Gluten-Free Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Recipe

By Dana Angelo White, MS, RD, ATC
Updated November 03, 2019
Medically reviewed by Richard N. Fogoros, MD on March 31, 2017
Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken
Dana Angelo White
Total Time: 255 min
Prep Time: 15 min
Cook Time: 240 min
Servings: 6 servings

Nutrition Highlights (per serving)

227 calories
9g fat
18g carbs
18g protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6 servings
Amount per serving  
Calories 227
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 9g 12%
Saturated Fat 2g 10%
Cholesterol 99mg 33%
Sodium 386mg 17%
Total Carbohydrate 18g 7%
Dietary Fiber 1g 4%
Total Sugars 13g  
Includes 9g Added Sugars 18%
Protein 18g  
Vitamin D 0mcg 0%
Calcium 24mg 2%
Iron 1mg 6%
Potassium 355mg 8%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calorie a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Every home cook needs some reliable slow cooker ideas for busy weeknight dinners. This recipe uses flavorful chicken thighs, packed with heart-healthy polyunsaturated fats that help keep the meat tender with the long cooking time. The sweet and tangy sauce is speckled with vegetables and thickened with cornstarch instead of flour to keep it gluten free and celiac-friendly.

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 large package boneless skinless chicken thighs (about 1.5 pounds)
  • 2 teaspoons olive oil
  • 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
  • 1/4 cup 100% apple juice
  • 1/2 red onion (sliced)
  • 1 green or red bell pepper (sliced)

Preparation

  1. Place cornstarch and salt in a large resealable bag.

  2. Add chicken thighs, seal the bag, and shake to coat with cornstarch.

  3. Heat oil in a skillet or slow cooker with a browning function. Shake excess cornstarch from chicken and (in 2 batches) brown on both sides (it takes about 2 to 3 minutes per side).

  4. In slow cooker combine browned chicken, BBQ sauce, apple juice, onion, bell pepper; stir to combine. Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 4 hours. Shred meat with a fork before serving.

Ingredient Variations and Substitutions

Use any kind of barbecue sauce you like, just check the label to make sure it’s a gluten-free variety. Trader Joe’s Kansas City Style BBQ Sauce is highly recommended.

If you're a fan of garlic, throw a few cloves of sliced garlic in the slow cooker along with the other ingredients.

Cooking and Serving Tips

Serve this chicken on gluten-free rolls or wrapped in gluten-free tortillas with a sprinkle of cheese. You can also serve in bowls spooned over cooked brown rice and topped with fresh sliced jalapenos. Gluten-free baked beans make a nice side as well.

Store leftovers in a container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

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