Go Back

Slow Cooker BBQ Shredded Chicken From Frozen (Dairy-Free Recipe)

Learn how to make slow cooker BBQ shredded chicken from frozen with this easy dairy-free recipe. Perfect for freezer meal prep, busy weeknights, and family dinners!
Print Recipe
Easy Slow Cooker BBQ Shredded Chicken From Frozen (Dairy-Free)
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:8 hours
Total Time:8 hours 10 minutes

Equipment

  • 1 gallon zip-top freezer bag
  • Permanent marker for labeling
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • Liquid measuring jug
  • 6-8 quart slow cooker / Crock Pot
  • Two forks for shredding
  • Stand mixer or hand mixer (optional)
  • Serving spoon

Ingredients

Assemble the freezer meal

  • 4 frozen boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

On day of cooking

  • 1 1/2 cups dairy-free BBQ sauce
  • 2 tbsp 2 tablespoons water

Instructions

Assemble freezer meal

  • Place the frozen chicken breasts into a gallon freezer bag.
  • Sprinkle over the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
  • Seal the freezer bag, removing as much air as possible.
  • Gently shake and massage the bag until all of the chicken is evenly coated with the seasonings.
  • Label the freezer bag with the recipe name and cooking instructions before placing it into the freezer.
  • Freeze flat for up to 3 months.

Cooking the freezer meal

  • Remove the freezer meal from the freezer. There is no need to thaw.
  • Pour the BBQ sauce and water along with the frozen seasoned chicken breasts into the slow cooker. Cover with the lid.
  • Cook on LOW for 7-8 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and easily shreds with two forks.
    You can stir the sauce a few times whilst it cooks to prevent sticking if you prefer, but it's not necessary.
  • Shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker using two forks.
  • Alternatively, remove the chicken and shred it using a stand mixer or hand mixer before returning it to the slow cooker and stirring it through the cooking juices.
  • Stir everything together until the chicken is coated in the BBQ sauce.
  • If desired, stir through a little extra BBQ sauce before serving.
  • Serve warm on hamburger buns, baked potatoes, wraps, rice bowls, or with your favourite sides.

Notes

  • This recipe is designed to cook straight from frozen.
  • Always double-check that your BBQ sauce is dairy-free if cooking for food allergies.
  • Frozen chicken breasts vary in size, so cooking times may vary slightly.
  • Shredding the chicken while it's still sitting in the cooking juices keeps it wonderfully moist.
  • Label every freezer meal before freezing so future you knows exactly how to cook it.

 

Storage

  • Freeze assembled freezer meals for up to 3 months.
  • Store cooked leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Cooked shredded chicken can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
 

Related Recipes

 
Servings: 6 ( 4 - 6 servings )
Author: Julie
Cost: $7.50