Slow-Cooker Barbecue Chicken

Want barbecue chicken perfection for dinner tonight? Enlist the help of your slow cooker.

It couldn't be easier to cook up delicious, lemony barbecue chicken using your favorite kitchen appliance. Follow this recipe for the easiest dinner you've made all month.

Paprika, salt, garlic powder, and pepper add a kick, while ketchup, cola, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and bourbon round out the flavor profile of the sauce for this slow-cooked chicken.

After just a few prep steps, all you have to do is set it and forget it. Six to seven low-and-slow hours later, your chicken will be transformed. Your slow cooker—and this recipe, which is destined to be a kitchen classic for years to come—will help you reach peak barbecued chicken in no time. (Just remember to save those pan juices in Step 4. They belong on your plate too and will make this delicious chicken even more irresistible.)

Why Slow-Cooker Chicken Is the Way to Go

There are so many benefits to using a slow cooker year-round. Not only does using a Crockpot mean you can start dinner in the morning and it's ready when you are; it also means there's no need to turn on your oven—a particularly meaningful benefit when it's just too hot to cook.

Low and slow cooking has the effect of tenderizing meat for the juiciest results, and it's often all done by tossing the ingredients into the pot, covering it up, and walking away. Did we mention the easy cleanup?

Ingredients for Slow-Cooker Barbecue Chicken

A quick mix, and your slow cooker does all the work. To make this chicken, you'll need:

• Kosher salt: Seasons the chicken.
• Paprika: Adds color and earthiness to the chicken.
• Garlic powder: For depth of flavor.
• Pepper: Ground pepper adds a hint of spice.
• Cut-up whole chicken: Can substitute with thighs, drumsticks, or breasts. Note the cooking time will be shorter for boneless cuts.
• Cola soft drink: Adds sweetness and acidity that tenderizes the meat.
• Ketchup: Adds a rich, tomato flavor to the sauce.
• Light brown sugar: For additional sweetness to balance the vinegar.
• Apple cider vinegar: Adds a tangy, fruity acidity.
• Bourbon: Adds a smoky flavor and depth to the sauce.
• Lemon: A bright, lemony flavor for an unexpected twist.
  

Why Add Cola to Chicken?

Ever since Coca-Cola was invented in Atlanta, the popular drink has found its way into recipes of all types—you'll find it in cakes, sauces, drinks, and more. When it comes to marinades for chicken, or any meat for that matter, there's a good reason: Cola doesn't just add a hint of sweetness, it also has a strong dose of acidity. While lemon juice registers a pH of 2, Coca-Cola has a pH of about 2.7. This acidity helps break down proteins; tenderizing meat whether soaked for 20 minutes or up to 8 hours.

When paired with other flavors, like the ketchup, brown sugar, cider vinegar, bourbon, and lemon in this slow-cooked chicken, the flavor of the cola complements and enhances the other flavors in the sauce.

How To Make Slow-Cooker Barbecue Chicken

This recipe comes together with under 20 minutes of hands-on time. Full instructions are below, but here's a brief recap before you get started:

• Step 1. Stir together salt, paprika, garlic powder, and pepper.
• Step 2. Sprinkle over chicken. Place chicken in a single layer in a lightly greased slow cooker.
• Step 3. Whisk together cola and next 4 ingredients. Pour between chicken pieces. Place lemon slices evenly over chicken.
• Step 4. Cover and cook on HIGH 4 to 5 hours (or on LOW 6 1/2 to 7 1/2 hours) until done (thickest part of the chicken registers 165°F).
• Step 5. Transfer chicken pieces to a serving platter; discard lemon slices. Skim fat from pan juices; pour juices over chicken before serving.

What To Serve With Slow-Cooker Barbecue Chicken

This barbecue chicken is bright, balanced, and perfect for serving during the warmer months—or cooler months when you're craving warmth. Pair with a seasonal salad, grilled vegetables, rice, potatoes, or your favorite classic sides.

How To Store and Reheat Leftover Barbecue Chicken

Refrigerate leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to three days, or freeze up to three months. Reheat (defrosted if frozen) in the Crockpot or on the stovetop until hot throughout before serving.

More Crockpot Chicken Recipes You'll Love

If you're looking to add more recipes to your current repertoire, or to get more use out of your slow cooker, look no further. Our Best Slow-Cooker Chicken Recipes include everything from chilis to soups, dips, sandwiches, pasta dishes, and more.

Editorial contributions by Katie Rosenhouse.