Throw and Go BBQ Chicken
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BBQ! I must say I love a good BBQ anything, and today’s recipe is another good one. This throw and go bbq chicken recipe is different from the usual BBQ crock pot recipes I have tried.
This one included spaghetti sauce along with the barbecue sauce. It’s perfect for when you have a partial jar of spaghetti sauce sitting in your fridge. Then this throw and go bbq chicken has liquid smoke too. It sounded like a fun combination and it turned out great. Loved it! If you don’t have liquid smoke, it will still turn out delicious. However, including it just gives it that smoky flavor without smoking the meat.
Ingredients to make Throw and Go BBQ Chicken Sandwiches
- BONELESS SKINLESS CHICKEN BREASTS
- GARLIC POWDER
- ONION FLAKES
- SALT
- BROWN SUGAR
- SPAGHETTI SAUCE
- KANSAS CITY-STYLE BBQ SAUCE (I USED CATTLEMEN’S KANSAS CITY CLASSIC)
- LIQUID SMOKE
- ROLLS OR BUNS TO SERVE ON
- BUTTER
Since discovering this recipe, it has become a family favorite meal. I have even been known to take my slow cooker with me on vacation and make this where ever we may be. I have made this recipe in a hotel room and an rv! It’s easy enough that as long as you can plug in a slow cooker, you can make this throw-and-go BBQ chicken anywhere!
I like to serve this on buns that have been spread with butter and then toasted. I toasted them in the oven, but you can also toast them in a skillet. This step is completely optional, but it’s worth the extra effort if you can.
How to Make Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken
Start by gathering all your ingredients for the BBQ chicken. Place all the ingredients in the slow cooker in the order listed. Begin with the chicken, laying it flat on the bottom of the pot. Next, add spices and brown sugar over the top of the chicken. Finally, pour the spaghetti sauce, BBQ sauce, and liquid smoke evenly over everything, making sure the chicken is well coated. This layering helps ensure that the flavors meld together perfectly during cooking.
After the cooking time is complete, remove the lid and carefully take the chicken out of the slow cooker using tongs or a slotted spoon. Place the chicken on a cutting board and use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. The chicken should be so tender that it shreds easily.
Once shredded, return the chicken to the slow cooker. Stir the shredded chicken into the remaining BBQ sauce, making sure it’s fully coated and mixed well. Let it sit in the sauce for a few minutes to absorb even more flavor while you prepare the buns.
Assemble the Sandwiches:
Prepare the buns or rolls; start by buttering the inside surfaces to enhance the flavor and help them crisp up nicely. Arrange the buttered buns cut-side up on a cookie sheet. Preheat your broiler, then place the cookie sheet on the second-highest rack in your oven. This position helps toast the buns without burning them.
Keep a close eye on the buns as they broil—this can happen quickly, so it’s best to stay nearby. Broil until the buns are golden brown and toasted, which should only take a couple of minutes. Toasting the buns is essential because the BBQ chicken is so moist and saucy that it would make untoasted bread soggy.
Once the buns are toasted to perfection, it’s time to assemble your sandwiches. Spoon a generous portion of the BBQ chicken mixture onto the bottom half of each toasted bun. Top with the other half of the bun, pressing down slightly to secure the sandwich. The crispy, golden buns paired with the saucy, flavorful BBQ chicken make for a deliciously satisfying sandwich.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe with chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, skinless chicken thighs work well in this recipe and tend to be juicier than chicken breasts. They may also require slightly less cooking time. Chicken thighs are a great option if you prefer a richer flavor and more tender meat.
Can I add other ingredients to the slow cooker?
Absolutely! You can add sliced onions, garlic, or even bell peppers to the slow cooker for extra flavor. Some people also like to add a splash of apple cider vinegar or a little brown sugar for a sweet and tangy twist.
Can I cook this recipe in the Instant Pot instead of the slow cooker?
Yes, you can make this recipe in the Instant Pot. Cook on the “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” setting for 10-12 minutes if using fresh chicken or 15-18 minutes for frozen chicken. Allow for a natural pressure release for about 5 minutes before performing a quick release, then shred the chicken and mix it with the sauce.
What sides go well with BBQ chicken sandwiches?
BBQ chicken sandwiches pair well with a variety of sides such as coleslaw, potato salad, baked beans, mac and cheese, or corn on the cob. You can also serve them with a simple green salad or crispy fries for a complete meal.
FOR MORE RECIPES LIKE THIS, TRY:
Throw and Go BBQ Chicken
Real Mom Kitchen
Equipment
Ingredients
- 5 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion flakes
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 cup spaghetti sauce
- ½ cup Kansas City Style bbq sauce I used Cattlemen’s Kansas City Classic
- 1 Tbsp liquid smoke
- rolls or buns to serve on I like to toast them
- butter
Instructions
- Place all the ingredients in the crock pot in the order listed above.
- Cook in the crock pot on high for at least 6 hours. Remove the chicken and shred. Return to the crock pot and mix into the sauce.
- Butter the inside of your buns or rolls. Place them on a cookie sheet. Broil them in the oven on the second highest level for the oven rack (this prevents burning). Broil until golden brown. You want them toasty because this bbq chicken is so moist and saucy you will end up with soggy bread if you don’t toast them. Sandwich bbq chicken inside toasted buns or rolls.
Nutrition
Recipe adapted from The Pearson Familee.
