Hey there, fellow food lovers! Are you looking for ways to make mealtime a little less chaotic and a lot more delicious? We all have those days when the clock is ticking, the kids are hungry, and the thought of cooking a full meal feels like climbing Mount Everest.
Well, let me tell you, your slow cooker might just be your new best friend. It’s a secret weapon for whipping up amazing meals with hardly any effort. Today, we’re diving into one of my absolute favorite crockpot recipes that’s perfect for those busy nights.
Jump To:
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is a true lifesaver. It’s the kind of dish that practically makes itself, freeing you up to actually enjoy your evening.
Imagine coming home to the incredible aroma of tender, flavorful chicken. That’s what this chicken in crockpot recipe delivers, and it’s surprisingly simple to pull off.
It’s also a fantastic option for cheap easy dinners crockpot style. You likely have most of the ingredients already, making it super budget friendly.
Plus, who doesn’t love a good bbq recipes crockpot that tastes like it simmered all day? This one hits all the right notes: sweet, tangy, and oh-so-satisfying. It’s one of those popular crockpot recipes dinners that becomes a family favorite in no time.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 bottle Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-By-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
First things first, let’s get those chicken breasts ready. Grab your chicken breasts and pat them dry with a paper towel. This helps the seasonings stick better.
Now, sprinkle them generously with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Don’t be shy with the seasonings – they’re key to great flavor!
Step 2: Mix the Sauce
In a medium bowl, it’s time to whip up that luscious sauce. Pour in your bottle of BBQ sauce.
Add the brown sugar for a touch of sweetness and the apple cider vinegar for a nice tang. Don’t forget to drizzle in the olive oil.
Give it all a good whisk until everything is well combined. You want a smooth, rich sauce ready to coat that chicken.
Step 3: Load the Crockpot
Now, take your seasoned chicken breasts and place them in your crockpot. Try to arrange them in a single layer so they cook evenly.
This is where the magic happens! Pour that delicious sauce you just mixed all over the chicken. Make sure every piece is coated nicely.
Step 4: Cook to Perfection
Time to let the crockpot do its thing! Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook.
You have two options: cook on low for about 4 to 6 hours, or if you’re in a bit of a rush, you can cook on high for 2 to 3 hours. Low and slow is usually best for super tender chicken, though!
Step 5: Shred and Serve
Once the chicken is cooked through and tender, carefully remove the breasts from the crockpot. Place them on a cutting board or in a bowl.
Using two forks, shred the chicken. It should fall apart easily. This is a fun part, honestly!
Then, simply stir the shredded chicken back into the sauce remaining in the crockpot. Give it a good mix so all that shredded goodness is coated in sauce.
And there you have it! Your delicious, tender BBQ chicken is ready to serve. It’s one of those simple delicious meals that feels so rewarding.
How To Store Leftovers
Got any of this amazing BBQ chicken left? Lucky you! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
It should stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
This is perfect for transforming into sandwiches, topping salads, or enjoying as is for another easy meal. Talk about making your life easier!
Tips
Want to take this crockpot recipe to the next level? Here are a few ideas.
Spice it Up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture or a dash of hot sauce.
Vary the Sauce: Feel free to experiment with different BBQ sauce flavors. A smoky mesquite or a spicy chipotle could be delicious!
Add Veggies: For a complete meal in one pot, you could add sliced onions or bell peppers to the crockpot along with the chicken.
Serving Suggestions: This chicken is fantastic served on buns for sandwiches, over rice, or alongside coleslaw and potato salad for a classic BBQ feel. It’s also great for crock pot dinners for 2 if you halve the recipe.
Budget Tip: Look for chicken thighs if they’re on sale; they often stay even more moist in the slow cooker and are usually cheaper.
Brand Note: Sweet Baby Ray’s is great, but any good quality BBQ sauce works. If you’re using a very thick sauce, you might need to add a splash of water or broth to the mix. If you’re using something like Power XL recipes, ensure your ingredients fit the cooker’s capacity.
Conclusion
See? Making delicious, satisfying meals doesn’t have to be complicated or time consuming. This easy crockpot recipe proves that you can achieve fantastic results with minimal effort.
It’s perfect for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or anytime you need a comforting meal without the stress. Give this chicken in crockpot recipe a try and discover how simple and rewarding cooking can be.
You’ll be wondering why you didn’t start using your slow cooker for these kinds of quick week day dinners sooner!
FAQ
Can I use boneless, skinless thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe. They tend to be even more forgiving in the slow cooker and can result in an incredibly moist dish. Adjust cooking time slightly if needed; they might cook a little faster than breasts.
How do I make this spicier?
To add some heat, you can include a pinch of red pepper flakes in the sauce mixture, add a tablespoon or two of your favorite hot sauce, or even add a chopped jalapeño to the crockpot while it cooks. Adjust the amount based on your spice preference.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can! You can prepare the sauce and season the chicken ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. Then, just assemble and cook when you’re ready. The cooked chicken also reheats well, making it great for meal prep.
What if my BBQ sauce is very thick?
If your BBQ sauce is particularly thick, you might want to add a couple of tablespoons of water or chicken broth to the sauce mixture to help it spread more easily and coat the chicken evenly. This ensures a saucier result.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Definitely! This recipe is fantastic for meal prep. Once cooked and shredded, the BBQ chicken stores well in the refrigerator for several days. You can portion it out for lunches or dinners throughout the week, pairing it with different sides each time.
Easy Crockpot BBQ Chicken
This 4-ingredient slow cooker BBQ chicken is tender, tangy, and perfect for busy weeknights. A no-fuss family favorite that makes mealtime a breeze.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel to help seasonings stick. Sprinkle them generously with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and olive oil until smooth.
- Place the seasoned chicken in the crockpot in a single layer. Pour the sauce mixture over the top, making sure every piece is coated.
- Cover and cook on Low for 4 to 6 hours (best for tenderness) or on High for 2 to 3 hours.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken and shred it using two forks. It should fall apart easily.
- Stir the shredded chicken back into the sauce remaining in the slow cooker to coat. Serve on buns or over rice.
Notes
Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the mixture for a little heat.
Add Veggies: Sliced onions or bell peppers can be added to the pot for a complete one-pot meal.
Serving Suggestions: Great on sandwiches with coleslaw, or serve alongside potato salad.
Budget Tip: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a great, moist substitute and often cheaper.
Nutrition
Calories
Sugar
Fat
Carbs
