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Slow Cooker Apple Butter BBQ Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 121 reviews

This Slow Cooker Apple Butter BBQ Chicken recipe combines sweet, smoky, and tangy flavors in a cozy, easy-to-make dish. The apple butter enriches the BBQ sauce with a gentle apple sweetness and thick body, creating a deliciously unique sauce that melts perfectly into tender slow-cooked chicken breasts. Minimal prep and simple ingredients make this recipe a perfect fuss-free meal for weeknights or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Sauce

  • 1 cup apple butter
  • 3/4 cup BBQ sauce
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Garnish (optional)

  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Add the Chicken: Place 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a single layer into the slow cooker. Avoid stacking the chicken pieces to ensure even cooking.
  2. Mix the Apple Butter BBQ Sauce: In a medium mixing bowl, combine 1 cup apple butter, 3/4 cup BBQ sauce, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Whisk until the sauce is smooth, thick, glossy, and evenly mixed.
  3. Cover the Chicken With Sauce: Pour the prepared apple butter BBQ sauce over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Use a spoon to spread the sauce evenly, making sure all the chicken pieces are well coated. Cover the slow cooker with its lid.
  4. Slow Cook the Chicken: Cook the chicken on LOW for 3 to 4 hours or on HIGH for 2 to 3 hours. The chicken is done when the thickest part reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Check early to avoid overcooking and maintain juiciness.
  5. Serve: Plate each warm chicken breast, spoon generous amounts of the thick apple butter BBQ sauce over the top, and sprinkle with finely chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve with suggested sides such as creamy mashed potatoes and steamed broccoli.

Notes

  • Start checking the internal temperature of the chicken at 3 hours on LOW setting to prevent overcooking.
  • Use a BBQ sauce flavor you enjoy as it prominently influences the final taste.
  • If apple butter is very sweet, opt for a smoky or less-sweet BBQ sauce to balance flavors.
  • Shred the chicken while hot for easier handling and better sauce absorption.
  • For milder flavor, use regular smoked paprika and avoid spicy BBQ sauces.
  • Substitute chicken thighs for juicier results, adjusting cooking time as needed.
  • Do not add extra liquid; the chicken will release enough moisture during cooking.
  • Save the cooking sauce as it adds moisture and flavor when serving shredded chicken.
  • Leftovers keep well refrigerated for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Keywords: slow cooker chicken, apple butter BBQ chicken, easy slow cooker dinner, BBQ chicken recipe, apple butter recipe, pulled chicken, slow cooker chicken breasts

Find it online: https://foodbylina.com/slow-cooker-apple-butter-bbq-chicken-recipe/