Slow Cooked BBQ Chicken: A Finger-Licking Good Recipe

slow cooked bbq chicken

Are you looking for a delicious and easy-to-make chicken recipe that will leave your taste buds craving for more? Slow cooked BBQ chicken is an excellent option for you. This recipe is a perfect choice for dinner or a backyard party, and it is sure to impress your guests. In this article, we will guide you on how to make this mouth-watering slow-cooked BBQ chicken recipe.

Table of Contents

  • Introduction
  • Ingredients
  • Equipment Needed
  • Preparing the Chicken
  • Making the BBQ Sauce
  • Cooking the Chicken
  • Serving the BBQ Chicken
  • Tips and Tricks for a Perfect BBQ Chicken
  • Health Benefits of Eating Chicken
  • Frequently Asked Questions
    1. How long should I marinate the chicken for?
    2. Can I use boneless chicken instead of bone-in chicken?
    3. Can I cook this recipe on a gas grill?
    4. Can I use store-bought BBQ sauce instead of making my own?
    5. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Ingredients

  • 6-8 chicken pieces (preferably bone-in)
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Equipment Needed

  • Slow cooker
  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Tongs
  • Basting brush

Preparing the Chicken

  1. Rinse the chicken pieces under cold running water and pat them dry with paper towels.
  2. Season the chicken with salt and black pepper on both sides.
  3. If using bone-in chicken, trim off any excess fat and skin from the chicken pieces.

Making the BBQ Sauce

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine BBQ sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, honey, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt.
  2. Whisk the ingredients together until well combined.

Cooking the Chicken

  1. Pour the BBQ sauce mixture into the slow cooker.
  2. Place the seasoned chicken pieces into the slow cooker, making sure they are well coated with the BBQ sauce.
  3. Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
  4. After the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker using tongs and place it on a plate.
  5. Use a basting brush to coat the chicken with some additional BBQ sauce.
  6. Preheat your oven to 400°F.
  7. Place the chicken in the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes until the chicken is crispy on the outside.
  8. Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Serving the BBQ Chicken

  1. Place the chicken on a serving platter.
  2. Garnish the chicken with chopped parsley or cilantro.
  3. Serve the BBQ chicken hot with your favorite side dishes like baked potatoes, coleslaw, or grilled vegetables.

Tips and Tricks for a Perfect BBQ Chicken

  • Marinate the chicken overnight to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat fully.
  • Use bone-in chicken as it adds more flavor and moisture to the meat.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked. The internal temperature should be at least 165°F (75°C).
  • Baste the chicken with additional BBQ sauce every hour to keep it moist.
  • For a smoky flavor, add some wood chips like hickory or mesquite to the slow cooker.
  • You can also grill the chicken for a few minutes after it is slow-cooked to get a smoky flavor.

Health Benefits of Eating Chicken

Chicken is an excellent source of protein, essential vitamins, and minerals. It is low in fat and calories, making it a healthy option for people who want to maintain their weight. Chicken is also rich in niacin, which helps lower cholesterol levels and reduces the risk of heart disease. Additionally, chicken contains selenium, which boosts the immune system and promotes healthy thyroid function.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. How long should I marinate the chicken for?

You can marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours, but it is best to marinate it overnight for the flavors to fully penetrate the meat.

  1. Can I use boneless chicken instead of bone-in chicken?

Yes, you can use boneless chicken, but it will not be as juicy and flavorful as bone-in chicken.

  1. Can I cook this recipe on a gas grill?

Yes, you can cook this recipe on a gas grill, but you will need to adjust the cooking time and temperature according to your grill.

  1. Can I use store-bought BBQ sauce instead of making my own?

Yes, you can use store-bought BBQ sauce, but homemade BBQ sauce tastes better and is healthier.

  1. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

You can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should be at least 165°F (75°C) to be fully cooked. Additionally, the meat should be white and the juices should run clear.

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