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Slow Cooker Zesty BBQ Chicken Recipe

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  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 6 hours 40 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Slow Cooker Zesty BBQ Chicken recipe is a delicious and easy way to prepare tender, flavorful chicken with minimal effort. Using simple pantry staples and a slow cooker, the chicken is cooked low and slow for 6 to 7 hours until perfect for shredding. The zesty combination of BBQ sauce, Italian salad dressing, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce creates a tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy flavor that pairs perfectly with hamburger buns. Optional toppings like coleslaw, sliced jalapeños, and additional spices make this a crowd-pleasing dish perfect for casual dinners or gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (3 large or 4 small breasts)

Sauce

  • 1 bottle (18 oz) BBQ sauce (recommend: Sweet Baby Ray’s)
  • 1 cup Italian salad dressing (recommend: Olive Garden Italian dressing)
  • 1/4 cup light brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

To Serve

  • Hamburger buns
  • Coleslaw (optional)
  • Zesty Italian dressing (to replace standard coleslaw dressing)
  • Chili powder, to taste (optional)
  • Cayenne red pepper, to taste (optional)
  • Sliced jalapeños (optional topping)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Slow Cooker: Lightly coat the insert of your slow cooker with cooking spray to prevent the chicken from sticking during cooking.
  2. Arrange the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts evenly on the bottom of the slow cooker insert to ensure even cooking.
  3. Mix the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the BBQ sauce, Italian salad dressing, light brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well until fully blended for a balanced tangy and sweet flavor.
  4. Add Sauce to Chicken: Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the chicken breasts, making sure all pieces are well-coated for maximum flavor infusion.
  5. Slow Cook: Cover your slow cooker with the lid and cook on LOW for 6 to 7 hours, allowing the chicken to become tender and easy to shred.
  6. Shred the Chicken: Carefully remove the cooked chicken breasts from the slow cooker and shred them thoroughly using two forks.
  7. Return and Marinate: Place the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker with the sauce and stir to combine. Let the mixture marinate on the warm setting for about 30 minutes for enhanced flavor, or serve immediately if desired.
  8. Serve: Using a slotted spoon, remove the shredded BBQ chicken while draining excess sauce. Serve the chicken on hamburger buns and add optional toppings such as coleslaw, sliced jalapeños, chili powder, or cayenne pepper for extra zest and spice.

Notes

  • Use a good quality BBQ sauce like Sweet Baby Ray’s for the best flavor.
  • For a spicier kick, add chili powder, cayenne pepper, or sliced jalapeños as desired.
  • Lightly coating the slow cooker insert with cooking spray helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.
  • If time allows, let the shredded chicken marinate on warm for 30 minutes to deepen the flavors.
  • This recipe is great for making ahead; you can refrigerate or freeze leftovers for quick meals later.
  • To make coleslaw lighter, use zesty Italian dressing instead of traditional creamy dressings.

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Find it online: https://flavorfuldailymeals.com/slow-cooker-zesty-bbq-chicken-recipe/