Ingredients
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You only need a handful of ingredients to create a dish that tastes like it’s been slow-cooked in a smokehouse.
Here’s What You’ll Need:
- Chicken breasts (boneless and skinless): About 4 medium-sized pieces.
- BBQ sauce: Use your favorite brand, or make it from scratch if you’re feeling adventurous.
- Onion: Thinly sliced for added sweetness and flavor.
- Garlic: Minced for a touch of depth.
- Chicken broth: To keep things moist and add richness.
- Smoked paprika: For a hint of smoky flavor.
- Brown sugar: Optional, for a touch of sweetness.
- Salt and pepper: To taste.
Optional Add-Ins
- Hot sauce: For a spicy kick.
- Liquid smoke: If you want that authentic BBQ taste without the grill.
- Lemon juice: To balance the sweetness with a bit of acidity.
Preparing the Ingredients: A Quick and Easy Process
Before you toss everything into the slow cooker, a little preparation goes a long way. Don’t worry—it’s nothing too complicated.
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. This step ensures that every bite is packed with flavor.
Step 2: Prep the Sauce Base
In a small bowl, mix your BBQ sauce with a splash of chicken broth, minced garlic, and a dash of brown sugar. This creates a sauce that’s not only flavorful but also perfect for slow cooking.
Step 3: Layer the Ingredients
Place the sliced onions at the bottom of the slow cooker. They’ll act as a natural rack and infuse the chicken with their sweetness. Lay the seasoned chicken breasts on top, then pour the BBQ sauce mixture over everything.
Cooking the Chicken: Low and Slow Wins the Race
Once your ingredients are prepped and in the slow cooker, it’s time to let it work its magic.
How Long Should You Cook It?
- Low setting: Cook for 6-7 hours.
- High setting: Cook for 3-4 hours.
Low and slow is the way to go if you want the most tender and flavorful results. However, if you’re short on time, the high setting works just fine.
Pro Tip: Resist the Urge to Peek
It’s tempting to lift the lid and check on your chicken, but every time you do, you let heat escape. This can add extra cooking time and interrupt the slow cooker’s steady process.
