Description
- This zesty slow cooker chicken barbecue is the perfect mix of tender chicken and tangy barbecue flavors. Slow-cooked to perfection, it’s great for sandwiches, tacos, or served over rice. A flavorful and easy dinner option for busy nights!
Ingredients
-
For the Chicken:
-
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for juicier chicken)
-
1 cup barbecue sauce (use your favorite brand or homemade)
-
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
-
1/4 cup honey or brown sugar (optional, for sweetness)
-
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
-
1 teaspoon garlic powder
-
1 teaspoon onion powder
-
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
-
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
-
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
-
1/2 cup water or chicken broth (to help with moisture)
For Serving:
-
Sandwich buns (for barbecue chicken sandwiches)
-
Coleslaw (optional topping for sandwiches)
-
Pickles (optional)
-
Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
-
Instructions
-
Prepare the slow cooker: Place the chicken breasts (or thighs) in the bottom of the slow cooker.
-
Make the barbecue sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, honey (or brown sugar), Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Stir in the water or chicken broth.
-
Cook the chicken: Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork.
-
Shred the chicken: Once the chicken is done, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir it into the sauce.
-
Serve: Serve the zesty barbecue chicken on sandwich buns with optional coleslaw, pickles, and cilantro. It can also be served over rice or with a side of vegetables.
Notes
-
This recipe can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. It’s perfect for meal prep!
-
For a spicier kick, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a few dashes of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
-
If you prefer a smoky flavor, consider adding a bit of liquid smoke to the sauce for an authentic BBQ taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6–7 hours (on low in slow cooker)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe (about 1 sandwich)
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg