Slow-Cooked Root Beer Chicken

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Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs chicken (boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs—both work well):
    • Chicken thighs are often juicier and more forgiving when slow-cooked, but chicken breasts will work too. If you prefer leaner meat, go with the breasts.
  • 1 ½ cups BBQ sauce:
    • Use your favorite BBQ sauce for this recipe. A sweet BBQ sauce works well, but feel free to experiment with smoky, spicy, or tangy varieties to match your flavor preferences.
  • 12 oz root beer:
    • Root beer adds a surprising sweetness and caramelized flavor to the sauce. It might seem unconventional, but it creates a mouthwatering sauce. If you’re worried about too much sweetness, you can opt for a less sugary root beer or diet root beer. But the full-sugar root beer creates the best balance of flavor.
  • 2-3 cloves garlic (minced):
    • Fresh garlic adds a rich, aromatic flavor to the sauce. You can use pre-minced garlic or garlic powder if you prefer, but fresh garlic gives the most intense flavor.
  • ½ tsp onion powder:
    • Onion powder deepens the overall flavor profile. It’s an essential flavor enhancer that works well with the other seasonings.
  • ¼ tsp dried oregano:
    • Oregano brings a slightly earthy and herbaceous note, which balances the sweetness of the BBQ sauce and root beer.
  • ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional):
    • If you like a little heat, crushed red pepper flakes add just the right amount of kick. If you’re sensitive to spice, you can omit this or use a smaller amount.

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Chicken:
    • Lay the chicken in the bottom of your slow cooker. It’s okay if the pieces are slightly overlapping; they’ll cook down as they cook.
    Tip: If you want to enhance the flavor of the chicken further, season it lightly with salt and pepper before adding the sauce. However, the BBQ sauce and root beer will provide most of the seasoning, so this step is optional.
  2. Add the BBQ Sauce:
    • Pour the 1 ½ cups of BBQ sauce directly over the chicken. Make sure each piece is coated with sauce to ensure maximum flavor penetration while cooking. If you want the sauce to be extra flavorful, you can mix the BBQ sauce with the other seasonings in a separate bowl before pouring it over the chicken, though this step isn’t necessary.
  3. Pour in the Root Beer:
    • Open the 12 oz can of root beer and pour it into the slow cooker over the chicken and sauce. You might think the root beer will be too sweet, but it actually reduces and combines beautifully with the BBQ sauce to create a caramelized, slightly smoky finish.
    Tip: You can stir the mixture gently, but don’t worry if it’s not completely blended—everything will meld together as it cooks.
  4. Season:
    • Add in the minced garlic, onion powder, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). The garlic infuses the chicken with flavor, while the other spices and herbs enhance the savory and sweet flavors of the dish.
    Tip: If you like your chicken with a bit more tang, squeeze in a little lemon juice or vinegar before cooking. This adds acidity to balance the sweetness of the root beer.
  5. Slow Cook:
    • Cover the slow cooker with its lid, and set it to low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours. The chicken is done when it is fully cooked and shreddable with a fork. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s tender enough to easily shred.
    Tip: The longer you cook the chicken, the more flavorful it becomes, especially if you’re using thighs. However, don’t worry if you have to adjust the timing—this recipe is forgiving.
  6. Shred the Chicken:
    • Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. Then, return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, stirring it into the sauce. This allows the chicken to soak up all the delicious juices.
    Tip: If the sauce is too thin, you can let it cook for an extra 10-15 minutes uncovered to allow some of the liquid to reduce. This will thicken up the sauce.
  7. Serve:
    • Once everything is shredded and mixed, serve the root beer chicken on buns for sandwiches, over rice, or with your favorite sides. It’s also perfect for tacos, nachos, or as a topping for baked potatoes.
    Tip: Add some fresh coleslaw on top of the sandwiches for a crunchy, creamy contrast to the sweet and tangy chicken!

Q&A

Q: Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe? A: Yes! Frozen chicken is fine. The slow cooker will thaw and cook the chicken as it cooks. If using frozen chicken, it may need an extra 30-60 minutes to cook, especially if you’re using a thicker cut. Just ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) before serving.

Q: Can I use something besides BBQ sauce? A: If you want a different flavor profile, you can try a mix of teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, or even a spicy buffalo sauce instead of BBQ. Root beer pairs best with sweet and tangy sauces, so choose something that fits your taste.

Q: Can I make this in an Instant Pot instead of a slow cooker? A: Yes! For the Instant Pot, cook on high pressure for 12-15 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes before shredding the chicken. This will speed up the process while still delivering the same delicious flavor.

Q: How do I store leftovers? A: Store leftover root beer chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It also freezes well! Store it in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply microwave or warm it on the stove with a little extra BBQ sauce or root beer.

Benefits:

  • Protein-Rich: Chicken is a great source of lean protein, which supports muscle health and keeps you full longer.
  • Minimal Prep Time: With only a handful of ingredients, this recipe requires very little prep, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or meal prepping.
  • Super Versatile: You can serve this chicken on buns for a sandwich, over a salad, on a baked potato, or with rice or quinoa. The possibilities are endless!
  • Sweet & Savory: The combination of root beer and BBQ sauce creates a sweet, tangy, and smoky flavor that’s totally addictive.
  • Affordable: With inexpensive ingredients like chicken, BBQ sauce, and root beer, this recipe is budget-friendly while still being flavorful and filling.

Would you like some extra tips on variations or creative ways to use the leftovers? 😄

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