Kid-Friendly Bbq Chicken Tenders Crockpot Meal For Large Family Dinners
When it comes to feeding a large family, finding meals that are both kid-friendly and easy to prepare can be a challenge. Enter the Kid-Friendly BBQ Chicken Tenders Crockpot Meal! This dish is not only simple to make, but it also packs a flavorful punch that your little ones will love. Perfect for busy weeknights or large family gatherings, these tender chicken strips cook to perfection in your crockpot, allowing you to spend more time with your family and less time in the kitchen.
With a sweet and tangy BBQ sauce that coats the chicken, these tenders are sure to be a hit at your dinner table. Serve them with a side of veggies or a fresh salad to create a balanced meal that everyone will enjoy. Plus, the leftovers (if there are any) make for great lunches the next day!
Recipe Details
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken tenders
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening the sauce)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Start by preparing the chicken tenders. Rinse them under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the BBQ sauce, chicken broth, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Add the chicken tenders to the bowl and toss them in the sauce until they are well coated.
- Transfer the coated chicken tenders to your crockpot, spreading them out evenly.
- Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 4 hours. If you prefer, you can cook on high for 2 hours.
- Once the cooking time is up, check the chicken for doneness. It should be tender and easily pull apart with a fork.
- If you would like a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with a tablespoon of water to create a slurry. Stir this into the sauce in the crockpot and let it cook for an additional 15 minutes.
- Once finished, remove the chicken tenders from the crockpot and place them on a serving platter. Drizzle some of the remaining sauce over the top.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color.
- Serve the BBQ chicken tenders with your favorite sides, such as coleslaw, corn on the cob, or a fresh garden salad.
Why Use a Crockpot?
The crockpot is a game-changer for busy families. It allows you to prepare your ingredients in the morning, set it, and forget it. This method not only saves time but also enhances the flavor of your food as it slowly cooks throughout the day.
Moreover, using a crockpot ensures that your chicken remains juicy and tender. The low and slow cooking process breaks down the fibers in the chicken, resulting in a delightful texture that your family will love.
Tips for Perfect Crockpot Chicken Tenders
To ensure that your BBQ chicken tenders come out perfect every time, follow these helpful tips:
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh chicken tenders will yield the best flavor and texture. Avoid using frozen chicken as it can release excess moisture during cooking.
- Don’t overfill the crockpot: For optimal cooking, make sure the chicken tenders are in a single layer. If you have too much chicken, consider cooking in batches.
- Adjust the sauce: Feel free to customize the BBQ sauce based on your family’s preferences. You can add a bit of honey for sweetness or hot sauce for some heat.
- Let it rest: After cooking, allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving. This will help the juices redistribute and enhance the flavor.
Serving Suggestions
These kid-friendly BBQ chicken tenders are versatile and can be paired with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Vegetable sticks: Serve with carrot and celery sticks for a crunchy, healthy addition.
- Coleslaw: A creamy coleslaw complements the BBQ flavors beautifully.
- Fries: Sweet potato fries or traditional fries make a great side for dipping into the BBQ sauce.
- Rice or quinoa: Serve over a bed of rice or quinoa for a hearty meal.
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the chicken tenders in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to keep them moist.
You can also freeze the leftovers for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then warm in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen chicken tenders in this recipe?
It is best to use fresh chicken tenders for optimal flavor and texture. If using frozen, ensure they are fully thawed before cooking.
2. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just make sure to use gluten-free BBQ sauce and check that your chicken broth is gluten-free as well.
3. How can I make this dish spicier?
You can add hot sauce to the BBQ sauce mixture or sprinkle red pepper flakes on top before serving for an extra kick.
4. What other proteins can I use?
This recipe can be adapted for pork tenderloin or turkey tenderloins. Just adjust the cooking time as needed based on the protein used.
In conclusion, the Kid-Friendly BBQ Chicken Tenders Crockpot Meal is not just a delicious option for large family dinners; it’s also a simple and stress-free way to enjoy a home-cooked meal. Your kids will love the flavors, and you’ll love the ease of preparation. Try it out at your next family gathering and watch it become a new favorite!
