BBQ Chicken Crockpot: A High Protein Meal
Are you looking for an easy, protein-packed meal that your whole family will love? Look no further than this BBQ Chicken Crockpot recipe! It’s simple to prepare, requires minimal effort, and is perfect for busy weeknights. The slow cooker does all the work, allowing the chicken to soak up delicious BBQ flavors while you go about your day. Serve it up with your favorite sides for a complete meal!
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours on high or 6 hours on low
- Total Time: 4-6 hours
- Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: chopped celery and onion for extra flavor
- Optional: buns or lettuce wraps for serving
- Optional: fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker.
- In a bowl, mix together the BBQ sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the BBQ mixture over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. If using, add chopped celery and onion for added flavor.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 6 hours.
- Once cooked, shred the chicken with two forks right in the slow cooker, mixing it with the sauce.
- Serve the BBQ chicken on buns or in lettuce wraps, and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
- Enjoy your delicious, high-protein BBQ chicken meal!
Why Use a Crockpot?
The beauty of using a crockpot is the convenience it offers. You can throw all your ingredients in, set the timer, and forget about it until dinner time. This method not only saves you time but also enhances the flavor of the chicken as it cooks slowly, allowing the spices and BBQ sauce to meld perfectly.
Serving Suggestions
This BBQ Chicken can be served in various ways. Here are some ideas:
- On whole wheat buns for a classic BBQ sandwich.
- Over a bed of rice or quinoa for a hearty meal.
- In lettuce wraps for a lighter, low-carb option.
- With a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced plate.
Storage and Reheating
If you have leftovers, store the BBQ chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply microwave or warm it on the stove until heated through. You can also freeze the BBQ chicken for up to 3 months; just make sure to thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating!
Final Thoughts
This BBQ Chicken Crockpot recipe is not only delicious but also a great way to get your protein fix without spending hours in the kitchen. Perfect for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner, it’s bound to become a family favorite. Give it a try and enjoy the flavors of BBQ any time of year!
