When July settles in heavy and warm, this kind of slow cooker supper earns its place at the table. This 5-Ingredient Slow Cooker July Evening Ease Chicken is the sort of dependable dish that lets you keep the kitchen cool while the crock does the work, giving you tender chicken wrapped in a rich, glossy glaze by dinnertime. It has that sweet-salty, potluck-friendly flavor folks come back for, and it suits the old Midwestern way of feeding plenty of people well without making a grand fuss over it.
This chicken is mighty good spooned over fluffy white rice, buttered egg noodles, or mashed potatoes to catch every bit of that dark amber sauce. For a summer spread, I like to set it beside green beans, corn on the cob, a crisp cucumber salad, or a simple slaw, and if it is headed to a block party, a pan of baked beans and a tray of watermelon make it feel right at home.
5-Ingredient Slow Cooker July Evening Ease Chicken
Servings: 6
Ingredients
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 cup barbecue sauce
1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
2 cloves garlic, minced
Directions
1. Place the chicken thighs in the bottom of a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker in an even layer.
2. In a medium bowl, stir together the barbecue sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, and minced garlic until smooth and well blended.
3. Pour the sauce over the chicken, cover, and cook on LOW for 5 to 6 hours or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is very tender.
4. Remove the lid and use two forks to gently shred the chicken into large, hearty pieces, then stir it back through the thickened sauce.
5. Spoon the chicken and sauce onto a serving platter or into a warm bowl and serve hot.
Variations & Tips
Make It Sweeter: If your crowd likes a stickier, sweeter finish, add an extra tablespoon or two of brown sugar. It will give the sauce more of that potluck-style glaze folks tend to love.
Use Chicken Breasts: You can swap in boneless, skinless chicken breasts if that is what you have on hand, though thighs stay juicier and shred more nicely after a long slow cook. Check them a bit earlier so they do not dry out.
Turn It Into Sandwiches: Pile the saucy shredded chicken onto soft buns for an easy block party sandwich. A scoop of slaw on top gives it a nice crunch and makes it stretch even farther.
Keep the Sauce Rich: If the sauce seems thinner than you want at the end, leave the lid off for 15 to 20 minutes on HIGH before serving. That little bit of extra time helps it tighten up into a beautiful glaze.
Make Ahead Tip: This dish reheats wonderfully, which is one more reason it is handy for summer gatherings. Cook it earlier in the day, keep it warm in the slow cooker, and stir once or twice before serving so every piece stays coated.