When the weather turns hot and nobody wants the oven on, this easy slow cooker chicken is the kind of supper that keeps the kitchen cool and dinner stress low. With just four ingredients, it comes together with almost no fuss, then cooks gently into tender, saucy chicken that can be spooned over all kinds of simple sides for a family-friendly meal.
This chicken is especially good served over rice, mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or soft sandwich buns to soak up every bit of the rich sauce. For a cooler summer plate, add steamed green beans, a crisp cucumber salad, coleslaw, or fresh fruit on the side to round things out without much extra work.
4-Ingredient Slow Cooker July Heatwave Suppertime 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 a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker with nonstick spray if you like easier cleanup, then place the chicken thighs in an even layer in the bottom.
2. In a small bowl, stir together the barbecue sauce, Italian dressing, and brown sugar until smooth, then 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 cooked through.
4. Shred the chicken right in the slow cooker using two forks, then stir it back into the sauce so every bite is coated. Let it sit for 5 minutes before serving.
Variations & Tips
For sandwich night: Pile the shredded chicken onto soft buns and serve with pickle slices and a scoop of coleslaw. This is a nice option for kids and makes the meal feel a little extra special with almost no extra work.
For picky eaters: Use a sweeter, milder barbecue sauce if your family prefers less tang and a gentler flavor. You can also serve the sauce on the side for anyone who wants their chicken a little less coated.
Make it a freezer starter: Add the chicken, barbecue sauce, Italian dressing, and brown sugar to a freezer bag, seal, and freeze flat. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before adding to the slow cooker for an even easier hot-weather dinner day.
Keep the chicken tender: Chicken thighs stay especially juicy in the slow cooker, but chicken breasts can be used if that is what you have. Just watch the timing a little more closely so they do not dry out.
Stretch the meal: Leftovers are wonderful tucked into baked potatoes, spooned over rice bowls, or rolled into wraps the next day. A little extra sauce from the slow cooker helps keep everything moist and flavorful when reheated.