Crock-Pot Barbecued Chicken
Tender, smoky barbecue chicken cooked slowly in a crock-pot, infused with rich sauce flavors. Perfect for easy family dinners or casual gatherings with bold, comforting tastes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Warm the crock-pot with water.
- Dump the water out of the crock-pot.
- Add 1/4 cup of barbecue sauce to the crock-pot.
- Place a layer of skinned chicken pieces in the crock-pot.
- Sprinkle salt over the chicken and cover with barbecue sauce.
- Add another layer of chicken, salt, and sauce as before.
- Cook until the chicken is tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider marinating the chicken in the barbecue sauce for a few hours or overnight. You can substitute the Kraft Chunkie barbecue sauce with homemade barbecue sauce or any other brand you prefer. If you want to add some heat, try incorporating a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper into the barbecue sauce. This Crock-Pot Barbecued Chicken recipe is versatile enough to adapt flavors similar to American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the barbecued chicken with a side of coleslaw or corn on the cob for a classic summer meal. It pairs beautifully with baked beans or a refreshing salad. For a heartier option, consider serving it alongside Fay Nielsen's Potato Casserole. This dish also makes great sandwiches, so feel free to shred the chicken and serve it on buns with extra sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover barbecued chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through, making sure not to overcook it, which can dry out the chicken.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crock-Pot Barbecued Chicken contains roughly 3 calories, with 0g protein, 0g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 506mg per serving (22% 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?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it's best to thaw it before cooking for even cooking and better flavor absorption. If using frozen chicken, extend the cooking time in the Crock-Pot to ensure it's fully cooked and tender.
What can I do if my chicken is dry after cooking?
If your chicken turns out dry, try shredding it and mixing it with extra barbecue sauce to moisten it. You can also add a splash of chicken broth or water while reheating to help restore some moisture.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add heat to your Crock-Pot Barbecued Chicken, mix in some cayenne pepper or your favorite hot sauce into the barbecue sauce before layering it with the chicken. Additionally, consider adding sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
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).