Looking for an easy slow cooker chicken recipe that’s sweet, smoky, and incredibly tender? This Crock Pot Applesauce BBQ Chicken is one of the simplest freezer meals you’ll ever make. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a flavorful family dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
For this recipe, I used chunky pear applesauce instead of regular applesauce, which added an extra layer of sweetness and flavor. Combined with your favorite BBQ sauce, brown sugar, and a touch of chili powder, the result is juicy shredded chicken that’s delicious served on sandwiches, over rice, or alongside your favorite vegetables.
The best part? This recipe is completely freezer friendly, making it perfect for meal prep.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ Easy dump-and-go slow cooker meal
✔️ Freezer meal friendly
✔️ Family-approved dinner
✔️ Only a few simple ingredients
✔️ Great for meal prep
✔️ Sweet and smoky BBQ flavor
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2/3 cup chunky applesauce (or chunky pear applesauce)
- 2/3 cup BBQ sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
Helpful Kitchen Tools
These tools make freezer meal prep quick and easy:
I always keep freezer bags on hand for make-ahead meals like this one.
Freezer Meal Instructions
Step 1: Assemble the Freezer Bag
Place the chicken breasts into a gallon-size freezer bag.
In a mixing bowl, combine:
- Ground black pepper
- Applesauce
- BBQ sauce
- Brown sugar
- Chili powder
Whisk until well combined.
Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken breasts and seal the freezer bag tightly.
Freezer Meal Tip
Lay the bag flat in the freezer. This helps it freeze faster and saves valuable freezer space.
Cooking Instructions
Step 2: Thaw Overnight
Transfer the freezer bag to the refrigerator the night before cooking and allow it to thaw completely.
Step 3: Slow Cook
Spray your crock pot with non-stick cooking spray.
Pour the contents of the freezer bag into the slow cooker.
Cook on:
- LOW for 6–8 hours
The chicken will become fork-tender and soak up all the delicious sweet BBQ flavors.
Make Cleanup Easier
If you’re a fan of easy cleanup, slow cooker liners can be a huge time saver.
Shred and Serve
Once the chicken is fully cooked, shred it using two forks or meat shredder claws and stir it back into the sauce.
For a faster option, place the cooked chicken into a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment and mix on low speed for 20–30 seconds.
Serving Ideas
This versatile BBQ chicken can be served in several delicious ways:
- On hamburger buns as BBQ chicken sandwiches
- Over rice
- With mashed potatoes
- Stuffed into baked potatoes
- In wraps or tortillas
- On top of a salad
- Alongside roasted vegetables
For an easy weeknight meal, I love serving it with coleslaw and baked beans.
Tips for the Best BBQ Chicken
- Use your favorite BBQ sauce to customize the flavor.
- Chunky pear applesauce adds a unique sweetness, but regular chunky applesauce works beautifully too.
- For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Leftovers freeze well and make excellent sandwiches the next day.
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover BBQ chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Final Thoughts
This Crock Pot Applesauce BBQ Chicken is one of those simple recipes that proves delicious dinners don’t have to be complicated. The combination of applesauce and BBQ sauce creates a sweet and tangy flavor that keeps the chicken moist and tender every time.
Whether you’re meal prepping for a busy week or looking for a new freezer-friendly dinner idea, this easy slow cooker chicken recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
