Nothing beats the smoky aroma of barbecue paired with fall-apart chicken. This Hearty BBQ Chicken slow-cooker recipe makes weeknight dinners, parties, or game nights effortless and flavorful. Tender, saucy, and packed with smoky goodness, it’s the kind of dish everyone will ask for seconds.
Why You’ll Love Our Recipe
- Smoky, rich BBQ flavor without fuss
- Set-it-and-forget-it slow-cooker convenience
- Versatile: perfect for sandwiches, rice bowls, or tacos
- Ideal for family dinners, casual get-togethers, or meal prep
Ingredients Information
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite)
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp chili powder (optional for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or chives for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Place chicken in the bottom of the crockpot.
- Add sliced onion, garlic, spices, chicken broth, and BBQ sauce.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours.
- Shred chicken with two forks and mix with the sauce.
- Garnish with parsley or chives before serving.
Storage Information
- Refrigerator: 3–4 days in an airtight container
- Freezer: Up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating
- Reheating Tip: Warm gently on the stove or microwave to preserve juiciness
Helpful Tips
- For extra smoky flavor, add a few drops of liquid smoke
- Use chicken thighs for a more tender, juicy result
- Add vegetables like bell peppers or corn for a one-pot meal
Variations
- Spicy BBQ Chicken: Add extra chili powder or a dash of hot sauce
- Sweet BBQ Chicken: Stir in 1–2 tbsp honey for a sweeter glaze
- BBQ Chicken Tacos: Serve shredded chicken in tortillas with coleslaw
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
A: Yes, cook on HIGH for 4–5 hours or LOW for 7–8 hours.
Q: Can this recipe be gluten-free or dairy-free?
A: Absolutely! Use gluten-free BBQ sauce to keep it completely gluten-free.
Q: How do I keep the chicken moist?
A: Ensure enough liquid in the crockpot and cook on LOW whenever possible.
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Pin this Hearty BBQ Chicken recipe for your next family dinner or game night! Easy, smoky, and satisfying, it’s the perfect slow-cooker recipe for weeknights or entertaining.
PrintSmoky and Hearty BBQ Chicken Crockpot Recipes for Easy Weeknights
Nothing beats the smoky aroma of barbecue paired with fall-apart chicken.
These slow-cooker dishes are perfect for casual dinners, parties, or game nights.
They’re flavorful, satisfying, and will have everyone asking for seconds.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 6 hrs
- Total Time: 6 hrs 10 mins
- Yield: 4
Ingredients
– 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
– 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite)
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup chicken broth
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 1/2 tsp chili powder (optional for heat)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or chives for garnish
Instructions
1. Place chicken in the bottom of the crockpot.
2. Add sliced onion, garlic, spices, chicken broth, and BBQ sauce.
3. Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours.
4. Shred chicken with two forks and mix with sauce.
5. Garnish with parsley or chives before serving.
Notes
Serve over rice, in sandwiches, or alongside roasted vegetables. Great for meal prep.
Optional variations:
– Spicy BBQ: add extra chili powder or hot sauce
– Sweet BBQ: mix in 1-2 tbsp honey for a sweeter glaze