Slow Cooker BBQ

Slow cooker BBQ is a true game changer for busy households. It's the perfect solution for when you want to make slow cooked, tender and flavorful BBQ without having to stand over the grill or stove-top all day. With the convenient timer settings and adjustable heat control, you can adjust your cooking times according to your preference. Plus, there’s nothing like that mouthwatering smell of BBQ while it cooks away in your kitchen.  

Introduction into Slow Cooker BBQ

When cooking slow cooker BBQ, it is important to remember that slow cookers are designed to cook at a slower, lower temperature than traditional grilling methods. This means that the meat won't get as charred or smoky as it would on a traditional grill. Instead, slow cooker barbecue relies on its seasonings and sauces to deliver its rich, smoky flavor.

The moist heat of the slow cooker will also help to make the meat tender and juicy. Additionally, if you’re using a leaner cut of meat such as chicken breasts, the slow cooker will help break down the proteins and fat, resulting in a juicy, tender end product.

In this guide, we will go over three popular and easy ways to have a BBQ-inspired meal cooked all in your slow cooker. Given the ability of this cooking method, these recipes will result in shredded or pulled meat that can then be used in several different ways to deliver an amazing meal at home.

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

Slow cooker pulled pork is a classic meal that is always delicious and filling. It is simple to make, only needing a few key ingredients, and can be served with a variety of different sauces or sides. Not only is it economical, but it can also be tailored to your individual tastes.

To begin, you will need to select a pork roast. The ideal cut will be a Boston butt or pork shoulder, as they are well-marbled with fat and collagen, resulting in flavorful and tender meat. Once you have a roast, you’ll want to trim any excess fat and cut the roast into two to four smaller pieces to help achieve even cooking all the way through. For this recipe, we chose to use our Lane’s Spellbound Rub to season the pork.

Once you have the meat seasoned and ready to go, pour 1/2 cup of our Itsa Vinegar sauce into the slow cooker and place the pork in on top of the sauce. Place your lid on top and set the heat level to LOW and cook for 8 hours or until the pork can easily be shredded. If you are checking for internal temperature, the meat should reach a temp of 205 degrees Fahrenheit when done.

Once the meat is done and shredded, you can leave the meat in the cooking liquid leftover to keep the meat moist and add extra flavor. Alternately, you remove and discard the cooking liquid in favor of saucing the shredded meat in your favorite sauce. We really love our LIL SPICY with pulled pork.

Slow Cooker Chicken

Chicken cooked in a slow cooker is incredibly tender and juicy, absorbing all the flavors of the marinades and sauces employed for additional flavor. When it comes to preparing slow cooker chicken, there are several different approaches.

What we will focus on here is the basic shredded style made with boneless and skinless cuts. Whether its chicken breasts or thighs, the cooking time and basic method will be same. You'll start with a half cup of liquid in the bottom of the pot, then add the chicken pieces and seasoning of your choice.

Cooking on low for 4 hours or high for at least 2 hours will be enough to get the chicken tender enough to shred. As always, check temperatures and make sure the chicken has reached at 165 degrees internal. At this point you'll want to shred the chicken and serve.

We recommend combining our Spellbound rub with some of our Kinda Sweet sauce for a traditional pulled bbq chicken flavor. You can also use our Fiesta rub with your favorite jarred salsa to make Mexican-inspired shredded chicken that is perfect for tacos and quesadillas. Finally, using our Signature rub with some One Legged Chicken sauce gives you a delicious Buffalo-style flavor, perfect for sliders or a creamy Buffalo dip.

Slow Cooker Beef

When it comes to slow cooker beef, the possibilities are endless. There are a wide variety of cuts of beef that work well when cooked in a slow cooker, such as chuck roast, sirloin, beef ribs, and even brisket! When buying beef for your slow cooker, look for cuts that are fatty or well marbled. This additional fat, when cooked slowly over time, will help to tenderize the meat and add flavor.

To make a decadent shredded beef that can be used in a variety of dishes, all you'll need are seasonings and a little liquid, as well as 4–8 hours of time.

For a specific example, we'll highlight a dish that has gained popularity over the last couple of years: the Mississippi roast. To start, you'll want to go with a roast cut, such as chuck or sirloin roast. For extra flavor, we recommend seasoning with Lane's SPG and searing on all sides for 3-5 minutes per side. Alternately, you can smoke the roast instead at 225–250 degrees F for 2–3 hours, depending on the level of smokiness you want.

After you've seared or smoked the roast, place some thinly sliced sweet onions in the bottom of the slow cooker. Place the roast on top of the onions. To make this the Mississippi version, you'll then add one packet each of powdered gravy (either brown gravy or au jus style) and dry ranch dressing mix. On top of that, add 1/2 to 1 stick of butter and a small jar or half of a large jar of pickled pepperoncini peppers and their brine. After 4 hours on high or 8 hours on low heat, you'll have some of the most flavorful shredded beef of your life.

In colder weather, serve this alongside or over mashed potatoes or rice for a hearty comfort meal. Where this beef really shines is in a sandwich on a toasted baguette with some extra peppers and provolone cheese.

Recap

In conclusion, if you're pressed for time and don't have the ability to monitor a grill or smoker all day, break out that slow cooker and let it take care of the work for you. You'll be able to have dinner cooking while at work or while spending more time with family and loved ones while still delivering a delicious, flavorful meal without worry. With the right cuts of meat and Lane's rubs and sauces, unforgettable slow cooker BBQ is right at your finger tips.