Finding the perfect balance between a busy schedule and a hungry family can feel like a full time job. You know those days when you walk through the front door and the last thing you want to do is stand over a hot stove for an hour? We have all been there. That is exactly why having a few reliable chicken recipes in your back pocket is a total life saver. There is something so comforting about knowing that dinner is already taken care of before you even leave the house in the morning.
Today we are diving into a dish that defines convenience and flavor. This is not just another meal. It is a solution for anyone searching for Quick Week Day Dinners that do not break the bank. By using a slow cooker you allow the flavors to meld together in a way that traditional stovetop cooking just cannot match. Whether you are a beginner in the kitchen or a seasoned pro looking for a night off this Chicken In Crockpot Recipe will quickly become a staple in your household rotation.
Jump To:
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The first reason you are going to fall in love with this meal is the sheer simplicity of it. When we talk about Cheap Easy Dinners Crockpot style we are looking for maximum flavor with minimum effort. You only need a handful of basic pantry staples and some fresh meat to get started. There is no need for fancy techniques or expensive equipment. This is a budget friendly dream that feeds a crowd without causing stress.
Another reason this is one of the most Popular Crockpot Recipes Dinners out there is the versatility. You can serve this tangy pulled meat on toasted brioche buns for a classic sandwich experience or pile it high on top of a baked potato. Some people even love it over a bed of white rice or tucked into warm flour tortillas. The sweet and savory profile of the sauce makes it a hit with kids and adults alike. It is truly one of those Simple Delicious Meals that never goes out of style.
Honestly the smell alone is enough to make you a fan. As the Bbq Recipes Crockpot magic happens throughout the day your entire home will be filled with the mouth watering aroma of garlic and brown sugar. It creates a welcoming atmosphere that makes everyone eager to sit down at the table together. Plus the cleanup is a breeze because everything happens in one single pot. Who does not love doing fewer dishes at the end of a long day?
Ingredients
Before you start cooking make sure you have everything gathered on your counter. Using high quality ingredients will help you achieve the best results for your chicken recipes collection. Here is what you will need for this specific dish:
- 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 Season The Chicken
Start by taking your fresh chicken breasts and patting them dry with a paper towel. This helps the seasoning stick better to the meat. Sprinkle your garlic powder salt and pepper evenly over both sides of each breast. Do not be afraid to be generous with the seasoning as this forms the first layer of flavor in our Chicken In Crockpot Recipe.
Step 2 Prepare The Sauce Mixture
In a medium sized mixing bowl combine the entire bottle of BBQ sauce with the brown sugar and apple cider vinegar. Add the tablespoon of olive oil as well. Whisk these together until the sugar is mostly dissolved and the mixture looks smooth and glossy. The vinegar adds a necessary brightness that cuts through the sweetness of the sauce making this one of those truly Interesting Crockpot Recipes.
Step 3 Arrange The Meat
Take your seasoned breasts and place them in the bottom of your slow cooker. It is important to arrange them in a single layer if possible. This ensures that every piece of meat cooks at the same rate and absorbs an equal amount of that delicious sauce. If you are using a smaller pot for Crock Pot Dinners For 2 you might need to overlap them slightly but try to keep it even.
Step 4 Coat With Sauce
Pour your prepared sauce mixture directly over the meat. Use a spatula to make sure every inch of the chicken is covered. You want the meat to be completely submerged or at least heavily coated so it stays moist during the long cooking process. This is a key step in creating the best Bbq Recipes Crockpot fans will rave about.
Step 5 Cook To Perfection
Place the lid on your slow cooker and set the timer. For the most tender results I highly recommend cooking on the low setting for 4 to 6 hours. If you are in a bit of a rush you can cook on high for 2 to 3 hours instead. The low and slow method really allows the connective tissues to break down which is vital for great chicken recipes.
Step 6 Shred The Chicken
Once the timer goes off carefully remove the meat from the pot and place it on a large cutting board or in a bowl. Use two forks to pull the meat apart into thin shreds. It should practically fall apart with very little effort. This is the moment you realize why these are such Popular Crockpot Recipes Dinners for busy families.
Step 7 Mix And Serve
Transfer all that shredded goodness back into the slow cooker. Stir it well so that every strand of meat is coated in the warm thickened sauce. Let it sit for another 10 minutes on the warm setting to soak up even more flavor. Now you are ready to serve one of your new favorite Simple Delicious Meals to your hungry guests.
How To Store Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers you are in luck because this dish tastes even better the next day. Allow the meat to cool down to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This makes it a fantastic option for meal prepping your Quick Week Day Dinners in advance.
You can also freeze this BBQ chicken for later use. Put the shredded meat and sauce into a freezer safe bag and squeeze out as much air as possible. It will keep well for about 3 months. When you are ready to eat it just thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. It is a great way to always have Cheap Easy Dinners Crockpot ready to go.
Tips
One of my favorite tips for this recipe is to use a hand mixer to shred the meat. If you are making a large batch for a party just put the warm breasts in a deep bowl and use the beaters on a low speed. It shreds the meat in seconds and saves your wrists from all that fork work. It is a total game changer for anyone who makes chicken recipes frequently.
If you are using modern appliances like the ones found in Power Xl Recipes make sure to check your manual for specific slow cooking settings. Some newer multi cookers run a bit hotter than traditional ceramic pots so you might need to adjust your time slightly. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit for safety.
Feel free to customize the sauce to your liking. If you prefer a bit more heat you can add a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. For a smokier flavor a drop of liquid smoke goes a long way. Making these Interesting Crockpot Recipes your own is half the fun of cooking at home.
Conclusion
At the end of the day cooking should be about enjoying good food with the people you love without all the unnecessary stress. This BBQ chicken recipe proves that you do not need a lot of time or money to create something truly satisfying. It fits perfectly into a lifestyle focused on Quick Week Day Dinners and provides a reliable go to for those hectic evenings.
I hope this becomes one of your favorite chicken recipes to share with friends and neighbors. There is nothing quite like the feeling of a successful meal that everyone enjoys. So grab your slow cooker and give this a try tonight. You might just find that it is the most requested dish in your house from now on.
FAQ
Can I Use Frozen Chicken?
It is generally recommended to thaw your meat before putting it in the slow cooker. This ensures that the meat reaches a safe temperature quickly enough to prevent bacterial growth. If you must use frozen meat you will likely need to increase the cooking time by at least 2 hours to ensure it is cooked through.
How Do I Scale This For Two People?
If you are looking for Crock Pot Dinners For 2 you can simply halve the ingredients. Use 2 chicken breasts and half the amount of sauce and seasonings. The cooking time usually remains the same because the heat in the pot needs that time to tenderize the meat properly regardless of the quantity.
What Is The Best BBQ Sauce To Use?
While this recipe calls for Sweet Baby Ray’s you can use any brand you personally enjoy. Some people prefer a vinegar based Carolina style sauce while others like a thick and sweet Kansas City style. Experimenting with different sauces is what makes these Bbq Recipes Crockpot so fun to make over and over again.
Easy Crockpot BBQ Chicken
This no-fuss Crockpot BBQ Chicken recipe is a weeknight lifesaver. Just a few pantry staples create a sweet, tangy, and incredibly tender pulled chicken perfect for sandwiches, salads, or tacos. It’s a family-friendly meal that practically cooks itself!
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pat chicken breasts dry and season generously on both sides with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and olive oil until smooth.
- Arrange the seasoned chicken in a single layer at the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken, ensuring it’s fully coated.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until the chicken is tender.
- Remove the cooked chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.
- Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, stir to coat with the sauce, and let it warm for 10 more minutes before serving.
Notes
For fast shredding, use a hand mixer on low speed in a deep bowl. It’s a total game changer!
Customize the sauce with red pepper flakes for heat or a drop of liquid smoke for a smokier flavor.
Always ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
Nutrition
Calories
Sugar
Fat
Carbs
