This easy slow cooker chicken is the kind of supper that makes a summer day feel a little more relaxed. With just four simple ingredients, it comes together quickly in the morning and slowly cooks into a tender, saucy main dish by dinnertime. It is especially handy when you want something hearty without heating up the kitchen, and the rich glaze gives plain chicken a big, crowd-pleasing flavor with almost no fuss.
Serve this patio supper chicken with simple warm-weather sides like buttered corn, sliced watermelon, coleslaw, potato salad, or steamed rice to catch all that glossy sauce. I also like piling the chicken onto soft sandwich buns for an easy backyard meal, or serving it with roasted green beans and a crisp lemonade or iced tea when we want supper to feel a little extra special.
4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Summer Patio Supper Chicken
Servings: 6
Ingredients
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 cup barbecue sauce
1/2 cup apricot preserves
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Directions
1. Lightly coat the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray if desired for easier cleanup, then place the chicken thighs in an even layer in the bottom.
2. In a small bowl, stir together the barbecue sauce, apricot preserves, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth and glossy.
3. Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken, covering the pieces as evenly as you can. Put the lid on and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours or on high for 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 hours, until the chicken is very tender.
4. Shred the chicken right in the slow cooker using two forks, then stir it into the sauce so every bite is coated. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes to soak up even more flavor before serving.
Variations & Tips
For a sweeter sauce: If your family enjoys a sweeter barbecue flavor, use a honey-style barbecue sauce. The apricot preserves will blend right in and make the glaze extra glossy.
For easy sandwiches: Spoon the shredded chicken onto toasted buns and top with a little crunchy slaw. This is one of my favorite ways to stretch the meal for casual summer get-togethers.
For picky eaters: Set aside a small portion of the cooked shredded chicken before stirring it fully into all the sauce if someone at your table prefers a lighter coating. That way everybody gets supper their way.
For make-ahead planning: You can mix the sauce the night before and store it covered in the refrigerator. In the morning, just add the chicken, pour over the sauce, and start the slow cooker.
For best texture: Chicken thighs stay especially tender in the slow cooker and shred beautifully. If you use chicken breasts instead, check a little earlier so they do not overcook and dry out.