Crockpot BBQ Chicken

Crockpot BBQ Chicken is an easy slow cooker recipe made with tender shredded chicken simmered in a rich, smoky barbecue sauce. Perfect for sandwiches, sliders, tacos, baked potatoes, or meal prep, this hands-off dinner is a family favorite.

Crockpot BBQ Chicken

Crockpot BBQ Chicken is a simple slow cooker recipe that delivers juicy, flavorful shredded chicken with almost no effort. Whether served on sandwiches, sliders, tacos, or over rice, it's an easy family dinner you'll want to make again and again.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 hours hrs

Total Time 5 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Servings: 6

Calories: 340

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1½ cups barbecue sauce
• ¼ cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon chili powder optional
• Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Method

 

1. Lightly grease the slow cooker with cooking spray.
2. Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker.
3. In a bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce, chicken broth, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and chili powder.
4. Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken.
5. Cover and cook on LOW for 5 to 6 hours or HIGH for 2½ to 3 hours.
6. Remove the chicken and shred it using two forks.
7. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir until fully coated in the barbecue sauce.
8. Cook for another 15 to 20 minutes on LOW to absorb the sauce.
9. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

• Use your favorite barbecue sauce for the flavor you enjoy most.
• Chicken breasts shred easily after slow cooking.
• Add more barbecue sauce if you like extra saucy chicken.
• Avoid overcooking to keep the chicken moist.
• Stir well before serving so every bite is coated.

Variations

• Add sliced onions to the slow cooker.
• Use boneless chicken thighs for extra juicy meat.
• Mix in a little hot sauce for spicy BBQ chicken.
• Add a splash of liquid smoke for a deeper smoky flavor.
• Top with shredded cheddar cheese when serving.

Serving Suggestions

• Pile onto hamburger buns for BBQ sandwiches.
• Serve on slider buns for parties.
• Spoon over baked potatoes.
• Fill tacos or burritos.
• Serve with coleslaw, corn, or macaroni and cheese.

Tips

• Shred the chicken while it’s still warm.
• Let the shredded chicken sit in the sauce for 15 minutes before serving.
• Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
• Reheat gently with a splash of barbecue sauce if needed.

Prep Time, Cook Time, and Total Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 6 hours

Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes

Servings

Serves: 6

Nutrition Information (Approximate Per Serving)

• Calories: 340
• Protein: 34g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fat: 12g
• Sodium: 720mg

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken?

For food safety, it’s best to thaw the chicken before placing it in the slow cooker so it cooks evenly.

Can I use chicken thighs?

Yes. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs stay very tender and shred beautifully.

What is the best barbecue sauce to use?

Any favorite store-bought or homemade barbecue sauce works well. Sweet, smoky, spicy, or honey BBQ are all great options.

How do I keep the chicken from drying out?

Cook on LOW whenever possible and avoid cooking longer than necessary. The sauce also helps keep the chicken moist.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes. It reheats very well, making it perfect for meal prep, parties, or busy weeknights.

What can I serve with Crockpot BBQ Chicken?

Serve it on sandwich buns, over rice, on baked potatoes, in wraps, or with classic sides like coleslaw, baked beans, fries, or potato salad.