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Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken

A tender and flavorful pulled chicken dish cooked in a slow cooker, perfect for busy weeknights and gatherings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 6 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, trimmed of excess fat Opt for fresh chicken breasts.
  • 1 1/4 cup barbecue sauce (we adore Sweet Baby Ray's Honey BBQ) Feel free to experiment with different brands or flavors.
  • 1/2 cup Italian dressing (fat-free options work great too) Provides a delightful tang; can swap for balsamic vinaigrette.
  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/4 cup light brown sugar Reduce to 1/8 cup or omit for less sweetness.
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp onion powder
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Begin by spraying the inside of a large crockpot with non-stick cooking spray for easier cleanup.
  2. Season the prepared chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder.
  3. Place the seasoned chicken in the bottom of the crockpot.
Cooking
  1. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the barbecue sauce, Italian dressing, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Whisk until smooth.
  2. Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the chicken breasts.
  3. Cover with the lid and set your crockpot to cook on high for 2.5 to 3 hours, or on low for 5 to 6 hours.
  4. Use a meat thermometer to confirm the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit before serving.
  5. Once cooked through, shred the chicken using two forks directly in the crockpot to enjoy the full, saucy flavor.
Serving
  1. Serve the pulled chicken on toasted buns or combine with salad, over rice, or use for tacos or nachos.

Notes

Watch your cooking time; low and slow yields the most tender results. Reserve some of the cooking liquid to drizzle over the chicken for added moisture when serving.