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Slow Cooker Zesty BBQ Chicken with Italian Salad Dressing Recipe

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  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 hours 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 6 hours 55 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Slow Cooker Zesty BBQ Chicken recipe is a flavorful and effortless meal perfect for busy days. Tender, shredded chicken breasts slow-cooked in a tangy blend of BBQ sauce, Italian dressing, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce deliver a deliciously zesty barbecue experience. Serve it piled high on hamburger buns with optional toppings like coleslaw, jalapeños, and extra zesty Italian dressing for a crowd-pleasing sandwich that’s both easy and satisfying.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (use 3 large or 4 small breasts)

Sauce

  • 1 bottle (18 oz) BBQ sauce (recommend: Sweet Baby Ray’s)
  • 1 cup Italian salad dressing (recommend: Olive Garden Italian dressing)
  • 1/4 cup light brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

To Serve

  • Hamburger buns
  • Coleslaw (optional)
  • Zesty Italian dressing (replace standard, optional)
  • Chili powder, to taste (optional)
  • Cayenne red pepper, to taste (optional)
  • Sliced jalapeños (for topping, optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Slow Cooker: Lightly coat the insert of your slow cooker with cooking spray to prevent sticking, ensuring easy cleanup and pristine chicken texture.
  2. Arrange the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts evenly on the bottom of the slow cooker insert for even cooking.
  3. Mix the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the BBQ sauce, Italian salad dressing, light brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well until fully blended into a smooth, flavorful sauce.
  4. Add Sauce to Chicken: Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the chicken breasts, making sure each piece is well-coated.
  5. Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on LOW for 6 to 7 hours until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.
  6. Shred the Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken breasts and use two forks to shred them thoroughly into bite-sized pieces.
  7. Return and Marinate: Place the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker with the sauce. Stir well to combine. For extra depth of flavor, let the chicken marinate in the sauce for about 30 minutes on the warm setting, or serve immediately if preferred.
  8. Serve: Using a slotted spoon to drain excess sauce, pile the shredded BBQ chicken onto hamburger buns. Optionally, add coleslaw, zesty Italian dressing, chili powder, cayenne pepper, or sliced jalapeños for an extra kick.

Notes

  • For best results, use fresh boneless skinless chicken breasts to ensure tenderness.
  • You can adjust the spice level by adding more or less chili powder, cayenne pepper, or jalapeños.
  • This recipe can be doubled or halved to fit your crowd sizes.
  • Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Serve on toasted buns for added texture and flavor.

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Find it online: https://yummymealmaker.com/slow-cooker-zesty-bbq-chicken-with-italian-salad-dressing-recipe/