This post is sponsored by Tony Chachere’s, but all opinions are 100% my own.
Weeknight cooking can seem daunting when back to school rolls around and schedules get hectic. One of my favorite weeknight cooking hacks for busy times is to cook once and eat it multiple times throughout the week. To prevent my family from getting tired of a certain dish, I like to make multiple meals out of one recipe. I partnered with my friends at Tony Chachere’s to create this delicious Slow Cooker Cajun BBQ Chicken recipe that you can eat three different ways throughout the week. This recipe will quickly become one of your go-to weeknight meals that your whole family will love.
There are two big perks to making this recipe, one being that the Cajun BBQ Chicken is made right in the slow cooker, BBQ sauce and all so it’s minimal time and minimal prep! The other big perk is that it makes enough to create three separate dinners throughout the week. My favorite ways to transform this Cajun BBQ chicken is to turn it into a delicious and fresh salad, irresistible tacos, and a mouth watering BBQ sandwich with slaw!
The BBQ sauce is extra special thanks to a base of Tony Chachere’s Burger Marinade, which may sound odd but trust me the flavors are delicious! The burger marinade truly gives this sauce a great foundation of flavor. with notes of honey, bbq smoke, bacon, and creole seasoning! From there I add in some ketchup, onion, garlic, and extra spices to make this bbq sauce perfectly delicious for the chicken to cook in. Simply add all ingredients to your slow cooker, coat the chicken, and turn it on! It doesn’t get much easier than that!
Honestly this BBQ sauce is one that you should make and keep in your fridge for ribs, chicken, pork and more! It’s just that good. You can simply simmer the ingredients in a saucepan for 15 minutes and then transfer to a mason jar and keep in the refrigerator for whenever you need a good sauce!
As far as the chicken goes, I like to use a mix of boneless and skinless thighs and breasts here, but feel free to use whichever you prefer or have on hand! I like to mix them to cut down on the cost of the chicken, as breasts are always more expensive. Using boneless and skinless chicken here is the way to go because after the chicken has cooked through, you simply shred it and mix with the sauce right in the slow cooker. This recipe is so easy and will have your house smelling incredible too!
Make one or all of the recipes that I am sharing with you throughout the week and make any weeknight a breeze for dinner!
Ingredients:
For the Chicken-
4 Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
4 Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs
1 Bottle Tony Chachere’s Burger Marinade
1/2 Cup Ketchup
2 Finely Minced Garlic Cloves
1/2 Cup Grated Onion
1 Tbsp. Tony Chachere’s Original Creole Seasoning
3 Tbsp. Brown Sugar
1 Tsp. Chili Powder
1 Tsp. Paprika
2 Tbsp. Tomato Paste
2 Tbsp. Dry Mustard
For the Salad-
1 Head Romaine Lettuce
2 Cup Grilled Corn, kernels removed
1 Avocado, Diced
1 Cup Chopped Cucumber
1 Cup Black Beans
1 Cup Grape Tomatoes
1 Cup Monterey Jack Cheese (optional)
Tony Chachere’s Ranch Dressing for topping
For the Tacos-
Tortillas
Pico de Gallo
Avocado
Monterey Jack Cheese
For the Sandwiches-
Hamburger Buns
Cole Slaw Mix
Tony Chachere’s Ranch Dressing
Note: (Combine slaw mix with ranch dressing for an easy and delicious slaw idea!)
Directions:
Prep the chicken by combining Tony Chachere’s Burger Marinade, Ketchup, Garlic Cloves, Grated Onion, Tony Chachere’s Original Creole Seasoning, Brown Sugar, Chili Powder, Paprika, Tomato Paste, and Dry Mustard, in the bottom of the crockpot and stir to combine.
Next add in chicken breasts and thighs and stir to coat the chicken thoroughly.
Turn slow cooker on and cook on high for 4 hours or slow for 6 hours until the chicken is tender.
Shred the chicken using two forks and toss with the sauce.
Serve as BBQ Cajun Chicken Salads, BBQ Cajun Chicken Tacos, or BBQ Cajun Chicken Sandwiches as desired.
I can’t wait for you to make this recipe, I mean how good does that chicken look? You are going to love all three of these dishes and the fact that they can be ready in minutes on even the busiest of nights! Enjoy!
