This slow cooker barbeque chicken recipe is perfect for those busy days when you want a delicious meal with minimal effort. The chicken breasts become incredibly tender as they cook slowly, absorbing the rich flavors of the barbeque sauce and spices. It's a simple yet satisfying dish that the whole family will love.
If you don't usually stock worcestershire sauce in your pantry, you might need to pick some up at the supermarket. This sauce adds a unique depth of flavor to the dish. Also, make sure you have barbeque sauce on hand, as it's the key ingredient that gives the chicken its signature taste.

Ingredients For Slow Cooker Barbeque Chicken Recipe
Chicken breasts: The main protein for the dish, providing a tender and juicy texture.
Barbeque sauce: Adds a sweet and tangy flavor to the chicken.
Worcestershire sauce: Enhances the depth of flavor with its savory and slightly tangy taste.
Garlic powder: Infuses the chicken with a subtle garlic flavor.
Onion powder: Adds a mild onion flavor to the dish.
Salt: Enhances the overall taste of the chicken and spices.
Black pepper: Adds a hint of spiciness and depth to the flavor profile.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
To ensure the chicken breasts are evenly cooked and tender, try to arrange them in a single layer at the bottom of the slow cooker. This allows the barbeque sauce and other seasonings to coat each piece thoroughly. If you have to stack the chicken, make sure to rotate the pieces halfway through the cooking time. Additionally, for a richer flavor, you can marinate the chicken in the barbeque sauce mixture for a few hours or overnight before placing them in the slow cooker.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
chicken breasts - Substitute with chicken thighs: Chicken thighs are juicier and more flavorful, making them a great alternative to chicken breasts.
barbeque sauce - Substitute with teriyaki sauce: Teriyaki sauce offers a sweet and savory profile that can provide a different but delicious flavor.
worcestershire sauce - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce provides a similar umami flavor and can be used in equal amounts.
garlic powder - Substitute with fresh garlic: Fresh garlic offers a more intense and aromatic flavor. Use one clove of minced garlic for each teaspoon of garlic powder.
onion powder - Substitute with fresh onion: Fresh onion can provide a more robust flavor. Use ¼ cup of finely chopped onion for each teaspoon of onion powder.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add both saltiness and umami flavor. Use it sparingly to avoid over-salting.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a milder flavor and can be used in the same quantity as black pepper.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This Dish
How to Store or Freeze This Recipe
Allow the barbeque chicken to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the chicken soggy.
Transfer the cooled chicken to an airtight container. If you have a lot of chicken, consider dividing it into smaller portions for easier reheating.
Store the container in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the chicken within 3-4 days. This keeps the chicken fresh and flavorful.
For longer storage, place the chicken in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags. Make sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
Label the containers or bags with the date and contents. This helps you keep track of how long the barbeque chicken has been stored.
When ready to reheat, thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. This ensures even reheating and maintains the texture of the chicken.
Reheat the chicken in a microwave or on the stovetop. If using a microwave, cover the container with a microwave-safe lid or wrap to retain moisture. For stovetop reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to keep the chicken moist.
Stir the chicken occasionally while reheating to ensure even heating and to prevent it from drying out.
Serve the reheated barbeque chicken with your favorite sides, such as coleslaw, cornbread, or a fresh salad. Enjoy the delicious flavors as if it were freshly made!
How to Reheat Leftovers
For the best results, reheat your slow cooker barbeque chicken in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to keep it moist. Stir occasionally until heated through.
Alternatively, use the microwave. Place the chicken in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, and heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until hot.
If you prefer the oven, preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake for about 20 minutes or until heated through. Add a bit of barbeque sauce or chicken broth to keep it juicy.
For a quick stovetop method, use a saucepan. Add the chicken and a small amount of water or barbeque sauce. Cover and heat over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed.
If you have an air fryer, set it to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in the basket and heat for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Slow cooker: A countertop electrical cooking appliance used to simmer at a lower temperature than other cooking methods, such as baking, boiling, and frying.
Measuring cups: Used to measure the volume of liquid or bulk solid cooking ingredients such as flour and sugar.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure an amount of an ingredient, either liquid or dry, when cooking.
Forks: Used to shred the cooked chicken into smaller pieces.
Mixing spoon: Used to mix the shredded chicken with the sauce in the slow cooker.
Serving dish: Used to serve the finished barbeque chicken.
How to Save Time on Making This Recipe
Pre-mix the sauce: Combine the barbeque sauce, worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl the night before to save time in the morning.
Use chicken thighs: Substitute chicken breasts with chicken thighs for a quicker cooking time and more flavorful result.
Double the recipe: Cook extra chicken and freeze portions for future meals, saving time on busy days.
Line the slow cooker: Use a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup, reducing time spent washing dishes.
Shred with a mixer: Use a hand mixer to shred the chicken quickly and effortlessly.
Slow Cooker Barbeque Chicken
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 pieces Chicken Breasts
- 1 cup Barbeque Sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
- Pour barbeque sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper over the chicken.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or until chicken is tender.
- Shred the chicken with two forks and mix with the sauce in the slow cooker.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Desserts for This Recipe
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