Bring a Big Batch of Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken to the Picnic

Leah Perez
the pioneer woman's slow cooker bbq chicken recipe
Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Is so Darn EasyWill Dickey

A little meal prep can help even the busiest folks get nourishing meals on the table. And this convenient and versatile slow cooker BBQ chicken is the perfect recipe to add to your weekly rotation! With minimal hands-on time, the chicken recipe soaks up all the smoky, tangy BBQ sauce until it falls apart with the gentle prodding of a fork. This Crock-Pot recipe is just as good for a weeknight family dinner as it is for a weekend picnic. As Ree says, simply "throw everything in, turn it on, then go live your life!"

What is the best cut of meat for slow cooker BBQ chicken?

Both dark meat and white meat fans will rejoice! This recipe works perfectly with boneless, skinless chicken thighs, breasts, or a combination of the two.

Is it better to cook slow cooker BBQ chicken on high or low?

That entirely depends on the amount of time you have. If you have a full day ahead, set the slow cooker to low and go about your business. If you get a late start on dinner, set the chicken to high heat and expect to be serving a tasty dinner in two hours. That gives you plenty of time to mix up some coleslaw!

Can slow cooker BBQ chicken be made in advance?

Yes, this BBQ chicken can be cooked up to 3 days in advance! Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When it comes time to pile it onto buns for pulled chicken sandwiches, reheat the chicken right in the slow cooker.

Yields: 6-8 servings

Prep Time: 5 mins

Total Time: 2 hours 35 mins

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 c.

    BBQ sauce

  • 2 tbsp.

    apple cider vinegar, plus more to taste

  • 2 tbsp.

    packed light brown sugar

  • 1 tsp.

    paprika

  • 1/2 tsp.

    kosher salt, plus more to taste

  • 1/2 tsp.

    ground black pepper

  • 1/4 tsp.

    ground cayenne pepper

  • 4

    garlic cloves, crushed

  • 1/2

    medium yellow onion, thinly sliced

  • 3 lb.

    boneless, skinless thighs or breasts

Directions

  1. In a 6- to 8-quart slow cooker, whisk together the BBQ sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, paprika, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, garlic, and onion until well combined. Add the chicken, stirring to ensure it is fully coated with the sauce sauce.

  2. Cover and cook until the chicken is tender and shreds easily, on low for 4 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours.

  3. Remove the chicken to a large cutting board. Remove the garlic cloves, if you like. Using 2 forks, break up the chicken into chunks (or shred it more finely, if you like). Return the chicken to the sauce and stir very well.

  4. Cover and cook on low for 30 minutes more. Taste and add more salt or vinegar, if you like.

Tip: Use your favorite store-bought BBQ sauce for a convenient meal or make your own!

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