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Effortless Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken

Effortless Crockpot BBQ Chicken Dinner: A Family Favorite & Freezer Meal Prep Solution

A vibrant Crockpot BBQ Chicken dinner, featuring juicy sliced chicken, perfectly diced seasoned potatoes, and tender corn on the cob, all arranged on a plate with an orange and white striped napkin. The scene also includes a wooden cutting board, tongs, and a glass bowl of extra corn on the cob, emphasizing the fresh and hearty nature of this easy slow cooker meal.

Imagine a delicious, home-cooked meal that practically makes itself, leaving you with more time to relax and enjoy. Our Crockpot BBQ Chicken Dinner is precisely that! This incredible recipe allows you to prepare barbecue chicken, seasoned potatoes, and corn on the cob all at once in your slow cooker. It’s the ultimate solution for busy weeknights, delivering a complete and satisfying meal with minimal fuss.

Beyond its simple preparation, this dish is also a fantastic option for freezer meal prep. You can get ahead by assembling the corn and potato mixtures, storing them along with chicken breasts and barbecue sauce in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to cook, simply transfer the thawed chicken and sauce to the crockpot, layer the foil-wrapped corn and potatoes on top, and let your slow cooker work its magic. This strategy transforms dinner time from a chore into a seamless, stress-free experience.

This one-pot Crockpot BBQ Chicken Dinner proves that wholesome, flavorful meals don’t require a stack of dirty dishes or hours of active cooking. It’s a truly versatile and family-friendly recipe that promises a hearty meal with a classic barbecue flavor profile that everyone will love.

Essential Ingredients for Your Easy Slow Cooker Meal

One of the beauties of this Crockpot BBQ Chicken Dinner is its straightforward ingredient list. You’ll need just a few staple items, making grocery shopping quick and budget-friendly. Here’s what you’ll gather:

  • Corn (fresh or frozen mini ears work best)
  • Gold Potatoes (or your preferred potato variety)
  • Shredded Cheddar Cheese (or a cheese that melts well)
  • Onion (a medium-sized one adds great flavor)
  • Vegetable Oil
  • Salt & Pepper (to taste)
  • Your Favorite Barbecue Sauce
  • Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts (frozen is convenient for this recipe)
  • Aluminum Foil
  • Non-stick Cooking Spray

Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating a balanced and delicious flavor. The potatoes absorb the savory seasonings, the cheese adds a creamy richness, and the onion provides an aromatic depth. Of course, the barbecue sauce is the star, infusing the chicken with its signature smoky-sweet tang.

All the raw ingredients for a Crockpot BBQ Chicken Dinner are neatly arranged on a white marble countertop. This includes clear glass bowls of small corn on the cob, individually wrapped frozen chicken breasts, whole unpeeled gold potatoes, a bowl of shredded cheddar cheese, a small bowl with salt and pepper, metal measuring spoons, a bowl of barbecue sauce, a bowl of vegetable oil, and a medium onion, all set beside an orange and white striped napkin, ready for meal prep.

Step-by-Step Preparation for Your Crockpot BBQ Chicken

The preparation for this easy slow cooker meal is designed for efficiency. Follow these steps to assemble your delicious Crockpot BBQ Chicken Dinner:

1. Prepare the Chicken Foundation

First, ensure your crockpot is ready. Lightly spray the bottom of the slow cooker insert with non-stick cooking spray. This simple step helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Next, place your boneless, skinless chicken breasts directly into the crockpot. Frozen chicken breasts are perfectly fine for this recipe, making it even more convenient, especially for spontaneous dinners or when you forget to thaw meat.

Now for the flavor! Take a portion of your favorite barbecue sauce and brush it generously over each chicken breast until they are completely coated. This initial coating ensures every piece of chicken is infused with that irresistible BBQ flavor from the start of the slow cooking process. Finally, pour the remaining barbecue sauce evenly over all the chicken breasts, creating a rich base for the entire meal.

2. Dice Potatoes and Onion with Ease

Next up are the vegetables: potatoes and onion. Evenly chopped vegetables not only make your dish look appealing but also ensure they cook uniformly. This is crucial for achieving that perfectly tender bite in every forkful.

For incredibly easy and consistent dicing, I highly recommend the Vidalia Chop Wizard (affiliate link). This kitchen gadget is a game-changer! I personally use mine all the time because it transforms the chore of chopping into a quick and effortless task. It allows you to cut various fruits and vegetables into consistently-sized pieces, which is not only fantastic for attractive plating and professional-looking recipe photos, but more importantly, it guarantees your food cooks thoroughly and evenly. If you don’t have this wizard in your kitchen yet, you might consider it a worthy investment for future meal preps!

A snapshot of meal preparation, featuring a small bowl of salt and pepper on an orange and white striped napkin, a bowl of shredded cheddar cheese, a slow cooker with three chicken breasts generously coated in barbecue sauce, and a wooden cutting board showcasing perfectly diced potatoes. A Vidalia Chop Wizard stands nearby, highlighting its role in achieving precise cuts for this Crockpot BBQ Chicken Dinner.

Just look at those perfectly diced potatoes in the photo! Achieving such uniformity without special tools can be time-consuming. If you’re short on time or simply prefer to skip the chopping, a fantastic shortcut is to use frozen diced potatoes, often labeled as hash browns, which you can find in the freezer section of most grocery stores. This makes the recipe even faster to prepare without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Ingredients for the potato mixture are gathered on a white marble countertop, including a small bowl of salt and pepper on an orange and white striped napkin, a bowl of shredded cheddar cheese, a slow cooker with three chicken breasts in barbecue sauce, a wooden cutting board holding a bowl of precisely diced potatoes and onion, and a small bowl of oil, all prepared for the next step of the Crockpot BBQ Chicken Dinner.

3. Assemble the Seasoned Potatoes

Once your potatoes and onion are diced, it’s time to create the delicious seasoned potato mixture. In a separate large mixing bowl (not directly in the slow cooker yet), combine the chopped potatoes, vegetable oil, diced onion, shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix all these ingredients thoroughly until the potatoes and onions are evenly coated with the oil, cheese, and seasonings. This ensures every bite of potato will be bursting with flavor after slow cooking.

A beautiful display of the seasoned potato mixture, with an orange and white striped linen napkin on a white marble countertop. A slow cooker with three barbecue chicken breasts sits nearby. A wooden cutting board holds a bowl of diced potatoes and onions, alongside shredded cheddar cheese, and salt and pepper, all ready for the next stage of this Crockpot BBQ Chicken Dinner preparation.

4. Create the Foil Packets

To cook the potatoes and corn alongside the chicken without mixing flavors or textures, we’ll use foil packets. First, prepare a large piece of aluminum foil for the potato mixture. A common pitfall when using foil is misjudging the amount needed. A helpful tip is to unroll a generous length, place your ingredients, and then tear it off, allowing for plenty of overlap to create a securely sealed packet. This “eyeballing” technique becomes much easier with practice, ensuring your packet is robust enough to hold all the potatoes and their delicious juices.

A generous piece of aluminum foil holds a delicious mixture of diced potatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, and diced onions, perfectly prepped for a foil packet. Beside it, a slow cooker contains three chicken breasts simmering in rich barbecue sauce, all set for layering in this convenient Crockpot BBQ Chicken Dinner.

Once the potato mixture is securely wrapped in its foil packet, turn your attention to the corn. Each ear of corn should be individually wrapped in its own piece of aluminum foil. This keeps the corn moist and tender, and prevents it from overcooking or drying out during the long slow cooking process.

Now, it’s time to layer these components in the crockpot. Carefully place the large potato packet directly on top of the barbecue chicken. Then, arrange the individually wrapped ears of corn on top of the potato packet. This layering ensures that each component receives indirect heat, cooking gently and thoroughly while the chicken simmers below.

The slow cooker is fully loaded and ready to cook, containing six small corn cobs individually wrapped in foil, nestled on top of a larger foil packet beneath them, which holds the seasoned potatoes. The chicken, covered in barbecue sauce, is at the very bottom, ensuring all elements of this Crockpot BBQ Chicken Dinner cook together perfectly.

5. Slow Cook to Perfection

With all your ingredients nestled snugly in the crockpot, it’s time to start cooking. Set your slow cooker to the LOW setting and let it cook for 7-8 hours. The low and slow cooking method is key to achieving incredibly tender, fall-apart chicken, and perfectly cooked potatoes and corn. The longer cooking time also allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a depth of taste that simply cannot be rushed.

Always ensure that the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety. The potatoes should be fork-tender, and the corn soft and flavorful. Once cooked, carefully remove the foil-wrapped corn and potatoes, unwrap them, and slice the barbecue chicken into desired portions before serving. The aroma filling your kitchen will be your reward for your minimal effort!

A tantalizing spread of the finished Crockpot BBQ Chicken Dinner, with an open foil packet revealing tender diced potatoes and a small corn cob peeking from its foil wrapper. In the background, the slow cooker holds the perfectly cooked chicken breasts, while a wooden cutting board with a basting brush and tongs stands ready, all inviting you to savor this delicious and easy slow cooker meal.

The components of a freshly cooked Crockpot BBQ Chicken Dinner are showcased, featuring a clear glass bowl of fluffy diced potatoes on an orange and white striped napkin, another clear glass bowl filled with small, tender corn cobs, and a wooden cutting board presenting two whole chicken breasts alongside one perfectly sliced chicken breast. Tongs and a Santoku knife rest on the cutting board, indicating readiness for serving this delicious and complete slow cooker meal.

Recipe Details

A delicious Crockpot BBQ Chicken Dinner served on a plate with diced potatoes, corn, and sliced chicken. The image highlights a glass bowl of extra diced potatoes and a wooden cutting board, all set on an orange and white striped napkin, making it a perfect visual for a hearty and convenient slow cooker meal.

Barbecue Chicken Dinner in the Crockpot

4.67 from 3 votes
This barbecue chicken dinner is not only a great slow cooker recipe, it can easily be used as a freezer meal to help make weekday meal planning easier. You could also make prep easier by using frozen hash browns instead of chopping up your own potatoes.
AuthorMary Ann
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 30 minutes

Course Main Dish
Cuisine American

Servings 6 servings
Calories 500

Ingredients

  

  • 2½ pounds frozen boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • ½ cup barbecue sauce
  • 6 gold potatoes
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 medium onion
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 6 frozen mini ears corn on the cob
  • aluminum foil
  • non-stick cooking spray
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Instructions

  • Clean and chop 6 gold potatoes. Dice 1 medium onion
  • Spray the bottom of the crockpot with non-stick cooking spray. Place 2½ pounds frozen boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the crockpot and brush with some of the ½ cup barbecue sauce until chicken is completely covered. Pour remaining barbecue sauce evenly over chicken.
  • Combine the potatoes, 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, onion, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper together in a bowl and mix well.
  • Make a large packet out of aluminum foil and wrap the potatoes in it.
  • Wrap each of 6 frozen mini ears corn on the cob separately in foil.
  • Place the potato packet on top of the chicken and place the wrapped ears of corn on top of the potato packet.
  • Cook on low for 7-8 hours or until cooked through.

Notes

I adore my Vidalia Chop Wizard (affiliate link) and use it all the time! This fantastic kitchen tool makes dicing a breeze, allowing me to cut potatoes, onions, peppers, celery, various fruits, and more into consistently sized pieces. This uniformity is key not only for aesthetically pleasing dishes but also for ensuring everything cooks evenly, leading to perfect results every time. The chopper comes with two inserts: a medium-sized grid, which I typically use for potatoes, onions, and peppers in recipes like this, and a smaller grid, ideal for finely chopping ingredients like celery, nuts, or other crunchy additions to salads and various other dishes. Its efficiency truly simplifies meal preparation!

Although I have not personally tried it yet, I am confident this dish would be absolutely perfect for freezer meal prep. To prepare it as a freezer meal, you would assemble everything except the chicken. Store the foil-wrapped corn and potato mixtures along with a package of boneless, skinless chicken breasts and the barbecue sauce in a large, airtight freezer container. When you’re ready to cook, simply thaw the components, then follow the instructions: place the chicken on the bottom of the slow cooker with the thawed barbecue sauce, layer the foil-wrapped corn and potatoes on top, and cook as directed. This method ensures a wholesome dinner is always within reach!

If you want to significantly cut down on prep time and skip the step of chopping fresh potatoes, an excellent alternative is to use frozen diced hash browns. These are typically found in the freezer section of your grocery store and can be substituted directly into the potato mixture, providing the same great texture and flavor with added convenience.

Nutrition per serving

Calories: 500 calCarbohydrates: 42 gProtein: 51 gFat: 15 gSodium: 924 mgFiber: 6 gSugar: 12 gNet Carbohydrates: 36 g

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A two-part image for pinning the Crockpot BBQ Chicken Dinner recipe. The top photo displays all raw ingredients neatly arranged on a white marble countertop: corn, chicken breasts, whole potatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, salt, pepper, measuring spoons, barbecue sauce, oil, and an onion. The bottom photo shows the finished meal on a plate with sliced chicken, diced potatoes, and corn, alongside a glass bowl of extra potatoes, corn, and a wooden cutting board with sliced chicken. The text overlays read 'Barbecue Chicken Dinner in the Crockpot, Add Salt & Serve (formerly Menus4Moms)', highlighting it as a great slow cooker, freezer, and family-friendly recipe.

Variations and Serving Suggestions for Your Crockpot BBQ Chicken

This Crockpot BBQ Chicken Dinner is incredibly versatile, allowing for easy customization to suit your family’s tastes or what you have on hand. Feel free to experiment with different types of potatoes, such as sweet potatoes for a touch of sweetness and added nutrients, or red potatoes for a slightly different texture. Instead of cheddar, try Monterey Jack or a smoky gouda for a different cheesy twist in your potato packets. For those who enjoy a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce in the barbecue sauce can add an exciting kick. You can also vary the barbecue sauce itself – from a tangy Carolina-style to a sweet Kansas City-style – to change the entire flavor profile of the meal.

While the recipe specifies boneless, skinless chicken breasts, you could certainly adapt it for boneless, skinless chicken thighs if you prefer darker meat, though cooking times might vary slightly. Always ensure chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature. For added vegetables, consider tucking in some bell pepper strips or zucchini slices into the potato packet during the last hour of cooking for extra color and nutrition.

This complete slow cooker meal is hearty enough on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad for a fresh contrast or a side of crusty bread to soak up any extra barbecue sauce. For a more festive touch, garnish the finished dish with fresh chopped parsley or cilantro just before serving. Enjoying this delicious Crockpot BBQ Chicken is an experience in flavor and convenience!

Why Choose Slow Cooking for Busy Lives?

In today’s fast-paced world, finding time to prepare nutritious and flavorful meals can be a challenge. This is where the magic of slow cooking, and particularly recipes like our Crockpot BBQ Chicken Dinner, truly shines. The slow cooker is a culinary marvel that offers numerous benefits for anyone looking to simplify their meal routine without compromising on taste or quality.

One of the primary advantages is the “set it and forget it” convenience. You can assemble your ingredients in the morning, turn on the slow cooker, and return home to a hot, delicious meal. This eliminates the frantic rush of evening meal prep and allows you to reclaim precious time for family, hobbies, or simply relaxing. It’s an ideal solution for working parents, students, or anyone with a demanding schedule.

Moreover, slow cooking is renowned for tenderizing meats and melding flavors in a way that quick cooking methods cannot. The long, gentle heat breaks down tough fibers, resulting in incredibly succulent chicken that practically falls apart. Vegetables cooked in the slow cooker absorb the rich flavors of the sauce and seasonings, becoming incredibly tender and flavorful. This process often enhances the nutritional value, as flavors are infused naturally, reducing the need for excessive fats or unhealthy additives.

Finally, slow cooker meals are often very economical. They allow you to use less expensive cuts of meat, which become fork-tender over hours of cooking. Plus, batch cooking and freezer meal prep, as highlighted with this BBQ Chicken Dinner, mean less food waste and more efficient grocery shopping. Embrace the ease and deliciousness that slow cooking brings to your kitchen, making healthy, homemade meals an achievable part of your daily life!