Slow Cooker Amish BBQ Chicken: Tender, Sweet, and Tangy Delight
Looking for a comforting and flavorful dish that practically cooks itself? This Slow Cooker Amish BBQ Chicken recipe is the perfect solution for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or meal prepping. Packed with sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors, this dish combines the simplicity of slow cooking with the richness of Amish-inspired BBQ sauce. Just toss everything into the slow cooker and let the magic happen!
Why You’ll Love This Amish BBQ Chicken
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Effortless preparation with everyday ingredients
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Perfectly tender chicken thanks to slow cooking
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Versatile: Serve over rice, mashed potatoes, or as sandwiches
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Family-friendly: Kid-approved and easily adaptable for picky eaters
Ingredients You’ll Need
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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1 cup BBQ sauce (use your favorite brand or homemade)
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½ cup brown sugar
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¼ cup apple cider vinegar
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1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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Salt, to taste
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Black pepper, to taste
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Optional: Add red pepper flakes or liquid smoke for extra heat or smokiness.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom of your slow cooker. If they’re thick, you can pound them lightly to an even thickness for consistent cooking.
Step 2: Mix the BBQ Sauce
In a medium mixing bowl, combine:
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1 cup of BBQ sauce
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½ cup brown sugar
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¼ cup apple cider vinegar
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1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp onion powder
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Salt and black pepper to taste
Whisk until the sauce is well blended.
Step 3: Pour and Coat
Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker. Use a spoon or spatula to ensure the chicken is fully coated in the sweet and tangy BBQ sauce.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
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Cook on LOW for 6 to 7 hours
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Cook on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours
The chicken is ready when it’s fully cooked and fork-tender.
Step 5: Shred the Chicken
Using two forks, shred the cooked chicken directly in the slow cooker. Mix well so it soaks up all the flavorful sauce.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve hot! This Amish BBQ Chicken pairs wonderfully with:
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Mashed potatoes or coleslaw
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Steamed vegetables
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Rice or buttered noodles
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Slider buns for BBQ chicken sandwiches
Variations & Tips
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Spicy Version: Add 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce.
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Smoky Twist: Use a smoked BBQ sauce or add 1 tsp of liquid smoke.
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Veggie Boost: Toss in chopped onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms for added flavor and texture.
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Make It a Sandwich: Serve on soft buns with cheese and pickles for a hearty BBQ chicken sandwich.
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Meal Prep Friendly: This chicken keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days and freezes beautifully.
Storage & Reheating
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Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
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Freezer: Freeze in portioned bags for up to 3 months.
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To Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until heated through, adding a splash of water or broth if needed.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work great and offer more moisture and flavor.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Just make sure your slow cooker is large enough, and adjust cooking time if needed.
What’s the best BBQ sauce for this recipe?
Use your favorite—whether it’s sweet, smoky, tangy, or spicy. For a classic Amish touch, opt for a sweeter, molasses-based sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Amish BBQ Chicken is the ultimate comfort food—sweet, tangy, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or prepping meals for the week, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.