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Slow Cooker Apple BBQ Chicken Recipe

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4 from 297 reviews

  • Author: Amina
  • Total Time: 6 hours 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Description

This Slow Cooker Apple BBQ Chicken recipe offers a deliciously tender and flavorful meal, combining juicy chicken breasts with sweet apples and tangy BBQ sauce. Perfect for a set-it-and-forget-it meal, the slow cooker gently cooks the ingredients, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Ideal for sandwiches, bowls, or a hearty dinner, this dish is a satisfying blend of sweet and smoky notes.

Ingredients

Chicken and Produce

  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and chopped (Honeycrisp or Fuji recommended)
  • 1 small yellow onion, chopped

Seasonings and Sauces

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder (or 2 fresh garlic cloves)
  • 1 teaspoon salt, to taste
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper, to taste
  • 1½ cups BBQ sauce (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Instructions

  1. Prepare Ingredients: Peel, core, and chop the apples; chop the yellow onion; if using fresh garlic, mince the cloves. Measure out the spices, BBQ sauce, and apple cider vinegar.
  2. Add to Slow Cooker: Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the chopped apples, onion, garlic powder (or fresh garlic), salt, and black pepper on top of the chicken.
  3. Add Sauce and Vinegar: Pour the BBQ sauce and apple cider vinegar over the chicken and other ingredients. Give everything a quick stir to evenly coat the chicken with the sauce.
  4. Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours until the chicken is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
  5. Shred the Chicken: Carefully shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker using two forks, or remove the chicken to shred it on a plate, then return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
  6. Mix and Rest: Stir the shredded chicken well to soak up the sweet and smoky BBQ sauce. Let it sit in the slow cooker for an additional 10 to 15 minutes to absorb more flavor.
  7. Serve: Enjoy the apple BBQ chicken on buns with slaw for sandwiches, or serve it over rice, quinoa, or with roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Notes

  • Use Honeycrisp or Fuji apples for the best flavor that balances sweetness and tartness.
  • If fresh garlic is used, finely mince for better distribution throughout the dish.
  • Adjust salt and pepper according to your taste preference.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • This recipe freezes well – freeze in portions for easy future meals.
  • For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the BBQ sauce.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://aminabakes.com/slow-cooker-apple-bbq-chicken-recipe/