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Crockpot BBQ Chicken
This Crockpot BBQ Chicken is the kind of recipe every home cook needs. It is simple, flavorful, hands-off, and perfect for weeknights when you want something delicious without hovering over the stove. The chicken cooks low and slow until it is tender enough to shred with a fork, and the barbecue sauce becomes rich, thick, and sticky. It is ideal for sandwiches, sliders, rice bowls, salads, or a quick family dinner.
Recipe Card
Crockpot BBQ Chicken
Type: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4 to 6 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 320
Main Ingredients: Chicken breasts, BBQ sauce, onion, spices
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Boneless skinless chicken breasts | 2 lbs | Can substitute chicken thighs |
| BBQ sauce | 1 1/2 cups | Use your favorite brand |
| Onion, finely chopped | 1 small | Adds sweetness and flavor |
| Apple cider vinegar | 2 tbsp | Balances sweetness |
| Brown sugar | 2 tbsp | Optional, adds richer flavor |
| Garlic powder | 1 tsp | |
| Onion powder | 1 tsp | |
| Smoked paprika | 1 tsp | Adds smoky depth |
| Salt | 1/2 tsp | Adjust to taste |
| Black pepper | 1/2 tsp | |
| Worcestershire sauce | 1 tbsp | Adds savory umami |
| Optional: Red pepper flakes | 1/4 tsp | For a little heat |
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker. Make sure they sit in a single layer so they cook evenly.
- In a bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Pour the mixture over the chicken, fully coating all pieces.
- Add the chopped onion on top.
- Cover the slow cooker with the lid.
- Cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. Chicken should be very tender.
- Remove the chicken from the crockpot and shred it using two forks.
- Return the shredded chicken to the BBQ sauce in the slow cooker and stir well. Let it cook for 10 to 15 more minutes to absorb flavor.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Add more BBQ sauce for a richer finish.
Pro Tips for Success
Use a good quality BBQ sauce
The flavor of the final dish depends heavily on the sauce you choose. Choose a thick, smoky sauce for the best result.
Avoid overcooking
Chicken breasts dry out if cooked too long. Stick to the recommended time or use chicken thighs for extra tenderness.
Add more BBQ sauce after shredding
The chicken absorbs sauce during the final simmer and becomes juicy and flavorful.
Do not skip the vinegar
A splash of acidity balances the sweetness and prevents the dish from tasting too sugary.
Optional: crisp it under the broiler
After shredding, spread the chicken on a baking sheet and broil for 3 to 4 minutes for crispy edges.
Variations and Substitutions
Make it spicy
Add cayenne, chipotle powder, or hot BBQ sauce.
Make it smoky
Use smoked paprika and a hickory-flavored sauce.
Make it low sugar
Choose sugar-free BBQ sauce and omit the brown sugar.
Use different meats
Chicken thighs, pork tenderloin, or even turkey breasts work well.
Add vegetables
Bell peppers, onions, or corn can be cooked along with the chicken.
Serving Suggestions
This Crockpot BBQ Chicken pairs well with:
- Soft sandwich buns
- Coleslaw on top or on the side
- Baked potatoes or sweet potatoes
- Mac and cheese
- White rice or brown rice
- Cornbread
- Salad bowls
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerator:
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer:
Freeze in freezer bags for up to 3 months. Flatten the bags for easy storage.
Reheat:
Warm on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave in 30-second increments. Add extra BBQ sauce if needed.
Nutrition Table (Approximate)
| Nutrition | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Carbohydrates | 22 g |
| Fat | 10 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 16 g |
| Sodium | 690 mg |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using too much liquid. The chicken releases juices, so you do not need water or broth.
- Overcooking the chicken. It becomes dry if cooked too long on high.
- Not shredding the chicken in the sauce. It needs that extra soak to stay moist.
- Using watery BBQ sauce. Thin sauces produce a runny chicken mixture.
- Not seasoning enough. BBQ sauce is flavorful but still needs spices for depth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but add 1 extra hour to the cooking time and ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Can I use chicken thighs?
Absolutely. Thighs stay juicier and are harder to overcook.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. It reheats very well and is perfect for meal prep.
How do I thicken the sauce?
Remove the lid and cook on high for 20 minutes, or add a bit more BBQ sauce.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes. You may need an extra hour of cooking time for larger batches.
What is the best BBQ sauce for this?
A thick, smoky, slightly sweet sauce works best. Brands like Sweet Baby Ray’s or Stubb’s are excellent choices.
Conclusion
This Crockpot BBQ Chicken is simple, dependable, and packed with flavor. With only a few minutes of prep, you get a tender, saucy, satisfying meal that works for sandwiches, bowls, sliders, or quick weeknight dinners. If you enjoy slow cooker recipes, this one will quickly become a staple in your rotation.
Crockpot BBQ Chicken
Indulge in the comfort of hearty and satisfying meals with this mouth-watering crockpot BBQ chicken recipe. Tender and juicy chicken infused with rich and smoky BBQ flavors, slow-cooked to perfection.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Place the chicken in the crockpot, ensuring even distribution.
- Pour BBQ sauce over the chicken, coating each piece generously.
- Sprinkle paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper over the chicken and sauce.
- Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4 hours until the chicken is tender.
- Shred the cooked chicken using two forks.
- Serve hot and enjoy with your favorite sides.
