Crock Pot BBQ Chicken
Welcome to the world of tasty and easy cooking! Imagine a meal that practically cooks itself while filling your home with the mouthwatering aroma of barbecue. That's what Crock Pot BBQ Chicken is all about.
Using a slow cooker, you just toss in some chicken and your favorite barbecue sauce, let it simmer and soak up all those delicious flavors throughout the day. The result? Savor tender, juicy, and irresistibly flavorful BBQ chicken, ready to be enjoyed whenever you desire. It's like having your own kitchen magician doing the cooking for you! Get ready for a delicious and hassle-free BBQ experience.
Before cooking chicken, it's important to give it some attention. From washing and patting it dry to marinating with your favorite flavors, the preparation stage sets the foundation for a delicious and well-seasoned dish.
With just a few extra minutes of preparation, your chicken becomes primed to absorb all the delicious flavors during cooking. This ensures each bite is not only flavorful but also incredibly satisfying.
The ideal seasoning includes a blend of season salt, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, and paprika for a delicious flavor profile.
Marinating in the seasoning mix enhances flavor. Refrigerate for a few hours or overnight for optimal taste.
Broiling adds a caramelized finish, creating a slightly crispy texture and enhancing the overall visual appeal of the dish.
Cooking on LOW for 7-8 hours results in a more tender chicken. Adjust time based on your Crock Pot and desired tenderness.
Use a meat thermometer to check doneness. Adjust cooking time based on your Crock Pot and desired level of tenderness.
Boneless chicken can be used. Choose skin-on chicken legs and broil a bit longer for a perfect crispy skin. Elevating on a rack during broiling helps achieve this.
Enjoy with classic sides like coleslaw, baked beans, or cornbread for a well-rounded and satisfying meal experience.
PrintCrock Pot BBQ Chicken
- Total Time: 4 hr 10 mins
- Yield: 6 drumsticks 1x
Description
Savor the simplicity of Crock Pot BBQ Chicken – tender, flavorful drumsticks slow-cooked to perfection.
Ingredients
- 6 chicken legs
- 1 tsp season salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- 1/3 cup BBQ sauce
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken:
Begin by prepping the chicken legs. Ensure they are clean and pat them dry with paper towels. This step is crucial to achieve a crispy exterior.
Create the Seasoning Blend:
In a small mixing bowl, combine the season salt, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, and paprika. As a baker, precision in measurement is key for consistent flavor.
Season the Chicken:
Sprinkle the seasoning blend evenly over the chicken legs, covering all sides. Use your hands to rub the seasoning into the chicken, ensuring a thorough and even distribution.
Set Up the Crock Pot:
Place the seasoned chicken legs into the Crock Pot, arranging them in a single layer for even cooking.
Brush with BBQ Sauce:
In a baking-oriented approach, use a pastry brush to evenly coat each chicken leg with the BBQ sauce. This technique ensures a precise application, and you can control the thickness of the sauce layer.
Slow Cooking:
Set the Crock Pot to HIGH and let the chicken cook for 4 hours. The slow-cooking process allows the flavors to meld while keeping the chicken moist and tender.
Baste Again:
Carefully remove the chicken from the Crock Pot after 4 hours and brush on another layer of BBQ sauce. This step enhances the flavor profile and adds a glossy finish.
Optional Broiling for a Bakery Touch:
If you desire a slightly caramelized, bakery-style finish, place the sauced chicken under the broiler for about 5 minutes. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
Presentation:
Arrange the Crock Pot BBQ Chicken on a serving platter. Consider garnishing with fresh herbs for a touch of bakery elegance.
Serve and Enjoy:
Present the dish with pride. The slow-cooked, beautifully seasoned, and optionally broiled chicken legs are sure to be a delightful addition to your meal.
Enjoy your Crock Pot BBQ Chicken with a baker's touch!
Notes
Equipment
- Crock Pot
- Measuring spoons
Variations And Tips For This Recipe
Variations:
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix for an extra kick.
- Mix honey or maple syrup into the BBQ sauce for a sweet and spicy flavor profile.
- Incorporate a teaspoon of liquid smoke into the seasoning blend for a delicious smoky taste.
- Add a squeeze of fresh lime or orange juice to the BBQ sauce for a citrusy zing.
- Mix finely chopped fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or cilantro into the seasoning for a herb-infused chicken.
- Combine Dijon mustard with the BBQ sauce for a tangy and savory glaze.
Tips:
- For even more flavor, marinate the chicken with the seasoning mix and refrigerate for a few hours or overnight before placing it in the Crock Pot.
- If you enjoy crispy skin, use skin-on chicken legs and broil them a bit longer to achieve that perfect crispiness.
- To achieve a caramelized and slightly charred effect during broiling, elevate the chicken on a baking rack placed on a baking sheet.
If you have more time, consider cooking the chicken on LOW for 7-8 hours for an even more tender result.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 4 hrs on HIGH
Keywords: Crock Pot Crock Pot Chicken, BBQ Chicken Drumsticks, Crock Pot Delights