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Crockpot BBQ Chicken Ultimate Recipe

This Crockpot BBQ Chicken recipe delivers consistently tender and flavorful results. By understanding the science of slow cooking and balancing the sauce ingredients, you can achieve the perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture every time. Serve on buns, over rice, or in salads for a versatile and delicious meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2.5 - 3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 ½ cups BBQ sauce
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon packed brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon liquid smoke optional

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker (Crockpot)
  • Medium bowl
  • whisk
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • paper towels
  • fork

Method
 

  1. Trim any excess fat from the chicken thighs and pat them dry with paper towels.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, liquid smoke (if using), salt, and pepper.
  3. Place the chicken thighs in the slow cooker.
  4. Pour the BBQ sauce mixture over the chicken, ensuring that each piece is well coated.
  5. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be very tender and easily shredded with a fork.
  6. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.
  7. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir it into the remaining sauce.
  8. Serve on buns, over rice, in salads, or however you desire.

Notes

Chicken thighs are recommended for their flavor and tenderness, but chicken breasts can be used, reducing the cooking time by 1-2 hours. Experiment with different BBQ sauce flavors to find your perfect match. For a deeper flavor, sear the chicken thighs in a hot skillet before adding them to the slow cooker. If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove some of the liquid from the slow cooker after shredding the chicken and simmer it in a saucepan until it reduces to your desired consistency, then return it to the slow cooker.