Slow Cooker Zesty BBQ Chicken
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This Slow Cooker Zesty BBQ Chicken is a high-protein, 5-ingredient crockpot recipe that's perfect for busy weeknights. Just toss everything in the slow cooker for a simple "dump and go" delicious dinner!
Quick Look: Slow Cooker Zesty BBQ Chicken
- 🕒 Total Time: 7 hours
- 👥 Servings: 6
- 📊 Calories: 486 per serving
Why You'll Love This Slow Cooker Zesty BBQ Chicken
- High-Protein & Satisfying - Packed with about 30 grams of protein per serving, this Crockpot BBQ chicken is a filling, high-protein option that will keep you full and energized.
- Easy "Set It & Forget It" Meal - With just 5 minutes of prep, this slow cooker recipe is as simple as it gets. Just toss everything in and let the crockpot do the work.
- Perfect for Meal Prep & So Versatile - Enjoy it on its own or use it in sandwiches, wraps, salads, or even on top of tortilla chips for an easy, flavorful meal any day of the week.
If you love this simple crockpot recipe, be sure to try my Slow Cooker Parmesan Pork Loin! It's so tender, high protein, and full of great flavor for your next family dinner!
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Select Ingredients
- Chicken Breasts - I love chicken breasts best in this recipe as it keeps it lean. I typically use fresh but you could use frozen if you prefer.
- BBQ sauce - you can use any kind you'd like. I usually go with Sweet Baby Ray's but any kind is fine. You can use a lower sugar version too as the brown sugar will add additional sweetness.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Recipe Tips & Variations
➡️ Turn it into sliders - Serve on slider buns with coleslaw for your next party or for little hands!
➡️ BBQ chicken tacos - Use the shredded chicken in tortillas with slaw and a drizzle of ranch or crema.
➡️ Use chicken thighs - For a juicier, more tender chicken, you can swap chicken breast for boneless, skinless thighs.
My Crockpot Sloppy Joes would be a great addition to your next dinner menu too! They're so easy to make, tender, and the flavor is amazing. My kids love them and I bet yours will too!
How to Make Slow Cooker Zesty BBQ Chicken
Step 1: In a bowl, mix the barbecue sauce, Italian salad dressing, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce.
Step 2: Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker and pour the mixed sauce over the top. Cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 6-8 hours.
Step 3: Once chicken is cooked, shred with forks until finely shredded.
Step 4: Serve alone or on a bun. Optional: top with slaw and pickles. Enjoy!
Recipe FAQs
This recipe is super versatile! You can serve it on sandwiches, in wraps, over rice, on salads, or even on top of tortilla chips to make BBQ chicken nachos.
Chicken releases liquid as it cooks. To thicken the sauce, remove the lid for the last 20-30 minutes or drain some of the excess liquid before shredding.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.
Check out my meal planning app Wholesome Meals Made Easy for more easy, healthy recipes your whole crew will actually love. It's like having a dietitian in your back pocket - quick, balanced, and family-approved!
More Slow Cooker Chicken Recipes
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Slow Cooker Zesty BBQ Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lb Chicken breasts boneless, skinless
- 12 oz Bbq sauce
- ½ cup Italian salad dressing
- ¼ cup Brown sugar
- 2 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 6 whole wheat buns
Instructions
- Place chicken in a slow cooker.
- In a bowl, mix the barbecue sauce, Italian salad dressing, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Pour over the chicken.
- Cover, cook 3-4 hours on high or 6-8 hours on low.
- Eat chicken alone or place on buns and serve immediately.
I love how versatile this recipe is! I've eaten in on a bun, on top of tortilla chips, on top of a salad, and the BBQ chicken is delicious on its own too!