Slow Cooker Island BBQ Chicken and Spicy Slaw Salad: Your Ultimate Easy Weeknight Meal
In today’s fast-paced world, finding ways to create delicious, healthy meals without spending hours in the kitchen is a true game-changer. My trusty slow cooker has become an indispensable kitchen companion, particularly on those hectic days when my schedule has me constantly on the go. Whether it’s shuttling kids, running errands, or tackling a demanding work day, the thought of coming home to a pre-prepped, ready-to-eat dinner is incredibly appealing. This versatile appliance allows me to transform simple ingredients into a comforting and flavorful meal with minimal effort, making weeknight dinners stress-free and enjoyable. I’m always on the lookout for new, inventive slow cooker recipes to add to my repertoire, especially ones that offer a unique twist on classic favorites. Recently, I reached out to my community on Facebook, asking for your go-to crock-pot meal ideas, and shredded barbecue chicken came up repeatedly. It sounded like the perfect concept to experiment with, promising tender, succulent chicken with minimal fuss.
The inspiration for this particular slow cooker island BBQ chicken recipe struck on a Saturday morning as I prepared to assemble my ingredients. To my surprise, my pantry, usually overflowing with an array of sauces, was missing “regular” barbecue sauce. This was quite uncharacteristic for me, as I tend to stock up on condiments in an almost obsessive fashion! However, amidst the various jars and bottles, a hidden gem emerged: a gourmet Guava Barbecue sauce. I had been saving it for a special occasion, perhaps a sunny afternoon grilling chicken outdoors, thinking it might be “too good” for a humble slow cooker. But necessity, as they say, is the mother of invention! I quickly overcame my hesitation, cracked open the bottle, and allowed a wave of spontaneous creativity to guide me. I decided to enhance the tropical notes of the guava with an almost-empty box of raisins for a touch of sweetness and thinly sliced onions for aromatic depth. With the chicken, sauce, raisins, and onions all nestled comfortably in the crock-pot, I plugged it in, hoping for the best – and what an unexpected delight it turned out to be!
The results of this culinary improvisation were nothing short of spectacular. The Slow Cooker Island BBQ Chicken was incredibly tender, imbued with a delightful sweet and savory flavor profile from the guava, raisins, and onions. It was so incredibly good that we enjoyed it served on soft sandwich buns for dinner that very night. But the versatility didn’t stop there; I continued to savor the delicious leftovers cold on a fresh green salad for lunch over the next two days. To complement the richness of the chicken, I whipped up another “on the fly” creation: a vibrant Spicy Slaw Salad. This simple yet flavorful slaw featured finely shredded romaine lettuce, crisp shredded carrots, and thinly sliced jalapeños for a kick, all tossed with a leftover poppy seed dressing from my recent Spinach and Orzo Salad. The contrasting sweetness of the slow-cooked chicken paired exquisitely with the spicy-sweet notes of the salad, creating a perfectly balanced and incredibly satisfying meal. This combination is definitely going to be a regular feature in my kitchen!
This recipe truly highlights the magic of slow cooking. It transforms simple ingredients into a deeply flavorful and succulent dish with minimal hands-on time, making it ideal for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend gatherings. The succulent chicken practically shreds itself, soaking up all the delicious island-inspired BBQ sauce, offering a taste of the tropics right in your home. Beyond sandwiches, this shredded BBQ chicken is incredibly versatile. Consider serving it in tacos, wraps, over rice bowls, or even as a topping for loaded baked potatoes. The spicy slaw provides a fantastic textural and flavor counterpoint, adding freshness and a delightful zing that cuts through the richness of the chicken. It’s not just a recipe; it’s a strategy for enjoyable, stress-free cooking and healthy eating.
Print Recipe
Slow Cooker Island BBQ Chicken and Spicy Slaw Salad
Author: Aggie’s Kitchen
Category: Chicken
Method: Slow cooker
Transform your weeknight dinner with this effortless Slow Cooker Island BBQ Chicken and a vibrant Spicy Slaw Salad. This healthy and flavor-packed meal features tender, shredded chicken infused with a fruity barbecue sauce, complemented by a zesty, crunchy slaw. Perfect for meal prep or a fuss-free family dinner, this recipe brings a taste of the tropics to your table with minimal effort. Enjoy it on sandwiches, in wraps, or as a delicious salad topping!
Ingredients
- 2 lbs skinless chicken breasts (boneless preferred for easy shredding)
- 1 bottle of barbecue sauce (for an authentic island flavor, opt for a fruity variety like guava, mango, or papaya. I personally used Tom’s Guava BBQ Sauce, often found at specialty markets or gourmet grocery stores. Look for similar tropical-inspired options in your local market!) —- (see edit note below)
- 2 splashes balsamic vinegar (adds a subtle tang and depth)
- medium onion, sliced thin (contributes a sweet, aromatic base)
- 1/4 cup raisins (a secret ingredient for natural sweetness and moisture)
- salt and pepper, to taste
- your favorite sandwich buns (I recommend Arnold’s Whole Wheat Sandwich Thins for a lighter option)
Instructions for Island BBQ Chicken
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Place the chicken breasts evenly at the bottom of your slow cooker. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Distribute the thinly sliced onion and raisins over the chicken. Pour approximately 3/4 of the bottle of your chosen barbecue sauce and the two splashes of balsamic vinegar over everything. Stir gently to ensure the chicken is well-coated. Cover the slow cooker with its lid.
- Slow Cook to Perfection: Cook the chicken on the LOW setting for 6-8 hours, or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is incredibly tender and easily pulls apart with a fork. Cooking on low for a longer duration typically yields the most succulent results.
- Shred and Combine: Once the cooking time is complete, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and place them on a cutting board or shallow dish. Using two forks, gently pull apart the chicken until it is fully shredded. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker with the remaining barbecue sauce. For extra flavor and to ensure no sauce goes to waste, add a little water to the empty sauce bottle, swirl it around to pick up any clinging sauce, and pour this into the slow cooker as well. Stir everything together until the chicken is thoroughly coated in the rich, flavorful sauce. Let the shredded chicken sit, uncovered, in the slow cooker for about 15 minutes to warm through and absorb the additional sauce.
- Serve and Enjoy: Spoon the warm, flavorful Island BBQ Chicken onto your favorite sandwich buns. Garnish with fresh cilantro or a sprinkle of additional black pepper if desired. Serve immediately and prepare for a taste of the tropics!
Notes & Tips for Success
If you find yourself in a situation where a “fruity” barbecue sauce isn’t readily available (as I once did!), don’t despair! You can easily achieve a similar tropical sweetness and depth by incorporating a couple of teaspoons of mango chutney or a fruit preserve (like apricot or peach) into a standard BBQ sauce. These additions will sweeten up the sauce and infuse it with that desirable island “something something.” Feel free to experiment with different fruit preserves or even a dash of pineapple juice to customize the flavor to your liking. For a spicier kick, a pinch of cayenne pepper or a touch of hot sauce can be added to the chicken during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This slow cooker island BBQ chicken is also excellent for meal prepping; simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days and reheat as needed.
Spicy Slaw Salad
Recipe from Aggie’s Kitchen
This vibrant and refreshing Spicy Slaw Salad is the perfect counterpoint to the rich, sweet, and savory Slow Cooker Island BBQ Chicken. Its crisp texture and zesty kick provide a delightful balance to the meal, making every bite an exciting blend of flavors. This easy-to-make slaw comes together in minutes, requiring no cooking and minimal prep, making it an ideal side dish for busy weeknights. The simple combination of fresh ingredients and a tangy dressing elevates the entire dining experience, adding a healthy and delicious component to your plate.
Ingredients for Spicy Slaw Salad:
- 1 heart of romaine, shredded thin (provides a crisp and refreshing base)
- 1-2 carrots, shredded (adds natural sweetness and vibrant color)
- 1 jalapeño, quartered lengthwise and sliced very thin (for a gentle heat that brightens the salad)
- Your favorite poppy seed dressing (I highly recommend Jamie’s Poppy Seed dressing for its perfect blend of sweet and tangy notes)
Instructions for Spicy Slaw Salad:
Combine all the shredded salad ingredients (romaine, carrots, and jalapeño) in a large bowl. Gently pour your preferred poppy seed dressing over the mixture. Toss lightly until all ingredients are evenly coated. Serve immediately to enjoy maximum crispness. This spicy slaw is not only a fantastic side for the Island BBQ Chicken but also great on its own or alongside other grilled meats. It’s a simple, healthy, and incredibly flavorful addition to any meal, proving that sometimes the best recipes are the easiest ones.
