How to Make Barbecue-Flavored Chicken in a Crock Pot

Introduction

Learn how to create delicious barbecue-flavored chicken in your crock pot, a perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want home-cooked comfort food without the hassle of traditional barbecue techniques.

Ingredients

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs (3-4) Salt and pepper to taste 1 bay leaf 1 large onion, quartered 2 garlic cloves, crushed 1/2 cup dark beer 2 cups water Bottled barbecue sauce (2-3 tablespoons, depending on taste) Liquid hickory smoke (1 teaspoon, optional for authentic flavor) 2 slices cheddar cheese Red onion rings Dill pickle chips

Steps for Making Barbecue-Flavored Chicken

Firstly, select the right cuts of chicken. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are your best bet for a moist and flavorful result. Preparing your chicken ahead of time ensures that it is ready for the crock pot.

Step 1: Season and Prepare the Chicken

Choose boneless, skinless chicken thighs and rinse them under cold water. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, crushed garlic, and quartered onion. This adds a fresh, aromatic base flavor to your chicken. Incorporate a bay leaf for a subtle yet noticeable taste. The bay leaf will infuse your chicken with a hint of earthy notes.

Step 2: Simmer the Chicken

Place the seasoned chicken in your crock pot. Over the chicken, pour a 50/50 mix of beer and water to create a savory broth. Using a 50/50 mixture of beer and water allows the chicken to retain its moisture while absorbing the rich flavors of the liquid. Cover the crock pot and cook on low heat for about 6 to 8 hours or on high heat for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is tender and can be easily shredded.

Step 3: Strain and Thickening the Cooking Liquid

Once the chicken is tender, carefully strain the broth over a pot to discard the onion pieces, garlic cloves, and bay leaf. Pick out the onion and bay leaf, and discard them. These ingredients are too cooked to contribute much flavor by this point, so it's best to remove them for cleaner tastes in your final dish.

Step 4: Add Barbecue Sauce and Simmer

Add 2-3 tablespoons of your favorite bottled barbecue sauce to the cooking liquid. Cook the mixture over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and melds with the chicken broth. Adjust the seasoning if needed, and stir the sauce into the chicken.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Pile the shredded chicken into a toasted bun and add a slice of cheddar cheese, red onion rings, and dill pickle chips for a mouthwatering finish. Top it off with a generous spoonful of the barbecue sauce you prepared earlier. The crispy buns, cheesy topping, crunchy pickle chips, and savory chicken all blend together to create a sumptuous meal.

Toasted buns Slices of cheddar cheese Red onion rings Dill pickle chips

Conclusion

Barbecue-flavored chicken in a crock pot is a delicious and easy way to enjoy a dish that mimics the smoky, rich flavors of traditional barbecue cooking. Perfect for busy weeknights, this method provides all the comfort and taste of a classic barbecue meal without the time and effort required for grilling. Enjoy it on its own or as part of a hearty dinner!