Barbecue Chicken Crock-Pot Style
Tender, flavorful barbecue chicken slow-cooked to perfection with tangy tomato and vinegar sauce, ideal for casual family dinners or weekend gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place the chicken pieces in the crock-pot.
- Combine tomato paste, vinegar, brown sugar, and salt in a bowl.
- Spoon the mixture over the chicken in the crock-pot.
- Cover and cook on low for about 7 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoky flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the sauce mixture. If you prefer a sweeter barbecue sauce, increase the brown sugar to 2 tablespoons. You can also substitute the frying chicken with skinless chicken breasts or thighs for a leaner option. Adjust cooking time accordingly if using boneless cuts. This recipe can be a fantastic base for Chicken-Pineapple Casserole.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the barbecue chicken over a bed of rice or with a side of coleslaw for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables. You can also use the leftovers in sandwiches or wraps. For more delicious ideas, browse more American recipes that utilize chicken.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken and sauce in a microwave-safe dish and heat on medium power until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water to keep the chicken moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Barbecue Chicken Crock-Pot Style contains roughly 256 calories, with 2g protein, 52g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is a good source of iron (13% of the Daily Value) and potassium (10% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
It's best to use thawed chicken for even cooking, as frozen chicken may not cook thoroughly in the crock-pot. If you only have frozen chicken, consider thawing it overnight in the refrigerator before preparing this dish.
Can I add vegetables to the crock-pot?
Yes, adding vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or carrots can enhance the dish. Place them at the bottom of the crock-pot before adding the chicken and sauce. Keep in mind that the cooking time may need slight adjustments depending on the amount and type of vegetables added.
How can I thicken the sauce?
To thicken the sauce, you can remove the chicken once it's cooked and whisk in a cornstarch slurry made of 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water. Allow it to cook on high for an additional 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).