There are some days, especially over a holiday weekend, when it feels good to have supper settled long before anybody starts drifting through the yard and the lawn chairs come out. This slow cooker chicken is the kind of simple, dependable dish that suits those busy afternoons, with just four ingredients turning into a rich, tender main dish while you go on with the day. It leans on the old Midwestern talent for making a hearty meal from pantry staples, and it comes out savory, glossy, and spoon-tender every time.
Serve this chicken over mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, steamed rice, or thick slices of bread to catch every bit of the sauce. A crisp green salad, green beans, coleslaw, corn on the cob, or a simple fruit tray all make nice partners, especially if you are setting out a casual holiday spread with food folks can help themselves to.
4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Holiday Weekend Comfort Chicken
Servings: 6
Ingredients
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 cup barbecue sauce
1/2 cup Italian dressing
2 tablespoons brown sugar
Directions
1. Lightly coat the inside of the slow cooker with a little cooking spray or oil if you like easier cleanup. Arrange the chicken thighs in an even layer in the bottom.
2. In a bowl, stir together the barbecue sauce, Italian dressing, and brown sugar until smooth. Pour the mixture evenly over the chicken.
3. Cover and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is very tender and easy to pull apart with a fork.
4. Shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker with two forks and stir it well into the sauce. Let it sit for 10 more minutes so the chicken soaks up the glaze, then serve hot.
Variations & Tips
Sweeter Cookout Style: Use a honey barbecue sauce if you want a sweeter finish that children and picnic guests usually enjoy. It makes the glaze a little stickier and especially nice on sandwich buns.
A Little Tangier: If you like more zip, use a zesty Italian dressing and a smoky barbecue sauce. That combination gives the finished dish a deeper flavor without adding extra ingredients.
Make It Ahead: This is a fine recipe for busy weekends because the chicken can be cooked, shredded, and kept warm in the slow cooker for a short while before serving. If the sauce thickens too much as it sits, stir in a spoonful or two of warm water.
Serving Tip: Pile the chicken onto buns for sandwiches, spoon it over baked potatoes, or tuck it into warm rolls for easy backyard suppers. It is the sort of dish that stretches gracefully when a couple more folks show up around dinnertime.