Crock Pot BBQ Beer Chicken

I needed a recipe for a crowd, when I had The Relay for Life Thank You cookout at the end of the July. I found this recipe for the Crock Pot Beer chicken on Pinterest via Awkaward Kitchenette and How Sweet it Is. I wanted a good recipe that made a lot, with little fuss, that way my hubby wouldn't have to stand outside grilling in the high 90's temps, that were having. This was the perfect recipe for my party, and it was a big hit.

All you have to do is put about 6-7 chicken breasts or chicken parts in your crock pot.  (Mine is 6 quarts) Season with spices. Then, add one bottle of beer and 24 oz  of your favorite  BBQ sauce.  I cooked mine on high for 1 hour, and then on low for 3-4 hours, until chicken breasts are done. You don't want to overcook the chicken, or it will turn to moosh, when you go to shred it. You want to use a thinner type of sauce, so the sauce isn't too thick and burns around the edges.  If you use a thicker sauce, then be sure to add more liquid, like beer, chicken broth, or water. When chicken breasts are done, remove from crock pot and shred or pull with two forks.  Return the shredded meat to the crock pot, add the remaining BBQ sauce( 12 oz). and carefully toss with the chicken. Let shredded chicken absorb all the sauce for about 10-15 minutes, or keep  warm on low, until serving time.

Serve with additional sauce on the side with your favorite buns.  Garnish as desired. We just used lettuce and fresh tomatoes, which were optional.  Garnished or not this Crock Pot  BBQ Beer chicken is the best, and we got rave reviews at the party. this recipe makes a lot, so leftovers are wonderful to freeze.  Enjoy

We would definitely make this again, and we did, using a Rotisserie chicken. So, if you are really in a pinch, you can use a Rotisserie chicken, and  shred the  meat in medium sized pieces in place of the chicken breasts, or in addition to them.  If you use the rotisserie chicken, add the beer and all of the BBQ sauuce and cook on high for and hour or two, just to warm it through.  Keep warm on Low.  Serve with favorite buns.


Crockpot BBQ Beer Chicken  Adapted by How Sweet It Is

Serves about 8-10
3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 large)
1 tablespoon onion powder( I didn't use)
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
8 ounces of beer (I used 12 oz of Sam Adams Boston Lager)
32 ounces of barbecue sauce

1. Season chicken with onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt and pepper.

2. Add chicken to crock pot, then add beer and 24 ounces of barbecue sauce. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until chicken is done, tossing once or twice if desired . Once chicken is done , shred chicken with two forks.  Return the shredded meat to the crock pot, add the remaining BBQ sauce( 12 oz). and carefully toss with the chicken. Let shredded chicken absorb all the sauce for about 10-15 minutes, or keep  warm on low, until serving time. Serve with additional sauce on the side with your favorite buns.  Garnish as desired

linked up my recipe to Brandie@The Country Cook's Weekend Potluck #31
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