Crockpot Shredded BBQ Chicken

Crockpot Shredded BBQ Chicken Recipe - Made with Dark Brown Sugar and Cayenne

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 6 hours | Servings: 6

Introduction

Crockpot Shredded BBQ Chicken is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings. This recipe combines tender shredded chicken with a tangy and sweet BBQ sauce, all cooked to perfection in a slow cooker.

History

BBQ chicken has been a popular dish in the United States for many years, with variations of the recipe found in different regions of the country. Slow cooking the chicken in a crockpot allows the flavors to meld together and creates a tender and juicy meat that is perfect for sandwiches or as a main dish.

Ingredients

1.5 lb (680 g) skinned and boned chicken thighs
1 tbsp olive oil
1 cup ketchup
0.25 cup dark brown sugar
1 tbsp worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp cider vinegar
1 tbsp yellow mustard
1 tsp cayenne pepper
0.5 tsp garlic salt
6 hamburger buns
dill pickle slices

How to prepare

Brown the chicken for 4 minutes on each side in 1 tbsp of hot oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Remove the chicken from the heat and place it in a 4 qt (3.78 liter) slow cooker.
Combine ketchup and the next 6 ingredients.
Pour the mixture over the chicken.
Cover and cook on high for 1 hour.
Reduce the heat to low and cook for 5 – 6 hours.
Remove the chicken from the sauce and shred it.
Stir the shredded chicken into the sauce.
Spoon the mixture evenly onto buns and top with pickle slices.

Variations

Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs for a leaner option.
Add in some chopped jalapenos or chipotle peppers for a smoky and spicy flavor.
Substitute the ketchup with BBQ sauce for a more intense BBQ flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To add extra flavor to the dish, you can add in some chopped onions, bell peppers, or even pineapple chunks to the slow cooker.

- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add in some hot sauce to the BBQ sauce mixture.

- Make sure to shred the chicken while it is still warm for easier shredding and to ensure that the meat absorbs the BBQ sauce well.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Crockpot Shredded BBQ Chicken on toasted hamburger buns with a side of coleslaw or potato salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Slow cooking the chicken in a crockpot allows the meat to become tender and juicy, while also allowing the flavors of the BBQ sauce to develop fully.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have cider vinegar, you can substitute it with white vinegar or apple cider vinegar. You can also use honey or maple syrup instead of dark brown sugar.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the BBQ sauce mixture and brown the chicken ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you are ready to cook the dish in the slow cooker.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Crockpot Shredded BBQ Chicken on a platter with the hamburger buns on the side, and garnish with fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the Crockpot Shredded BBQ Chicken with a side of corn on the cob, baked beans, or a green salad for a well-rounded meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave the chicken until heated through or warm it up in a skillet on the stove.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Crockpot Shredded BBQ Chicken contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Crockpot Shredded BBQ Chicken contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Crockpot Shredded BBQ Chicken contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Crockpot Shredded BBQ Chicken contains approximately 25 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Crockpot Shredded BBQ Chicken is a good source of iron, vitamin C, and vitamin A.

Alergens

This recipe contains gluten from the hamburger buns and may contain allergens such as soy from the Worcestershire sauce.

Summary

Crockpot Shredded BBQ Chicken is a balanced meal that provides a good amount of protein and essential nutrients. However, it is important to be mindful of portion sizes and any potential allergens.

Summary

Crockpot Shredded BBQ Chicken is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion. With a few simple ingredients and a slow cooker, you can create a delicious meal that the whole family will love.

How did I get this recipe?

I distinctly remember the first time I saw this recipe. It was a chilly autumn day, and I had just come home from a long day at work. As I walked into the kitchen, I was greeted by the warm, comforting aroma of slow-cooked meat and spices. My husband had been experimenting with his new crockpot, and the result was a delicious batch of shredded BBQ chicken.

I watched as he carefully shredded the tender chicken with two forks, the meat falling apart effortlessly. The tangy BBQ sauce clung to every piece, giving it a mouthwatering flavor that made my stomach growl in anticipation. I couldn't wait to dig in and taste the fruits of his labor.

As I sat down at the table and took my first bite, I knew that this recipe was something special. The chicken was perfectly cooked, juicy and flavorful, with just the right amount of smokiness from the BBQ sauce. It was a dish that warmed me from the inside out, filling me with a sense of comfort and satisfaction.

I asked my husband where he had learned to make such a delicious meal, and he simply smiled and said that he had picked up the recipe from a friend at work. Intrigued, I pressed him for more details, wanting to know the secrets behind this mouthwatering dish.

He told me that his friend had generously shared the recipe with him, and that it was a simple yet flavorful combination of chicken breasts, BBQ sauce, and a few key spices. He explained how the crockpot method allowed the chicken to cook low and slow, resulting in tender, juicy meat that practically melted in your mouth.

I was determined to learn how to make this recipe myself, so I asked my husband to walk me through the steps. He showed me how to season the chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder before placing it in the crockpot. Then, he poured over a generous amount of BBQ sauce, making sure to coat every piece of meat.

As the chicken cooked throughout the day, the savory aroma filled our home, making my mouth water in anticipation. When it was finally time to shred the chicken, I eagerly grabbed two forks and began the process, marveling at how easily the meat fell apart.

Once the chicken was shredded, I mixed it back into the BBQ sauce, allowing it to soak up all the delicious flavors. I couldn't resist sneaking a taste, and my eyes widened in surprise at how delicious it was. The tender, juicy meat paired perfectly with the tangy, smoky BBQ sauce, creating a dish that was truly irresistible.

From that day on, crockpot shredded BBQ chicken became a staple in our household. I made it for family gatherings, potlucks, and even just for a cozy night in with my husband. Each time I cooked it, I thought back to that chilly autumn day when I first discovered the recipe, and I couldn't help but smile at how far I had come.

Over the years, I have made a few tweaks to the recipe, adding in my own special touches to make it truly my own. I've experimented with different types of BBQ sauce, added in a splash of apple cider vinegar for extra tang, and even thrown in some diced onions and peppers for added flavor.

But no matter how I choose to make it, crockpot shredded BBQ chicken will always hold a special place in my heart. It's a recipe that brings back memories of cozy nights around the dinner table, laughter with loved ones, and the simple joy of good food shared with good company.

And as I sit here now, writing down the story of how I learned to make this delicious dish, I can't help but feel grateful for all the experiences and people that have brought me to this moment. Cooking has always been a passion of mine, a way to show love and care for those around me. And with each bite of this mouthwatering chicken, I am reminded of just how powerful a homemade meal can be.