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Three hot dog buns filled with shredded barbecue chicken and topped with sliced pickles are arranged on a white plate. A checkered tray and slow cooker are visible in the background.
Melissa Jo

Crockpot BBQ Chicken

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This Crockpot BBQ Chicken is one of those easy family dinners you'll find yourself making again and again. Tender shredded chicken cooks low and slow in a sweet, smoky barbecue sauce with a few simple upgrades that make all the difference. Perfect for sandwiches, sliders, baked potatoes, nachos, wraps, salads, and so much more!
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 5 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 8 people
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Ingredients
  

  • 4-6 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1¾ cups BBQ sauce
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons packed brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
  • 2 tablespoons minced garlic
  • ½ medium red onion thinly sliced
  • ½ teaspoon yellow mustard for each chicken breast
  • 1 packet ranch seasoning
  • 3 tbsp butter cut into pats and lay on top of the chicken right before you turn that crockpot on

Method
 

Step 1
  1. Place the sliced red onions in the bottom of your crockpot. Lay the chicken breasts on top of the onions.
  2. Brush about ½ teaspoon of yellow mustard over each chicken breast.
  3. Sprinkle the ranch seasoning packet evenly over the chicken, followed by the smoked paprika, brown sugar, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper (if using), and minced garlic.
Step 2
  1. Pour the BBQ sauce evenly over the chicken. Slice the butter into pats and place them over the top.
Step 3
  1. Cover and cook on LOW for 4 to 6 hours or HIGH for 2½ to 3 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shreds with two forks.
Step 4
  1. Remove the chicken and shred it. Return it to the crockpot and stir everything together until the chicken is coated in all that delicious sauce.
  2. Cover and cook for another 20 to 30 minutes so the chicken can soak up all the flavor before serving.

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