1. Prepare the Chicken:
- Begin by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and onion powder. Ensure each piece is evenly coated with the seasonings.
2. Make the BBQ Sauce:
- In a bowl, combine ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, honey, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, smoked paprika, garlic powder, ground mustard, black pepper, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Whisk together until smooth.
3. Slow Cook:
- Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour the BBQ sauce over the chicken, making sure each piece is well coated.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and tender.
4. Shred and Serve:
- Once the chicken is cooked, take each breast out and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir it into the sauce, ensuring it’s well coated.
- Let the shredded chicken sit in the sauce on the warm setting for an additional 20-30 minutes to soak up more flavor.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the BBQ chicken on soft hamburger buns for a classic pulled chicken sandwich, topped with coleslaw if desired.
- It’s also delicious served over rice, alongside baked beans, or as a topping for a hearty baked potato.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or green onions for a touch of color and freshness.
Tips:
- For Thicker Sauce: If you prefer a thicker BBQ sauce, you can remove the cooked chicken and set the slow cooker to high. Mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to make a slurry, then stir into the sauce in the slow cooker. Allow it to cook uncovered for 15-20 minutes or until thickened, then return the shredded chicken to the pot.
- Customizing the BBQ Sauce: Feel free to adjust the BBQ sauce ingredients to suit your taste. Add more honey for sweetness, increase the vinegar for tanginess, or add more cayenne pepper for heat.
This succulent slow-cooked BBQ chicken is a testament to the beauty of slow cooking, transforming simple ingredients into a dish that’s both comforting and bursting with flavor. It’s a versatile recipe that can be served in numerous ways, ensuring it’ll be a hit with everyone who tries it.