admin
Backyard BBQ Chicken Slow Cooker. This easy slow cooker BBQ chicken uses just three simple things to make juicy, saucy shredded chicken that almost cooks itself. It is perfect for busy days when you want a big, yummy meal ready without standing over a hot stove.
Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 to 3 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 1/2 cups thick bottled barbecue sauce (pick your favorite, regular or hickory-smoked)
- 1/2 cup cola or root beer (regular, not diet)
Backyard BBQ Chicken: Directions
- Spray the inside of a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker with cooking spray, or rub a little oil around the inside so cleaning up later is easier.
- Place the chicken breasts flat on the bottom of the slow cooker. It is okay if they sit a little on top of each other, but try not to pile them up too high.
- In a bowl, mix the barbecue sauce and the cola or root beer together until they are well stirred. The drink will make the sauce a little thin right now, but do not worry, it will get thick and shiny as it cooks.
- Pour the sauce mix over the chicken. Use tongs to flip the chicken pieces once so all sides get covered in the sauce.
- Put the lid on the slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours, or on HIGH for 2 1/2 to 3 hours. The chicken is ready when it is very soft and you can pull it apart easily with a fork. The sauce will look darker and bubbly around the edges.
- Once the chicken is done, use two forks to pull it apart right inside the slow cooker. Break it into small bite-sized pieces and mix it into the thick, shiny sauce so every piece gets coated well.
- Stir everything together, then put the lid back on and let it sit on the WARM setting for 15 to 20 minutes. This short rest helps the chicken soak up even more of the sweet, rich sauce and keeps it hot and ready to eat.
- Give it a taste before serving. Want it a little sweeter? Stir in one more spoonful of barbecue sauce. Want it smokier? Add a small splash of a smoky-style sauce. Serve the chicken right from the slow cooker so it stays warm and moist.
How to Serve It
Spoon the saucy chicken onto soft hamburger buns or split-top rolls. Add a little extra sauce from the slow cooker right on top. It goes great with potato salad, coleslaw, corn on the cob, or baked beans on the side. You can even tuck some coleslaw right inside the sandwich. For something lighter, serve the chicken on a bed of shredded cabbage or mixed greens with pickles on the side. Finish the meal with sliced watermelon or fresh berries for a simple, sweet ending.
