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–+ servings

Zesty Slow Cooker Chicken Barbecue

Tender, fall-apart chicken simmered in a tangy-sweet barbecue sauce made easy in the slow cooker. Perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or served over rice for a weeknight crowd-pleaser.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 120 kcal

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 2.5 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 1.5 cup barbecue sauce use your favorite brand or homemade
  • 0.5 cup ketchup
  • 0.25 cup packed brown sugar
  • 0.25 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes optional, for heat
  • 0.25 cup water to thin sauce if needed
  • 0.25 cup fresh cilantro chopped, for garnish

Instructions
 

Preparation Steps

  • In a medium bowl, whisk together barbecue sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes until smooth.
  • Place the chicken thighs in the bottom of a 4-6 quart slow cooker in an even layer.
  • Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the chicken. Add 0.25 cup water if the sauce is very thick.
  • Cover and cook on LOW for 4 hours (240 minutes) or on HIGH for 2 hours, until the chicken is very tender and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  • Remove the chicken to a cutting board and shred with two forks. Return shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to coat with sauce. Cook uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes to thicken the sauce slightly.
  • Serve the zesty barbecue chicken on toasted buns, over rice, or with a side salad. Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.

Notes

Leftover chicken stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days and freezes for up to 3 months. Reheat gently to avoid drying out.

Nutrition

Serving: 200gCalories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 120gProtein: 120gFat: 120gSaturated Fat: 120gPolyunsaturated Fat: 120gMonounsaturated Fat: 120gTrans Fat: 120gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 120mgPotassium: 120mgFiber: 120gSugar: 120gVitamin A: 120IUVitamin C: 120mgCalcium: 120mgIron: 120mg
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