Tender Slow-Cooked BBQ Chicken Breast
Nutritional value per serving
Calories250kcal
Carbs8gram
Fat5gram
Protein30gram
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (choose fresh, firm breasts)4 pieces
- Barbecue sauce (choose your favorite brand or homemade)1 cup
- Garlic powder1 teaspoon
- Onion powder1 teaspoon
- Smoked paprika (optional)1 teaspoon
- Salt0.5 teaspoon
- Black pepper0.25 teaspoon
- Olive oil1 tablespoon
This recipe shows you how to slow cook chicken breasts in BBQ sauce to achieve tender, juicy, and flavorful results perfect for any day. Slow cooking ensures the chicken stays moist and absorbs the delicious BBQ flavor fully. The recipe is easy to follow, suitable for cooks of all skill levels, and uses common ingredients available at your local supermarket. The total cost of ingredients is roughly $10 USD, €9 EUR, £8 GBP, and ₹820 INR, and the total caloric content per serving is approximately 250 kcal. This dish fits well into a balanced diet and is gluten-free and dairy-free. The recipe has an easy complexity level and a total cooking time of about 4.5 hours. Food safety is paramount: chicken should reach an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F) to ensure it is safe to eat. Overall, this recipe provides a foolproof way to enjoy BBQ chicken breast with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Preparation instructions
Prepare the chicken breasts
1Rinse the chicken breasts under cold running water and pat them dry with paper towels. Trim any excess fat. Placing dry chicken helps the seasoning stick better and ensures even cooking.
Season the chicken
2Rub olive oil evenly over all chicken breasts. Then evenly sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper on both sides of each breast. This layers flavor into your chicken.
Place chicken in slow cooker
3Lightly grease the slow cooker insert with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking. Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the slow cooker in a single layer to ensure even cooking.
Add barbecue sauce
4Pour the barbecue sauce evenly over the chicken breasts, making sure they're well coated. This adds rich flavor and helps keep the chicken moist.
Slow cook the chicken
5Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook on LOW setting for 3.5 to 4 hours, or on HIGH for 1.5 to 2 hours. Cooking time varies slightly depending on slow cooker model and size of chicken breasts.
Check internal temperature and doneness
6Using a meat thermometer, check the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken breast. It must reach at least 74°C (165°F) to be safely cooked. The chicken should be opaque throughout and juices clear. If not quite done, cook for an additional 15-30 minutes and check again.
Rest the chicken and serve
7Once cooked, let the chicken breasts rest in the slow cooker for about 10 minutes with the lid off to allow juices to redistribute. Serve warm with additional BBQ sauce if desired.
Cooking Tips
1Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 74°C (165°F). This prevents undercooking and foodborne illness.
2Avoid cross-contamination by using separate cutting boards and utensils for raw chicken and other ingredients.
3If you prefer a smoky flavor, add a few drops of liquid smoke to the BBQ sauce before cooking.
4For a little tang, stir in a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar into the barbecue sauce.
5Chicken breasts vary in size; adjust cooking time accordingly. Larger breasts may need longer cooking.
Equipment Needed
- Slow cooker (crockpot)
- Meat thermometer
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Tongs or spatula
- Cutting board
- Paper towels
Shopping List
- [ ] Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (~$6) - look for fresh, plump breasts without discoloration.
- [ ] Barbecue sauce (~$3) - choose your preferred flavor, check for ingredients if dietary restrictions apply.
- [ ] Garlic powder (~$0.50) - buy small packet if not on hand.
- [ ] Onion powder (~$0.50) - similar usage as garlic powder.
- [ ] Smoked paprika (~$1, optional) - adds smoky flavor.
- [ ] Salt and black pepper - staple pantry items.
- [ ] Olive oil (~$0.50) - choose extra virgin for better flavor.
Total estimated cost: $10
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
It's best to use fully thawed chicken breasts when slow cooking to ensure even cooking and food safety.
What if I don't have smoked paprika?
You can omit smoked paprika or substitute with regular paprika or a pinch of cayenne for some heat.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked safely?
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F), and the juices run clear.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, cooked BBQ chicken breasts keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Can I cook this recipe on high all day?
Cooking on high all day would likely overcook and dry out the chicken; stick to recommended cook times.