Zesty Slow Cooker Chicken Bbq
Table of Contents
- Recipe Introduction
- What Makes This Chicken Barbecue So Special?
- Let's Talk Ingredients For This Crockpot Cooking
- Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get This Party Started!
- Zesty Slow Cooker Chicken BBQ: Set It & Forget It Flavour Bomb
- Recipe Notes for Your Zesty Slow Cooker Chicken Barbecue Adventure!
- Frequently Asked Questions
- 📝 Recipe Card
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever craved that Barbecue Chicken taste but couldn't be arsed to fire up the grill? This Zesty Slow Cooker Chicken Barbecue is your answer.
It's got that sweet, tangy, smoky flavour that makes your taste buds do a happy dance.
Brief Overview
Chicken Barbecue is a classic American comfort food. This recipe brings the Barbecue Chicken experience to your kitchen super easy.
With minimal effort, you get a proper feast, serves six to eight. Prep is 15 minutes, then you leave it to cook slow 6 to 8 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high.
Main Benefits
Honestly, the best part is how simple this is. It is a classic Barbecue Chicken Recipe . Plus, it's packed with protein.
This Easy BBQ Chicken Recipe is perfect for a weekend get-together or a casual family dinner. Trust me, this will become a firm favourite.
What Makes This Chicken Barbecue So Special?
Okay, so, what makes this Tangy Slow Cooker Chicken so good? Well, it’s all about that sauce, innit? The zesty element really cuts through the richness of the chicken.
It just works , you know?
You get that proper depth of flavour you would expect for proper Crock Pot Meals . The apple cider vinegar and lemon juice give it a bit of a kick.
A proper flavour Chicken Barbecue . Perfect for making Zesty BBQ Chicken Sandwiches .
Let's Talk Ingredients For This Crockpot Cooking
Right, let's get to the nitty gritty! For the Chicken Barbecue , you'll need chicken thighs (about 1.4-1.8 kg).
Don’t skimp on the smoked paprika it adds that authentic barbecue flavour, yeah? Then, for that ah-mazing Zesty BBQ Sauce , we're talking ketchup, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and a dash of hot sauce.
Don't be scared of the hot sauce! It gives it a bit of a kick. Making Slow Cooker Chicken BBQ Sandwiches .
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get This Party Started!
Alright, let's talk about what you'll need to whip up this ridiculously tasty Zesty Slow Cooker Chicken Barbecue . Honestly, it's mostly pantry staples, so you probably have most of it already.
We're making proper Barbecue Chicken , the kind that makes you want to lick the plate.
Main Ingredients for the Best Barbecue Chicken Recipe
- Chicken Thighs: 1.4-1.8 kg (3-4 lbs) boneless, skinless. I like to use thighs because they stay super juicy in the crockpot cooking . If you only have breasts, that's fine, but thighs are where it's at.
- Olive Oil: 1 tbsp (15 ml). Just your regular stuff.
- Smoked Paprika: 1 tsp (5 ml). Don't skip this, it adds so much to this barbecue chicken recipe .
- Garlic Powder: ½ tsp (2.5 ml).
- Onion Powder: ½ tsp (2.5 ml).
- Black Pepper: ½ tsp (2.5 ml).
- Ketchup: 1 cup (240 ml). The regular kind, nothing fancy.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: ½ cup (120 ml). Gives it that tangy kick.
- Worcestershire Sauce: ¼ cup (60 ml). A must for any decent barbecue chicken .
- Brown Sugar: ¼ cup (60 ml), packed. Light or dark works.
- Dijon Mustard: 2 tbsp (30 ml). Adds a nice depth.
- Lemon Juice: 2 tbsp (30 ml), fresh. Squeeze it yourself!
- Hot Sauce: 1 tbsp (15 ml). Tabasco or Frank's RedHot are my go-to.
- Kosher Salt: 1 tsp (5 ml). If using table salt, cut it in half.
Seasoning Notes for that Zesty Chicken Barbecue
This slow cooker chicken bbq relies on that smoked paprika, garlic, and onion powder combo for a great base. The apple cider vinegar and lemon juice are essential for the tangy slow cooker chicken flavor.
Hot sauce, well, that's just because I like a little kick !
Don't have apple cider vinegar? White wine vinegar will do in a pinch. Out of brown sugar? Maple syrup is also a good solution. Just start with less and adjust to taste.
Equipment Needed for Easy BBQ Chicken Recipe
You really don't need much for this Easy BBQ Chicken Recipe . You'll need:
- A 6-quart (or bigger) slow cooker .
- Measuring cups and spoons.
- A whisk (or a fork, whatever works).
- A large bowl.
If you don't have a slow cooker, you can make it in the oven. Just whack it in a roasting tin, seal it with foil, and bake it at 160° C ( 320° F) for about 2- 3 hours.
Job done!.
Zesty Slow Cooker Chicken BBQ: Set It & Forget It Flavour Bomb
Honestly, who has time to slave over a grill these days? Not me! That's why I'm obsessed with this Zesty Slow Cooker Chicken Barbecue .
It's ridiculously easy, packed with flavour, and makes the best BBQ Chicken ever. Perfect for a casual get-together or a lazy Sunday dinner.
This Barbecue Chicken Recipe is so simple, even I can't mess it up!
Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place Magic
First things first: the essential mise en place . Get your ingredients prepped and measured out. This is a game changer, trust me.
Grab about 1.4-1.8 kg (3-4 lbs) of boneless, skinless chicken thighs , your spices, and all the BBQ sauce goodies.
This Chicken Barbecue is easy and yummy! For the Zesty BBQ Sauce, assemble ketchup, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, hot sauce and salt.
step-by-step to Tangy Slow Cooker Chicken
Here’s the lowdown on how to get this Easy BBQ Chicken Recipe going:
- Season the Chicken: Toss those chicken thighs with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp smoked paprika, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp onion powder, and ½ tsp black pepper.
- Whip Up the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together 1 cup ketchup, ½ cup apple cider vinegar, ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce, ¼ cup brown sugar, 2 tbsp Dijon mustard, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp hot sauce, and 1 tsp salt.
- Layer it Up: Pour half the sauce into your slow cooker. Arrange the chicken on top, then smother it with the rest of the sauce.
- Slow Cook to Perfection: Cover and cook on low for 6- 8 hours or on high for 3- 4 hours . You want that chicken fall apart tender.
- Shredding Time: Remove the chicken and shred it. Then, back in the Crock Pot it goes! Simmer for 15- 30 minutes.
Pro Tips for Next Level Slow Cooker Chicken BBQ Sandwiches
- Don't overcrowd the slow cooker! Keep the chicken in a single layer for even cooking.
- Taste that sauce after shredding. Want more kick? Add a dash more hot sauce.
- Got extra sauce? Save it. It's amazing on, like, everything. I like it with my Zesty BBQ Chicken Sandwiches !
This Zesty Slow Cooker Chicken Barbecue is a weeknight winner, every time. The Crockpot Cooking makes it simple, and the flavour is out of this world.
You'll be making this Barbecue Chicken all the time!
Recipe Notes for Your Zesty Slow Cooker Chicken Barbecue Adventure!
Alright, so you're about to embark on this Zesty Slow Cooker Chicken Barbecue journey. I've got a few extra bits of wisdom to share.
These are the kind of things I've learned the hard way (a few too many kitchen "oops" moments!).
Serving Suggestions: Let's Get Fancy (or Not!)
So, how do you serve up this Barbecue Chicken masterpiece? I love piling it high on toasted brioche buns for classic Zesty BBQ Chicken Sandwiches .
Throw on some coleslaw for extra crunch and a bit of tang. Honestly, you can't go wrong!
If you're feeling a bit more "cheffy," try serving it over creamy polenta with a sprinkle of fresh herbs. A simple green salad on the side is always a winner.
And don't forget your drinks - a crisp beer or homemade lemonade will do the trick.
Storage Tips: Keeping the Party Going
Leftover Chicken Barbecue is a gift. Pop it in an airtight container in the fridge, and it'll happily keep for 3-4 days .
Reheat it gently in a pan on the stove with a splash of water or chicken broth to keep it moist.
Freezing is a great option too! Divide it into portions and freeze for up to 3 months . Just make sure it's properly cooled before freezing.
For reheating, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and then gently warm it through. Easy peasy.
Variations: Tweak It 'Til You Love It
Want to add a little twist to your Easy BBQ Chicken Recipe ? For a gluten-free version, make sure your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free. Brown sugar can be substitued by maple syrup.
Feeling adventurous? Throw in a can of pineapple chunks for a tropical vibe. So yummy!
Nutrition Basics: The Good Stuff
Okay, let's talk numbers. This Barbecue Chicken Recipe is packed with protein (thanks, chicken!). It is good for building muscles.
It has a fair amount of sugars from the sauce. It is important to take things in moderation.
I hope that you have a total blast creating this Tangy Slow Cooker Chicken at home. Cooking, like life, is about experimenting and tweaking until you find your perfect recipe!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this Zesty Slow Cooker Chicken Barbecue recipe?
You can indeed, but be aware that chicken breasts tend to dry out more easily in a slow cooker. If using breasts, consider reducing the cooking time and keep a close eye on them. Ensure they reach an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F) but aren't overcooked, which will make them tough.
My sauce is too watery! How do I thicken the Zesty Slow Cooker Chicken Barbecue sauce?
No worries, it happens! You've got a couple of options: either remove the lid during the last hour of cooking to let the sauce reduce naturally, or mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water to make a slurry, then stir it into the sauce during the last 30 minutes.
Just like thickening gravy for your Sunday roast!
How long does Zesty Slow Cooker Chicken Barbecue last in the fridge, and can I freeze it?
Leftover Zesty Slow Cooker Chicken Barbecue will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days in an airtight container. It also freezes beautifully! Store it in freezer safe bags or containers for up to 2-3 months. Just let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating - perfect for a last minute dinner when you're knackered.
I don't have apple cider vinegar. Is there anything else I can use in the Zesty Slow Cooker Chicken Barbecue?
Absolutely! White wine vinegar is a great substitute for apple cider vinegar in this recipe. You could also use rice vinegar or even a squeeze of extra lemon or lime juice in a pinch.
They will all add that touch of acidity needed to balance out the sweetness in the barbecue sauce, just like a bit of vinegar cuts through the richness of a proper chippy tea.
Can I make this Zesty Slow Cooker Chicken Barbecue spicier?
You bet! For a spicier kick, add a chopped jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the barbecue sauce. You can also increase the amount of hot sauce or use a hotter variety, like sriracha or habanero sauce.
Remember to taste as you go, adding small amounts until you reach your desired level of heat, you don't want to blow your head off!
Zesty Slow Cooker Chicken Bbq
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350-400 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 15-20g |
| Fiber | 0g |