This BBQ Goose in Crock Pot recipe is a simple and flavorful way to cook goose in the slow cooker, with tender meat and rich barbecue flavor coming together without any complicated steps.

When hunters talk about cooking goose, most people immediately think of goose breasts on the grill or goose jerky in the dehydrator. But let’s be honest - those big, meaty Canada Goose leg quarters often get overlooked. Many hunters either toss them in the freezer and forget about them, or worse, they don’t even bother taking them home. That’s a shame, because those legs and thighs are packed with rich flavor and tender meat - if you cook them right.
That’s where the BBQ Goose in Crock Pot Recipe comes in. This slow cooker goose recipe transforms tough goose legs into juicy, saucy pulled barbecue that tastes incredible piled high with coleslaw and BBQ baked beans. And here’s the best part: it’s an easy, set-it-and-forget-it recipe perfect for busy parents, weekday dinners, or weekend cookouts with friends.
Whether you call it BBQ Goose, Barbecue Goose, or simply goose in a crock pot, this dish will make you think twice before leaving another goose leg quarter in the field.
Why You'll Love This BBQ Goose Recipe
- Easy prep: A quick sear, then the slow cooker does the work.
- Hands-off cooking: Perfect for busy parents juggling after-school chaos or anyone with a packed schedule.
- Tender meat: Goose legs get fall-off-the-bone tender after a long simmer in broth and spices.
- Crowd-pleasing flavors: Sweet, smoky barbecue sauce makes it taste like a backyard favorite, not something with a “gamey flavor.”
- Versatile serving: Load it on buns or serve it straight with sides.
A Friendly Tip From A Wild Game Chef
I’ve been cooking wild game for years, and goose is one of those birds that divides hunters. Some folks swear it’s too tough or too “gamey.” But the truth is, goose just needs the right cooking method.
Quick, hot cooking works for the breasts. But those legs and thighs? They shine with low and slow cooking. The crock pot is your best friend here. Add the right seasonings and a splash of barbecue sauce, and suddenly you’ve got a meal that rivals pulled pork.
Ingredients You'll Need
Here’s everything required to make this barbecue goose crock pot recipe. Keep it simple, follow these steps, and you’ll end up with a dish that’ll impress hunters and non-hunters alike.
- 6 Canada Goose leg quarters (from 3 birds)
- 1 Tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 Tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 Tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 Tablespoon onion powder
- 1 Tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 cup Wilber's Barbecue Sauce (or your favorite brand), divided
Step-by-Step Instructions for Barbecue Goose
Follow these simple steps for the best crock pot goose recipe:
1. Season the goose
- Pat the goose leg quarters dry with a paper towel.
- Sprinkle kosher salt and black pepper evenly on all sides.
2. Sear the meat
- Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add olive oil.
- Sear the goose for 2 ½ to 3 minutes per side until browned.
3. Load the slow cooker
- Transfer the seared goose to your crock pot.
- Add beef broth, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, and ½ cup of the barbecue sauce.
4. Cook low and slow
- Cover and cook on Low for 8 to 10 hours.
- Or cook on High for 5 to 6 hours.
- The goose is ready when it reaches 165 degrees F and shreds easily.
5. Shred and Sauce
- Remove goose to a cutting board or pan.
- Use tongs or a fork to shred the meat. Discard the bones.
- Return shredded goose to the crock pot.
- Stir in the remaining ½ cup of barbecue sauce.
6. Serve and enjoy
- Spoon the BBQ goose onto buns.
- Pair with baked beans, coleslaw, or pickles.
Cooking Tips For Perfect Slow Cooker Goose
- Don’t skip the sear. Browning the goose adds depth of flavor and locks in juices.
- Use a good barbecue sauce. I like Wilber’s, but any tangy, smoky sauce works.
- Taste as you go. Once shredded, you can always add more sauce or spices to fit your taste.
- Meal prep friendly. This recipe reheats beautifully, so make a big batch and enjoy leftovers.
What To Serve With BBQ Goose
This slow cooker goose recipe is comfort food at its finest. Here are some serving ideas to round out the meal:
- Classic BBQ sides: Coleslaw, baked beans, cornbread, or mac and cheese.
- Sandwich style: Pile it on toasted buns with pickles and jalapeños.
- Taco night: Wrap shredded goose in tortillas with cheese.
- Potluck style: Keep it warm in the crock pot and let everyone serve themselves.
Why Goose In The Crock Pot Works So Well
Many hunters underestimate how forgiving a goose crock pot recipe can be. Goose legs are full of connective tissue and muscle. That makes them tough if you roast or grill them. But the moist heat of a slow cooker breaks down those fibers and transforms them into something incredible.
It’s like magic - what was once tough and chewy becomes tender, juicy, and flavorful. If you’ve ever wanted a slow cooker goose recipe that guarantees success, this is it.
More Family Favorite Goose Recipes
If you are looking for more great goose recipes, check these out that have all been tested and approved by my wife and our 9-year-old daughter:
Come Goose Hunting in North Dakota
If you are headed our way for North Dakota waterfowl season, check out the North Dakota Game & Fish Department website. And if you want me to come along with you as your camp cook, photographer, or butcher, you can find out more details here.
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BBQ Goose in Crock Pot Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 Canada Goose leg quarters (from 3 birds)
- 1 Tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 Tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 Tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 Tablespoon onion powder
- 1 Tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 cup Wilber's Barbecue Sauce (or your favorite brand), divided
Instructions
- First, season the goose leg quarters with kosher salt and black pepper on all sides.
- Heat large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil to the pan.
- Sear the goose in the skillet for about 2 ½ to 3 minutes per side.
- Transfer goose to a slow cooker and add beef broth, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, and ½ cup of BBQ sauce. Cover and cook on Low for 8 to 10 hours or on High for 5 to 6 hours. The goose is done when cooked through to an internal temperature of 165 degrees F and is easy to shred.
- Remove goose to a cutting board and shred with tongs or a fork. Discard the bones. Place shredded goose back in the crock pot with the remaining ½ cup of BBQ sauce. Stir to coat with the yummy sauce.
- Serve it as is or on buns with your favorite sides like BBQ baked beans and coleslaw.
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