Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients and your 6-qt slow cooker. This makes the process smooth and fun. You’ll find that having everything ready to go helps keep the kitchen organized.
- Next, take the boneless skinless chicken breasts and place them directly into the slow cooker. No need to thaw if they’re frozen; they’ll cook beautifully!
- Open the bottle of BBQ sauce and pour it over the chicken evenly, ensuring each piece is nicely coated. The sauce is where the magic happens, so don’t be shy.
- Now, it’s time for the Italian dressing. Pour it over the chicken as well, ensuring a generous layer of flavor. This is what gives the dish that tangy zest.
- Add the brown sugar next. Sprinkle it evenly across the top. This will caramelize beautifully as it cooks and balance the flavors perfectly.
- For an extra depth of flavor, drizzle the Worcestershire sauce over the mixture. It’s optional but highly recommended!
- Once all the ingredients are in, cover the slow cooker with the lid securely. Set it to LOW and let it cook for 6 to 8 hours. As it cooks, you’ll start to notice the aroma filling your home. It’s pure bliss!
- After the cooking time has elapsed, carefully remove the lid. The chicken should be tender and easy to shred. Use two forks to shred the chicken inside the slow cooker, mixing it with the sauce.
- Finally, serve your Slow Cooker Zesty BBQ Chicken on buns, nachos, baked potatoes, or atop a fresh salad. The possibilities are endless!
Notes
Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
You can freeze the shredded chicken for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
This dish is perfect for parties and gatherings. Serve it with coleslaw, corn on the cob, or a light salad for a balanced meal.
You can prep all the ingredients the night before and store them in the fridge. Just throw everything into the slow cooker in the morning!
Remember that slow cookers can vary in temperature, so check your chicken a bit earlier if you think yours runs hot.