Crockpot BBQ Beer Chicken.
I can’t get enough of the stuff.
If I’m telling the truth, I really enjoy cooking with beer much more than I like drinking it. I do like to drink it on occasion, but it’s not always my beverage of choice. However, when it comes to cooking with it?
Best
flavor
ever.
Basically, I love replacing water with alcohol. Always and forever.
And now… a peek into what a mess my kitchen appliances really are.
You don’t even want to see my stand mixer. Or my toaster. Or my food processor. Or my fridge. Or my… everything. I’m a train wreck.
Look at that bun. (Or bum, since that’s what I really just typed.) Don’t you want to do a big trampoline jump on it? So puffy and fluffy and fat.
I don’t think it’s a stretch to say that this is the best chicken I have ever made in the crockpot. It might be the best chicken I’ve made, period. And… I make a ton of crockpot chicken. Like really, a ton.
People… I live with a man who seriously eats chicken at least five days a week for lunch and dinner. Sometimes I get insanely creative, but most weeks he gets the short end of the stick when I throw chicken in the slow cooker with, uh… nothing else, just so I don’t have to deal with making him something delicious only to stuff it in five giant tupperware containers. Maybe I do wish you could see my fridge.
So, I’m convinced it’s a combination of the perfect marriage between beer, spices (I freakishly love onion powder and smoked paprika together… give it a whirl) and sauce (Bone Suckin‘ is the best) that makes this so amazing. It’s a great meal for a crowd but if you’re smart, you’ll make a big crock for yourself and freeze a bunch for the days when wine drinking and pie eating takes precedence over dinner.
Or is that just me?
Crockpot BBQ Beer Chicken
serves about 8-10
3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 large)
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
8 ounces of beer (I used a classic amber)
32 ounces of barbecue sauce
Season chicken with onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt and pepper. Add to crockpot, then add beer and 24 ounces of barbecue sauce. Cook on low for 8 hours, tossing once or twice if desired. After 8 hours, shred and add remaining barbecue sauce. Toss chicken to coat and let sit for 10-15 minutes before serving to absorb everything. Serve as desired.
Notes:
1. I’ve found that *thinner* barbecue sauce works better (such as Bone Suckin’ Sauce) than thicker sauce (like Sweet Baby Ray’s). If you choose to use a thicker sauce, you may want to add a little more beer (or liquid) in order for the sauce not to burn and thicken on the edges of the pot. This is also the reason I don’t use my homemade barbecue sauce.
2. If you don’t want to use beer, you can try a ginger ale, chicken stock, or even water.
3. This makes a ton of chicken and I usually freeze immediately freeze a container for later.
I wish I was sandwiched between those buns.
496 Comments on “Crockpot BBQ Beer Chicken.”
do you have to cook it for 8 hour? could you do it for 6?
I just want you to know this is my go to busy meal! I just throw it in before work. My fiance gets so excited about it….he doesn’t realize how easy it is for me! Thank you!
What is the best way/container to freeze left over meat? Do you just set it in the fridge when ready to unthaw and eat again?
THANKS!
Love- Kimmi
Is 8oz of beer enough? It seems a little low, but I’m not sure. How much liquid should be in the crockpot before turning it on?
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I made this yesterday and it was de.li.cious.! Thank you so much. I’ve added it to my recipe stash to make again & again.
I made this tonight, and it was delicious! It was a little messy because the meat had a lot of liquid in it, but the flavors were awesome! Thanks, Jessica! :)
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What could you substitute for the beer?
Hi, this looks amazing and we make a lot of chicken, the man’s all about chicken, Anyway, is there any way to make this without a slow cooker/crockpot?? Sorry if this is an obvious YES/NO question.. I’ve always wanted to make “pulled” chicken like this and I’ve never known if possible because I don’t have a slow cooker. Also we both love beer Obviously… so this must be delicious :)
I am making pulled chicken for my son’s second birthday party and I am using this recipe. Can’t wait to try it. Looks awesome. Also, I feel you on the appliances not being the cleanest, but I mean, come on! Am I supposed to clean them EVERY TIME I use them?? What? The answer is yes..huh. Never thought of that.
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I have found my Easter Sunday main course!!!! Thank you! And your commentary gave me a delightful giggle!
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This also works really well in a pressure cooker. I saw the recipe at 4pm and decided that I wanted to eat it right then, not 8 hours later or a day later. I threw everything into my (electric) pressure cooker with frozen chicken breasts, cooked at high pressure for about 40 mins and everything was great.
I’m am so trying this! There is nothing I love more than a slow cooker chicken recipe. Keep sharing your wonderful recipes :)
I nominated your blog for the Versatile Blogger Award. Check it out: http://becomingpigzilla.com/2012/04/13/the-versitile-blogger-award/
Thank you so much!
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Saw this recipe on Pinterest. Just put everything into the crock. Looks so good!!! Thank you for sharing.
this…looks…divine!!!
Awesome recipe….super easy……great dinner!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks for the information for my research. I’ll be sure to link back and mention the resource if I use any of it! Jess
Yum, this looks soooo good. I have to make it this weekend. I love that it makes enough to feed a crowd.
I tried doubling the recipe and it seems very watery.
I made this yesterday – it is the best BBQ Crock pot chicken I have ever had! and I have tried a lot!
16 year old son loved it too which is a big test!
I used Sweet Baby Rays because it was on sale and also used Sierra Nevade Pale Ale.
This was the first recipe of yours of yours I have tried but I will definitely try more. Thanks!
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I just made this over the weekend. It was splendid. I couldn’t find Bone Suckin’ bbq sauce and I looked at Wal-Mart & Kroger. SAD! It was super easy and tasted good. I used light yuengling.
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I found your recipe via Ziplist and I made it last night. It was great! I used a bottle of Yuengling Porter with the BBQ sauce and added pinch of Chipotle powder. I love how simple this one is! I posted your recipe on my blog…hope you don’t mind. Keep on rockin!
I am thinking of making this for a lunch potluck at work next week. Can I make this the day before (cook for the 8 hours) then just put it in my crock pot the next day on warm for a few hours? Will that dry it out too much, or should I just cook it on high for 4 hours starting early in the morning?
i just made this yesterday, using sweet baby ray’s and 12oz. of fat tire. perfect consistency! it cooked on high for four hours. tonight i reheated in the crock pot and the flavors were amazing! it stayed moist and tender, too! your co-workers will definitely want the recipe!
It should be fine! Have a little broth or more sauce on hand to add if needed.
Sounds amazing. Just started cooking mine about 40 minutes ago. Didn’t feel like searching for Bone Suckin’ so I went for a vinegar based BBQ sauce from a local restaurant here in Marietta, GA. Can’t wait to eat it!
I really want to make this tomorrow so it’ll cook while I’m at work… but I don’t have any chicken thawed out, can I use a pack of frozen chicken breasts?
Can you thaw the chicken overnight before you make it tomorrow? If you use frozen, it might just add a lot more liquid.
Jessica,
Does it matter what kind of beer you use? Would a coors light be a bit too hillbilly? Otherwise, I’ll run to the grocery store! :)
Ashley
As long as you really LOVE to drink it, it should be good!
Hmm…maybe I’ll give it a shot and it can be a learning experience. :)
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Have made this a few times at home and to take to work. Just wanted to say thanks. I get rave reviews every time :)
Thank you so much for sharing your recipe on Pinterest! Quick, easy and taste great!
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Hi – I just got a Crock Pot as a birthday gift and I can’t wait to make this! I’m curious though (not sure if I missed it in the comments), how large is your Crock Pot? Mine is 5.5 and I don’t know if that is too small to fit three pounds of chicken. I may cut it in half since it’s just me eating it. I want to make this and your baked beans!
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I tried this a couple nights ago and it was a hit with my picky hubs. So delicious! I am sharing it with my blog followers too!
thanks for the idea, unfortunately I didn’t have any beer in the house so I used spiced rum, and a shot of teryaki because I didn’t have enough BBQ sauce :-( we’ll see how it turns out, my husband is always a good guinea pig for when I test out new recipies
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