If you’re looking for an easy, hands-off dinner that’s packed with flavor and falls-apart tender every single time, you’ve got to try this Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Recipe. I absolutely love how simple it is to toss everything in the crock pot, then come back hours later to a meal that tastes like it’s been slow-cooked for days. Whether you’re making sandwiches for a crowd, a cozy family dinner, or just craving that tangy, slightly sweet BBQ goodness, this recipe is a total winner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Prep: Just toss all ingredients in your slow cooker and go about your day—no fuss, no stress.
- Tender, Juicy Chicken: The chicken shreds perfectly every time and soaks up that tangy-sweet BBQ sauce beautifully.
- Versatile Serving Options: Use it in sandwiches, over rice, or tossed with veggies for a crowd-pleaser.
- Family Favorite: My family goes crazy for this—the leftovers never last long!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Recipe is in how a handful of simple ingredients come together to create bold flavor that feels like it took hours more effort than it actually did. Each key ingredient plays a role in making this dish so special and delicious.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless works best for easy shredding—but feel free to use thighs if you prefer extra richness.
- BBQ Sauce: I’m partial to Sweet Baby Ray’s Honey BBQ, but any good quality sauce you love will do the trick.
- Onion: Grated onion (including the juice) adds subtle sweetness and depth to the sauce without the texture of chopped onions.
- Olive oil: Helps to smooth the sauce and keep everything moist.
- Worcestershire sauce: Adds a nice savory umami punch that balances the sweetness.
- Brown sugar: Just a touch to boost that caramelized BBQ flavor.
Variations
One of the reasons I keep coming back to this Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Recipe is how easy it is to tweak for different tastes and dietary needs. Feel free to get creative and make it your own!
- Spicy Kick: Add a few dashes of hot sauce or some cayenne to the sauce mixture for a fiery twist—I love this when I’m craving a little heat.
- Thighs Instead of Breasts: I’ve swapped chicken thighs in for a more tender, juicy outcome and it’s just as fabulous.
- Smoky Flavor: Stir in a bit of smoked paprika or liquid smoke for that campfire vibe, perfect for summer cookouts.
- Low-Sugar: Use a sugar-free BBQ sauce and skip the brown sugar for a healthier twist without sacrificing flavor.
How to Make Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Mix Your Sauce Base
Start by combining your BBQ sauce, grated onion with its juice, olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar directly in your slow cooker. I like to whisk everything together right there—it saves you from extra bowls and cleanup. The grated onion adds such a fantastic natural sweetness and subtle texture; don’t skip it!
Step 2: Add and Coat the Chicken
Tuck the chicken breasts into the sauce and use a spoon or tongs to coat every piece thoroughly. This is where the magic happens—the chicken slowly absorbs that saucy goodness, turning every bite juicy and flavorful.
Step 3: Cook Low and Slow (or Fast!)
Cover and cook on HIGH for 2 to 3 hours or LOW for 6 to 7 hours. Here’s what I learned over time: if you’re using smaller chicken pieces or a smaller batch, start checking sooner. No one wants overcooked chicken! The key is that it reaches 165˚F internally and easily shreds with a fork.
Step 4: Shred and Finish
Once cooked, remove the chicken breast onto a cutting board and shred with two forks. Then, stir the shredded chicken back into the sauce in the slow cooker. This step lets the shredded meat soak up even more flavor before serving. Trust me—this is the step that turns good BBQ chicken into great BBQ chicken.
Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Recipe
- Choose Even-Sized Chicken Breasts: This ensures they cook evenly; otherwise, smaller pieces might dry out before larger ones are done.
- Don’t Skip the Grated Onion: I discovered this trick adds natural sweetness without chunks, making the sauce smooth and tasty.
- Shredding Right Away: Shred the chicken right after cooking while it’s hot—it’s much easier and faster.
- Adjust BBQ Sauce to Taste: Some sauces are sweeter or tangier—feel free to add a splash of vinegar or a bit more brown sugar to balance it.
How to Serve Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
I like to top my BBQ chicken with fresh chopped cilantro for a pop of color and brightness. A little shredded cheddar cheese or sliced green onions never hurts, either. For a bit of crunch, try pickled jalapeños or crispy fried onions on top.
Side Dishes
Classic coleslaw is my go-to pairing with this slow cooker BBQ chicken recipe—it cuts through the sauce’s richness perfectly. You can also serve it with cornbread, creamy mashed potatoes, or even a fresh green salad to keep things light and balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual party, pile the shredded chicken on slider buns with pickles and extra BBQ sauce for a crowd-pleasing spread. I’ve also used it as a filling for BBQ chicken tacos paired with avocado and crunchy slaw—it’s a fun twist everyone raves about!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store any leftover BBQ chicken in an airtight container in the fridge where it keeps beautifully for 3 to 4 days. The sauce continues to soak into the meat, making the leftovers even tastier the next day.
Freezing
Freezing this Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Recipe works really well. I portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags and it stays great for about 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of water or extra BBQ sauce to keep it moist. Stirring occasionally helps the chicken heat evenly without drying out.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Recipe?
While you can technically use frozen chicken breasts, I recommend thawing them first for even cooking. Frozen chicken might take longer to reach the safe internal temperature and could result in unevenly cooked meat.
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Can I make this in an Instant Pot instead of a slow cooker?
Absolutely! You can adapt this recipe for the Instant Pot by using the sauté function to mix your sauce ingredients, adding the chicken, sealing the lid, and cooking on high pressure for about 15 minutes, followed by a natural release.
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How do I prevent the chicken from drying out in the slow cooker?
Keep the cooking time within the recommended range and avoid lifting the lid too often. Using chicken breasts of uniform size and ensuring there’s enough sauce to keep the meat moist also helps retain juiciness.
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Can I use this Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Recipe for meal prep?
Definitely! It reheats well and pairs perfectly with a variety of sides, making it a great option for easy lunches and dinners throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Recipe has become my go-to whenever I want a fuss-free dinner that still brings maximum flavor and comfort. I love knowing it’s so easy to throw together yet always impresses everyone at the table. Give it a try and I bet you’ll find yourself making it on repeat just like me!
Print
Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings (if used in sandwiches) 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken recipe is a simple and flavorful dish perfect for sandwiches or a hearty meal. Tender boneless, skinless chicken breasts are slow-cooked in a rich, tangy BBQ sauce mixture, resulting in juicy, shreddable chicken infused with a sweet and savory taste. Ideal for busy days, this slow cooker recipe requires minimal prep and delivers delicious, melt-in-your-mouth barbecue chicken that can be served in various ways.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
BBQ Sauce Mixture
- 1 1/2 cups BBQ Sauce (Sweet Baby Ray’s Honey BBQ recommended)
- 1/2 medium onion, grated with juice
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 Tbsp brown sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a 5-6 quart slow cooker, stir together the BBQ sauce, grated onion with its juice, olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar until well combined, creating the delicious base for the chicken.
- Add Chicken: Place the chicken breasts into the slow cooker and turn them to coat evenly with the sauce mixture, ensuring all pieces are covered to absorb maximum flavor during cooking.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook the chicken on high heat for 2 to 3 hours or on low heat for 6 to 7 hours. Check earlier if using smaller chicken pieces or a smaller portion to avoid overcooking. The chicken is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165˚F and can be easily shredded.
- Shred the Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken breasts from the slow cooker and place them on a cutting board. Using two forks, shred each breast into bite-sized pieces for better texture and sauce absorption.
- Combine and Serve: Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir it into the remaining BBQ sauce. Mix well so the shredded chicken is fully coated with the flavorful sauce. Serve hot, perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or as a main dish.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through to a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
- For a smokier flavor, add a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the sauce mixture.
- Leftover BBQ chicken can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for longer storage.
- If preferred, chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for a juicier result.
- Adjust the cooking time if using smaller chicken pieces to prevent overcooking and dryness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 recipe (approximately 4 oz chicken)
- Calories: 270 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 4.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
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