Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite way to make dinner—crockpot recipes! There’s something magical about tossing a few simple ingredients into your slow cooker and letting it work its magic while you go about your day. This particular recipe for barbecue chicken thighs is a game changer! The chicken turns out so tender and flavorful, and the barbecue sauce seeps in, giving it that mouthwatering goodness that makes my heart sing. I remember the first time I made this; I was rushing around, and it saved me from a dinner disaster. I just set it and forgot it! Trust me, your taste buds will thank you, and your busy schedule will too. It’s like having a personal chef at home—easy, delicious, and oh so satisfying!
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious barbecue chicken in your slow cooker. I promise, it’s super simple and you probably have most of these ingredients at home already!
- 2 lbs chicken thighs (skinless and boneless work best)
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (choose your favorite brand or homemade!
- 1 onion, sliced (yellow or white adds a nice sweetness)
- 1 bell pepper, sliced (any color you like—red, green, or yellow)
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder (because who doesn’t love garlic?)
- 1 teaspoon salt (to enhance all those fabulous flavors)
- 1 teaspoon pepper (for that perfect little kick)
Make sure to get everything ready before you start cooking, and you’ll be on your way to a flavor-packed meal in no time!
How to Prepare Instructions
Alright, let’s get cooking! This part is where the magic happens, and I promise it’s as easy as pie—or should I say, easy as slow cooking? Here’s how to make this mouthwatering barbecue chicken:
- Start by placing the 2 lbs of chicken thighs right into your slow cooker. Don’t worry about trimming too much fat; it’ll melt away and add flavor!
- Next, take that sliced onion and sliced bell pepper and sprinkle them over the chicken. This will create a beautiful bed of veggies that will get all tender and sweet during cooking.
- Now, it’s time to pour in the 1 cup of barbecue sauce. Make sure to cover the chicken nicely—this is where all the flavor comes from! You can also give it a little stir to mix things up.
- Sprinkle on the 1 tablespoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of pepper for that extra oomph! I can already smell the goodness!
- Cover your slow cooker and set it on low for 6-8 hours. This is the tough part—waiting! But trust me, it’s worth it.
- Finally, when it’s done cooking, take two forks and shred the chicken right in the cooker. It’ll be so tender you won’t even need to try hard! Give it a good mix with the sauce before serving.
And there you have it! A delicious, hassle-free meal ready to delight your taste buds!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Prep Time: You can have this meal ready in just 15 minutes! Simply toss everything into the slow cooker and you’re done!
- Easy Cleanup: With just the slow cooker and a few utensils to wash, you’ll spend less time cleaning and more time enjoying your delicious meal.
- Flavorful Meals: The slow cooking process infuses every bite with incredible flavors, making your chicken thighs tender and juicy with that rich barbecue goodness.
- Perfect for Busy Schedules: Set it and forget it! This recipe is a lifesaver on hectic days when you don’t have time to cook.
- Great for Gatherings: Want to impress your friends? Double the recipe! Everyone will love this dish, and you won’t have to spend all day in the kitchen.
Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a staple in your meal rotation! You’ll love how easy and delicious it is—your future self will thank you!
Tips for Success
Now that you’ve got the basics down, let me share some of my favorite tips to help you nail this recipe and make it even more delightful!
- Choose the Right Chicken: While I love using chicken thighs for their rich flavor and tenderness, you can also use chicken breasts if that’s what you have on hand. Just keep in mind that they might cook a bit faster, so check them around the 5-hour mark.
- Get Creative with Sauce: Feel free to switch up the barbecue sauce! If you’re feeling adventurous, try a honey garlic sauce or a spicy chipotle sauce for a kick. The options are endless, and it can really change the whole vibe of the dish!
- Add More Veggies: Want to sneak in some extra nutrition? Toss in a cup of chopped carrots or zucchini along with the onion and bell pepper. They’ll cook down and blend beautifully with the chicken and sauce.
- Watch the Cook Time: Keep an eye on the cook time based on your slow cooker model. Some cook hotter than others, so you might find 6 hours is perfect for yours while another may need a bit longer. Just check for that tender, shreddable texture!
- Serve with Style: I love serving this barbecue chicken over a bed of fluffy rice or alongside warm, crusty bread to soak up all that delicious sauce. It’s also fantastic in tacos or on a bun for a fun twist!
By following these tips, you’ll be on your way to a perfect slow-cooked meal that’s bursting with flavor. Enjoy the process and don’t hesitate to make it your own!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of this delicious barbecue chicken made in the slow cooker. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, so consider this a helpful guideline!
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
- Sodium: 500mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 30g
This recipe is not only packed with flavor but also offers a great source of protein, making it a satisfying choice for any meal. Enjoy knowing you’re fueling your body with something delicious and nutritious!
FAQ Section
I know you might have some questions about this fantastic crockpot recipe, so let’s tackle a few common ones to make your cooking experience even smoother!
Can I use frozen chicken in the slow cooker?
While it’s best to use thawed chicken for even cooking, you can use frozen chicken thighs in a pinch! Just be sure to increase the cooking time by an hour or so. Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) before serving.
What if I don’t have barbecue sauce?
No worries! You can easily swap in a different sauce like teriyaki or honey mustard for a flavorful twist. Just remember to adjust the seasonings accordingly to match the flavor profile!
Can I cook this on high instead of low?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, you can cook it on high for about 4 hours instead of the low setting. Just keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn’t overcook; every slow cooker is a bit different!
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! As long as you choose a gluten-free barbecue sauce, this crockpot chicken recipe is gluten-free and perfect for those with dietary restrictions.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Definitely! Just make sure your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate the extra ingredients. Doubling the recipe is a fantastic way to feed a group without spending all day cooking!
Feel free to reach out with any other questions or tips you have while making this delicious dish! Happy cooking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Leftovers? Yes, please! This barbecue chicken is not only delicious on the first day, but it also makes for fantastic meals later on. Here’s how to store and reheat your tasty creation so it stays just as scrumptious as when it was fresh!
First, let your chicken cool down to room temperature. Once it’s cooled, transfer it into an airtight container. I like to separate the chicken from the sauce to keep everything nice and fresh, but you can also keep them together if you prefer. Just make sure it’s sealed tight to lock in that flavor!
You can store the leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you want to keep it for longer, pop it in the freezer, where it’ll last up to 3 months. Just make sure to label your container with the date so you know when it was made!
When it comes time to enjoy your leftovers, reheating is a breeze! If you’re using the microwave, place the chicken in a microwave-safe dish, cover it with a damp paper towel (to prevent it from drying out), and heat for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. For best results, check that it’s heated all the way through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
If you prefer reheating on the stovetop, simply place the chicken and sauce in a skillet over medium heat. Stir occasionally and heat until warmed through, which usually takes about 5-10 minutes. This method really brings back that saucy goodness!
And there you have it! Enjoy your delicious barbecue chicken all over again, whether it’s for lunch, dinner, or a quick snack. Happy eating!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving this scrumptious barbecue chicken, the possibilities are endless! I love to keep it simple and satisfying, so here are a few of my favorite ways to enhance the meal experience:
- Fluffy Rice: Serve the chicken over a steaming bed of rice—white, brown, or even jasmine rice! It soaks up that rich barbecue sauce beautifully, creating a perfect harmony of flavors.
- Crusty Bread: A loaf of warm, crusty bread is a must-have for mopping up all that delicious sauce. I recommend a nice baguette or a rustic sourdough—it’s just heavenly!
- Fresh Salad: Pair the chicken with a light, refreshing salad. A crisp mix of greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the chicken perfectly.
- Coleslaw: For a classic barbecue touch, serve some crunchy coleslaw on the side. The cool, creamy texture is a delightful contrast to the warm, tender chicken.
- Tacos or Sandwiches: Get creative! Shred the chicken and pile it into soft tortillas or on a bun for tasty tacos or sandwiches. Add some avocado, pickles, or cheese for extra flavor!
These serving suggestions not only elevate your meal but also make it a fun and interactive dining experience. Mix and match to find your perfect combo and enjoy every delicious bite!
Call to Action
I hope you’re as excited to try this delicious crockpot barbecue chicken as I am! If you give it a go, I’d absolutely love to hear about your experience. Did you make any fun tweaks or serve it in a unique way? Please leave a comment below and share your thoughts—your feedback means the world to me!
Also, if you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to rate it! Your ratings help others find this tasty dish and encourage me to keep sharing more scrumptious recipes. And hey, if you’re on social media, snap a pic of your beautiful creation and tag me! I can’t wait to see how it turns out for you!
Happy cooking and happy eating, my friends!
Print
Crockpot Recipes Slow Cooker: 5 Mouthwatering Meals
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Simple and delicious crockpot recipe for your slow cooker.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken thighs
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Place chicken thighs in the slow cooker.
- Add sliced onion and bell pepper on top.
- Pour barbecue sauce over the chicken.
- Sprinkle garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
- Shred chicken before serving.
Notes
- Serve with rice or bread.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- This recipe can be doubled for larger gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: crockpot recipes slow cooker
