Summer Cookout BBQ Chicken Crockpot: Get 1 Perfect Pot

Reclaiming Your Summer Evenings

Summer evenings are wonderful. But sometimes, spending them in the kitchen is not. You want a delicious meal that is easy to make. You want to enjoy good food and good company without a lot of work. This Summer Cookout BBQ Chicken Crockpot recipe is the perfect answer. It brings warmth, good times, and the amazing smell of BBQ to your table with little effort.

Why You’ll Love This Summer Cookout BBQ Chicken Crockpot Recipe

Effortless Entertaining, Maximum Flavor

This recipe lets you cook with almost no work. It is a “set-it-and-forget-it” meal. Everyone loves this chicken. It’s perfect for parties, gatherings, or family dinners. The flavors are savory, sweet, and smoky. This Summer Cookout BBQ Chicken Crockpot is truly delicious. You can use it in many ways, for different meals and serving styles. Plus, it means fewer dishes to wash!

Decoding the Deliciousness: Your Guide to Summer Cookout BBQ Chicken Crockpot

Gather Your Goodies: Ingredients for Success

Here are the ingredients you will need for your Summer Cookout BBQ Chicken Crockpot:

• Chicken
• 2-3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• Sauce Base
• 1 (18 ounce) bottle BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
• Other
• 1/4 cup water (if needed to thin sauce)

Step-by-Step Summer Cookout BBQ Chicken Crockpot Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts or thighs in the bottom of your slow cooker.
2. Make the Sauce: In a medium bowl, mix together the BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir well until everything is combined.
3. Pour Over Chicken: Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the chicken in the slow cooker. Make sure the chicken is well covered.
4. Cook: Put the lid on the slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be very tender and easy to shred.
5. Shred the Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the chicken. It should fall apart easily.
6. Return to Sauce: Put the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker with the sauce. Stir everything together until the chicken is fully coated in the BBQ sauce.
7. Serve: Keep warm in the slow cooker until ready to serve.

Pro Tips & Notes for Your Summer Cookout BBQ Chicken Crockpot

• Chicken Selection: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best. Thighs often stay juicier.
• BBQ Sauce Customization: You can change the BBQ sauce. Add more brown sugar for sweeter chicken. Add more cayenne or a dash of hot sauce for spicier chicken. Add a few drops of liquid smoke for more smoky flavor.
• Don’t Overcrowd: Do not fill your crockpot too much. This helps the chicken cook evenly.
• Storage & Reheating: Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.
• Testing for Doneness: Chicken is done when it shreds easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Elevate Your Meal: Serving Suggestions & Variations

Perfect Pairings for Your Summer Cookout BBQ Chicken Crockpot

Serve your Summer Cookout BBQ Chicken Crockpot with classic side dishes. Try coleslaw, potato salad, or corn on the cob. For bread, use soft buns for sandwiches, cornbread, or biscuits. Fresh toppings like pickles, sliced red onion, or fresh cilantro add extra flavor.

Creative Twists on Your Summer Cookout BBQ Chicken Crockpot

• Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños or extra hot sauce to the recipe.
• Sweet Heat: Mix in some crushed pineapple or peach preserves for a fruity, sweet note.
• Smoky Depth: A few drops of liquid smoke or a pinch of chipotle powder will increase the smokiness.
• Herbaceous Boost: Fresh rosemary or thyme can add a nice aroma and taste.
• Pulled Turkey Variation: You can use the same recipe with turkey for a pulled turkey sandwich. Cook it until it shreds easily.

Conclusion: Savor the Flavor, Savor the Summer!

This Summer Cookout BBQ Chicken Crockpot recipe is easy and delicious. It lets you enjoy your summer without stress. Try this recipe and share your meals with friends and family. Enjoy good food and good times together.

FAQ: Your Summer Cookout BBQ Chicken Crockpot Questions Answered!

Q1: Can I use frozen chicken for this Summer Cookout BBQ Chicken Crockpot recipe?
A1: Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Cook on low for about 1 hour longer to ensure it cooks through properly. Make sure the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internal temperature.

Q2: How long does this Summer Cookout BBQ Chicken Crockpot last in the refrigerator?
A2: This **Summer Cookout BBQ Chicken Crockpot** lasts for 3-4 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Q3: What are some good alternatives if I don’t have a specific ingredient for the Summer Cookout BBQ Chicken Crockpot sauce?
A3: If you don’t have apple cider vinegar, use white vinegar or lemon juice. For brown sugar, you can use granulated sugar, but brown sugar gives a deeper flavor. If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika works, but you might miss some smoky flavor.

Classic Summer Cookout BBQ Chicken Crockpot

This recipe features tender chicken cooked in a tangy and sweet BBQ sauce right in your slow cooker, perfect for a hassle-free summer meal. It's an easy way to prepare flavorful BBQ chicken that's ideal for sandwiches, salads, or platters.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 4 hours hrs

Total Time 4 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Servings 6 people

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

• slow cooker
• medium bowl
• cutting board
• two forks

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 2-3 pounds Chicken boneless, skinless breasts or thighs

Sauce Base

• 1 bottle BBQ sauce (18 ounce, your favorite brand)
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar packed
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)

Other

• 1/4 cup water (if needed to thin sauce)

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Arrange chicken breasts or thighs in the bottom of your slow cooker.

Sauce Making

• Combine BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and all spices in a medium bowl, then stir thoroughly.

Cooking

• Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the chicken, ensuring it is fully covered.
• Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender.

Finishing Steps

• Transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board and use two forks to shred it until easily separated.
• Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker with the sauce and stir until well coated.
• Keep the BBQ chicken warm in the slow cooker until ready to serve.

Notes

For a thicker sauce, you can remove the lid for the last 30 minutes of cooking on HIGH. This BBQ chicken is great served on buns as sandwiches, or alongside coleslaw and corn on the cob.