness and texture of fresh garlic. Be sure to have garlic powder in your spice cabinet, as it will enhance the overall taste of your sauce.
7. Onion Powder
Onion powder adds a sweet and savory flavor to the BBQ sauce. It provides depth and complexity to the overall taste. Check your spice rack to ensure you have enough onion powder to use in the sauce.
Once you have gathered all these ingredients, you will be ready to make a delicious BBQ sauce for your slow cooker chicken. Having everything prepared and readily available will make the cooking process much easier and enjoyable.
Making the BBQ Sauce
To make a delicious BBQ chicken in your slow cooker, you need to start by making a flavorful BBQ sauce. The sauce will add that irresistible tangy and smoky flavor to your chicken, making it melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Make sure all the ingredients are well combined.
- Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings to suit your preference. If you like it sweeter, add more brown sugar. If you like it spicier, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- If you have time, let the sauce sit for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Your homemade BBQ sauce is now ready to be slathered on your chicken before it goes into the slow cooker. The sauce will infuse the meat with its amazing flavor as it cooks low and slow, resulting in juicy and tender BBQ chicken that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Cooking the Chicken in the Slow Cooker
Once you have marinated the chicken to perfection, it’s time to start cooking it in the slow cooker. Follow these simple steps to achieve juicy and flavorful BBQ chicken:
Step 1: Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator and transfer it to the slow cooker. Make sure to scrape off any excess marinade and discard it.
Step 2: Place the chicken in an even layer at the bottom of the slow cooker. This will ensure that each piece cooks evenly and absorbs all the delicious flavors.
Step 3: Set the slow cooker to low heat and cover it with a lid. Cooking the chicken on low heat will allow it to cook slowly and become tender and juicy.
Step 4: Let the chicken cook in the slow cooker for 4-6 hours. Cooking times may vary depending on the size and thickness of the chicken pieces.
Step 5: About halfway through the cooking time, baste the chicken with BBQ sauce to enhance the flavor and create a sticky glaze. Use a basting brush to evenly coat the chicken with the sauce.
Step 6: After the chicken has cooked for the desired time, check for doneness. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure that it is fully cooked and safe to eat.
Step 7: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker using tongs or a slotted spoon. Be careful as it will be hot and tender.
Step 8: Let the cooked chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and ensure that each bite is moist and flavorful.
Now that you know how to cook BBQ chicken in a slow cooker, you can enjoy tender and delicious chicken without all the fuss. Serve it with your favorite sides, such as coleslaw or cornbread, and enjoy a satisfying meal.
Serving and Enjoying the BBQ Chicken
After the BBQ chicken is cooked to perfection in the slow cooker, it’s time to serve and enjoy this delicious dish. Here are some tips on how to serve and enjoy your BBQ chicken:
- Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and place it on a serving platter.
- Using a basting brush, coat the chicken with some of the remaining BBQ sauce from the slow cooker.
- Garnish the chicken with fresh herbs such as parsley or cilantro to add a burst of flavor and color.
- Serve the BBQ chicken alongside your favorite sides such as coleslaw, cornbread, or baked beans.
- For a complete BBQ experience, consider serving the chicken with some tangy barbecue sauce and pickles on the side.
- Don’t forget to provide extra napkins for your guests as BBQ chicken can be messy but oh-so-satisfying!
As you savor each bite of the tender and juicy BBQ chicken, make sure to take your time and enjoy the delicious flavors that slow cooking brings out. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or enjoying a cozy family dinner, serving BBQ chicken from the slow cooker is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. So dig in, relax, and relish in the satisfaction of a meal well-enjoyed!
Questions and answers
What is the cooking time for BBQ chicken in a slow cooker?
The cooking time for BBQ chicken in a slow cooker is usually around 4-6 hours on low heat or 2-3 hours on high heat.
Can I use frozen chicken to make BBQ chicken in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken to make BBQ chicken in a slow cooker. Just make sure to increase the cooking time by 1-2 hours.
