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Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken With Simple And Creamy Coleslaw

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Do you need an easy dinner recipe? Make some simple BBQ chicken in the slow cooker and top it with creamy coleslaw for a meal the whole family will love.

Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken With Simple And Creamy Coleslaw - Midwest Life and Style Blog

*This post is sponsored by Mrs. Wages®. All thoughts and opinions shared here are 100% my own. To learn more, you may read my Disclosure Policy. Thank you for supporting my blog and the brands I truly love!

Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken With Simple And Creamy Coleslaw

Summer is coming! And you know what that means? Grilling season will be here soon! My family loves a good grilled meal like peach-glazed pork tenderloin.

But, as much as we (or I should say my husband) enjoys grilling, there are still those times when life gets busy.

And after a long day of balancing work with kids and camps, neither of us feels much like cooking or standing over a hot grill. I’m sure you can relate, right?

Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken With Simple And Creamy Coleslaw - Midwest Life and Style Blog

It’s those crazy, hectic days when I rely on my slow cooker and the magic of Mrs. Wages 1 Step® Mixes to whip up an easy dump-it-in-and-go meal.

This simple recipe for slow cooker BBQ chicken topped with creamy coleslaw is one of those meals.

Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken With Simple And Creamy Coleslaw - Midwest Life and Style Blog

The tender, shredded chicken has all the flavors of summer. And the coleslaw only takes 5 minutes to prep thanks to a packet of Creamy Coleslaw Dressing Mix from Mrs. Wages®.

Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken With Simple And Creamy Coleslaw - Midwest Life and Style Blog

Oh! And, because I’m a big fan of pickles on my BBQ sandwiches, I’m going to show you how to make an easy homemade version.

No canning necessary!

All you need are some cucumbers and a packet of Mrs. Wages® 1 Step Pickle™ Kosher Dill Ready-Made Pickling Mix.

Where To Find Mrs. Wages 1 Step® Mixes

If you read my latest recipe for deviled eggs two ways, you know how much I enjoy using Mrs. Wages® products in my kitchen. (Truly! You should take a peek inside our pantry and spice cabinet!)

The number one question I always get asked whenever I share a recipe made with Mrs. Wages® mixes is, “Where can I find their products?”.

Mrs. Wages 1 Step Products - Midest Life and STyle Blog
Mrs. Wages Products - Midwest Life and Style Blog

I’m lucky to have several large Midwest grocery chains near me that carry most of my favorite items.

But if you don’t live in the Midwest or can’t find what you are looking for at your local grocery store, you can find the complete list of retailers on the Mrs. Wages® website.

Mrs. Wages Instant Mixes - Midwest Life and Style Blog

Or, you can find many of their products, including their 1 Step® Mixes, online and have them shipped right to your door using Amazon Prime!

Okay. Now that you know where to get the goods, let’s get to the recipe.

Ingredients For Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken With Creamy Coleslaw

The Chicken

  • 3 pounds (about 5-6 count) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 and 1/2 cups BBQ sauce
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar

The Coleslaw

  • 1 bag of fresh coleslaw (14 or 16 ounces)
  • 1 packet Mrs. Wages® 1 Step Coleslaw™ Creamy Coleslaw Dressing Mix
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise

The Homemade Pickles

  • 1/2 pound pickling cucumbers (about 2 medium)
  • 1 packet of Mrs. Wages® 1 Step Pickle™ Kosher Dill Ready-Made Pickling Mix

How To Prepare The BBQ Chicken

Step 1: Make The BBQ Sauce

First, stir together all of the sauce ingredients in a 7-qt. slow cooker. Mix well to make sure the brown sugar is dissolved and everything is combined.

Step 2: Cook The Chicken Breasts

Place 5-6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the slow cooker and turn them to coat each piece evenly with the BBQ sauce.

Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken With Simple And Creamy Coleslaw - Midwest Life and Style Blog

Then cover your slow cooker and cook the chicken breasts on high heat for 3-4 hours or on low heat for 6-7 hours.

Step 3: Shred The BBQ Chicken

When the chicken is done, remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board.

Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken With Simple And Creamy Coleslaw - Midwest Life and Style Blog

I love to use meat claws to shred my meat. But if you don’t have any, two forks will do the trick.

Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken With Simple And Creamy Coleslaw - Midwest Life and Style Blog
Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken With Simple And Creamy Coleslaw - Midwest Life and Style Blog

When all the chicken is shredded, return it to the slow cooker and stir to combine it with the BBQ sauce.

Turn the slow cooker to warm to keep the chicken hot until you’re ready to serve.

How To Make Coleslaw With Mrs. Wages® 1 Step Mixes

With only 5 minutes of prep, it doesn’t get much easier than this no-fail recipe for creamy coleslaw.

Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken With Simple And Creamy Coleslaw - Midwest Life and Style Blog

To start, empty a bag of pre-shredded coleslaw into a large mixing bowl.

Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken With Simple And Creamy Coleslaw - Midwest Life and Style Blog

Then add 1/2 cup mayonnaise and a packet of Mrs. Wages® 1 Step Coleslaw™ Creamy Coleslaw Dressing Mix. Pour the dressing over the cabbage mix until it’s completely coated.

Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken With Simple And Creamy Coleslaw - Midwest Life and Style Blog

Stir the coleslaw until all the ingredients are well combined. Then cover your bowl with plastic wrap and let the coleslaw chill for at least one hour before serving.

How To Make Homemade Dill Pickles Without Canning

If you love the taste of homemade pickles, but don’t have time for canning, then this recipe is for you!

Step 1: Prep Your Cucumbers

Making Homemade Pickles - Midwest Life and Style Blog

Start with two medium-sized pickling cucumbers. Wash them and then cut off and discard the ends.

Making Homemade Pickles - Midwest Life and Style Blog

Slice the cucumbers and pack them tightly into a clean and sterilized pint jar.

Step 2: Add The Pickle Mix

Making Homemade Pickles - Midwest Life and Style Blog

Pour one packet of Mrs. Wages® 1 Step Pickle™ Kosher Dill Ready-Made Pickling Mix over the cucumbers and leave 1/2 inch of space at the top of the jar.

Homemade Pickles with Mrs. Wages 1 Step Mix - Midwest Life and Style Blog
Homemade Pickles with Mrs. Wages 1 Step Mix - Midwest Life and Style Blog

Make sure your cucumbers are completely covered by the mix and screw on the lid. Then chill in the fridge for at least 8 hours before consuming.

How To Build The Perfect BBQ Chicken Sandwich

Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken With Simple And Creamy Coleslaw - Midwest Life and Style Blog

The build the best BBQ chicken sandwich, start by placing a large scoop of shredded chicken on the bottom of your bun.

Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken With Simple And Creamy Coleslaw - Midwest Life and Style Blog
Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken With Simple And Creamy Coleslaw - Midwest Life and Style Blog

Then top your meat with a heaping spoonful of creamy coleslaw.

Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken With Simple And Creamy Coleslaw - Midwest Life and Style Blog

To finish, plop on a few fresh, homemade dill pickles, and voila! You’ve got yourself the perfect BBQ chicken sandwich.

Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken With Simple And Creamy Coleslaw - Midwest Life and Style Blog

Of course, you can also serve coleslaw on the side instead. But in our house, when it comes to bbq sandwiches, this is the way to go.

How To Store Your Leftover BBQ Chicken And Coleslaw

The slow cooker BBQ chicken makes about 8 servings, while the creamy coleslaw makes approximately 14 to 16 ounces.

What I love most about this meal (besides how delicious it is) is how easy it is to clean up after dinner.

Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken With Simple And Creamy Coleslaw - Midwest Life and Style Blog

You can store your leftover BBQ chicken in an airtight food storage container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken With Simple And Creamy Coleslaw - Midwest Life and Style Blog

In my opinion, the coleslaw is best fresh, but the leftovers will be okay in the fridge for another day or two.

And the pickles will keep in the fridge, too. Just screw the lid back on your pint jar and enjoy them throughout the week on your favorite burgers and sandwiches.

Can You Make Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken and Creamy Coleslaw In Advance?

While the creamy coleslaw and pickles are best made fresh, you can absolutely make the slow cooker BBQ chicken in advance. Just follow the cooking instructions above.

Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken With Simple And Creamy Coleslaw - Midwest Life and Style Blog

Shred your meat and keep it refrigerated until ready to serve. Then reheat the chicken in your slow cooker, or in the microwave until it is warmed through.

Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken With Simple And Creamy Coleslaw - Midwest Life and Style Blog

Feeding a crowd? This recipe is perfect for a backyard BBQ, graduation party, family picnic, or neighborhood potluck. And it can easily be doubled (or tripled) as needed.

Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken With Simple And Creamy Coleslaw - Midwest Life and Style Blog

Time-Saving Tip: The cooked and shredded chicken can also be frozen and saved for extra meals or made ahead for large parties.

To freeze, first, allow your meat to cool completely. Then portion it into plastic freezer bags, lay them flat on a baking sheet, and place them in your freezer.

Laying the bags flat will make it easier to defrost them when you’re ready to reheat your chicken! (P.s. Don’t forget to label and date your bags! )

BBQ Shredded chicken can be frozen for up to 3 months.

The Best Sides To Pair With BBQ Chicken Sandwiches & Coleslaw

You’ve got your slow cooker BBQ chicken sandwich and some creamy coleslaw, but are you looking for other sides to serve with your meal?

Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken With Simple And Creamy Coleslaw - Midwest Life and Style Blog

Try pairing your dinner with some of these simple side dishes.

  • Cucumber Pasta Salad
  • Baked Beans
  • Fruit Salad
  • Corn on the Cob
  • Creamy Broccoli Salad
  • Potato Salad
  • Creamy Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken With Simple And Creamy Coleslaw

Okay, who’s hungry? I know I am! I hope your family enjoys this recipe for slow cooker BBQ chicken, creamy coleslaw, and homemade pickles as much as we do.

Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken With Simple And Creamy Coleslaw - Midwest Life and Style Blog

If you love this recipe, visit the Mrs. Wages® website or follow them on Instagram for even more mealtime inspiration.

And don’t forget! If you try it, leave a star rating on the recipe card so other readers can easily find it.

Or drop me a message in the comments and let me know what you think!

Enjoy!

Recipe For Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken With Simple And Creamy Coleslaw

Pin Recipe
5

Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken With Simple And Creamy Coleslaw

Do you need an easy dinner recipe? Make some simple BBQ chicken in the slow cooker and top it with creamy coleslaw and homemade pickles for a meal the whole family will love.
Print Recipe
Prep Time20 minutes mins
Cook Time4 hours hrs
Total Time4 hours hrs 20 minutes mins
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: BBQ, Chicken, Coleslaw, Pickles
Servings: 8

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker

Ingredients

BBQ Chicken

  • 3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 5-6 breasts)
  • 1 and ½ cups BBQ sauce
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar

Homemade Coleslaw

  • 1 bag fresh coleslaw (14 or 16 ounces)
  • 1 packet Mrs. Wages® 1 Step Coleslaw™ Creamy Coleslaw Dressing Mix
  • ½ cup mayonnaise

Homemade Pickles

  • ½ pound pickling cucumbers (about 2 medium)
  • packet Mrs. Wages® 1 Step Pickle™ Kosher Dill Ready-Made Pickling Mix

Instructions

To Make The Chicken

  • Add BBQ sauce, olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar to a 7 qt. slow cooker. Stir until well combined.
  • Add chicken breasts to the slow cooker and turn to coat. Cover and cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 6-7 hours.
  • When done, remove chicken and place on cutting board. Use meat claws or two forks to shred. Return to crockpot and mix with sauce.

To Make The Coleslaw

  • Empty one bag of fresh, shredded coleslaw into large mixing bowl. Add mayonnaise and pour 1 packet Mrs. Wages® 1 Step Coleslaw™ Creamy Coleslaw Dressing Mix over coleslaw.
  • Stir until coated. Then cover and chill for at least 1 hour before serving.

To Make The Pickles

  • Wash cucumbers and cut off ends. Slice or cut into spears and pack tightly in clean, sterilized pint jar.
  • Pour 1 packet Mrs. Wages® 1 Step Pickle™ Kosher Dill Ready-Made Pickling Mix over cucumbers and leave 1/2" space at top of jar.
  • Make sure cucumbers are completely covered by mix and screw on lid. Chill in fridge for at least 8 hours before eating.

To Build Your Sandwich

  • Add one large scoop of shredded BBQ chicken on the bottom of a bun.
  • Top with a heaping spoonful of coleslaw.
  • Finish with some fresh homemade pickles, put on the top half of the bun, and enjoy!

Notes

Leftover Chicken should be stored in airtight food storage container and kept in the fridge. It is best eaten within 3-4 days. 
Coleslaw is best eaten the day it is prepared. 
Pickles should be kept in the fridge and eaten within 1 week.

I would love to see what you make! If you try any of my recipes, be sure to tag me in your photos!

IG: @midwestlifeandstyle + #midwestlifeandstyle

Did You Enjoy This Recipe? PIN It for Later!

Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken With Simple And Creamy Coleslaw - Midwest Life and Style Blog

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May 2, 2023 · 8 Comments

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Lyndel Colman says

    July 1, 2024 at 7:55 pm

    Do you know of a substitute for Mrs. Wages mixes? I can’t find them here in Scottsdale, AZ
    Thanks

    Reply
    • midwestlifeandstyle says

      July 5, 2024 at 11:03 am

      Hi Lyndel,

      If you shop on Amazon you can find many of their mixes online: https://rstyle.me/+fHWFEC4rzKTo5A-DVKUeAg. I did find the pickle mixes, but not coleslaw. If I don’t have a Mrs. Wages coleslaw mix on hand, I usually just grab some pre-made slaw from our grocery store. I hope that helps!

      Reply
  2. Kim Waldorf says

    August 29, 2023 at 2:32 pm

    Gosh, this is perfect for football Sunday’s at our house. Sharing this in my Mitten Moments!

    Reply
    • midwestlifeandstyle says

      August 29, 2023 at 2:48 pm

      Thank you, Kim. Yes! It’s perfect football food. Easy to make, easy to serve, and easy to clean-up! You can also double your batch of chicken to freeze some for later.

      Reply
  3. Wendy McMonigle says

    August 28, 2023 at 2:18 pm

    5 stars
    Another winner: I am a big fan of Mrs. Wages, so I will also have to try this one. And your photograph is outstanding.

    Reply
    • midwestlifeandstyle says

      August 28, 2023 at 4:41 pm

      Thank you, Wendy. We love Mrs. Wages in our house too. Delicious and so easy to use. The coleslaw tastes just like homemade without all the extra work.

      Reply
  4. Renae Frey says

    May 2, 2023 at 8:53 am

    This sounds delicious and so easy, too. I will definitely be making this. Hugs to you.

    Reply
    • midwestlifeandstyle says

      May 2, 2023 at 8:57 am

      Thank you, Renae. It’s a meal we make often. Soooo good and super easy. I hop you enjoy it!

      Reply

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