Slow-Cooker BBQ Chicken

I've been working behind the fine jewelry counter at Macy's to help make ends meet until I can find something full time. I actually like it. Retail really isn't what I want to be doing, but as far as retail goes, I do like getting to play with diamonds and sapphires and gold and pearls. Especially when it comes to helping men pick out gifts for their ladies. But that's beside the point. Though I've left my availability pretty much open with Macy's, I tend to get scheduled for the closing shifts because that's what they need the most. I don't really mind it, except that it makes spending time with hubby in the evenings hard. I still try to get something together for dinner when I can, even if I can't be there when he gets home.

That's where the appeal of this meal comes in. It's really more of a technique than a recipe, but I do think it's worth blogging about because it is so easy, so versatile, and so yummy.

First, to keep the chicken from getting soggy, put a few balls of aluminum foil on the bottom of your crockpot (I added more after taking this picture). Then, to keep the chicken moist, pour in some chicken broth.

Next, prepare the meat. I'm using a whole chicken. Remove as much of the skin and fat as you can. If you leave it on there, dinner's going to be really greasy, so it really is best to get off as much as possible.

This step attracted some sad, starving critters.

After that, I seasoned the meat with some chicken rub.

Then I put the chicken in the crock pot. I put it in breast down, since the breast is the most vulnerable to drying out.

And I stuffed the cavity with an apple. Here it is.

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I'm not posting a picture of it stuffed in the bird because it was just too hard to get a picture of it, but it's not hard to imagine, is it? I just stuffed as much of the apple in the cavity as I could.

Finally, grab some BBQ sauce. You could make your own, or you could just use what you have.

I went ahead and dumped about 2 cups worth right on the chicken.

Then put a lid on it and walk away!

I have it set to "high" in this picture, but it really should be on low.

I wasn't going to be home when hubby got home and was ready to eat, so I set out some packets of BBQ sauce and wet wipes for him.

When I finally got home after my shift and put my own plate together, I was pleased with the way it turned out.

The chicken was falling off the bone, which made it really messy, but it was very tender and didn't require a knife. As for the apple, I didn't touch it because I thought the texture was kind of icky, but it was nice to boost the flavor of the chicken with it. But the chicken was moist and delicious.

And just wait until you see what I did with the leftovers!