Okay, let’s get cooking! I’m so excited to share one of my all-time favorite, super easy recipes with you today: Crockpot BBQ Chicken. I remember the first time I made this. I was a brand-new mom, completely exhausted, and desperately searching for something simple that wouldn’t involve me hovering over the stove all afternoon. Honestly, it was a game changer. I threw everything in the crockpot before my morning coffee was even finished, and by dinnertime, we had the most amazing, fall-apart tender Crockpot BBQ Chicken ready to go.

The smell alone was intoxicating – that sweet and smoky BBQ sauce simmering all day… yum! There was a bit of a learning curve, though. I definitely used too much BBQ sauce the first time (oops!), and it was a little too sweet. But after a few tweaks, I perfected it, and now it’s a staple. It’s pure comfort food, and it fits perfectly into our crazy, busy lives. I really think this Crockpot BBQ Chicken recipe will become a lifesaver for you, too. Come on, let’s gather the ingredients. You won’t regret it! And if you are looking for another great crockpot recipe, check this one out! Crockpot Marry Me Chicken.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to create this masterpiece:

2-3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 ½ cups of your favorite BBQ sauce
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Hamburger buns, for serving (optional)

Ingredient Spotlight

Okay, let’s talk ingredients for a minute. For this Crockpot BBQ Chicken, I always use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They’re just the easiest, and the Crockpot BBQ Chicken shreds so beautifully. I prefer a slightly thicker BBQ sauce – it seems to cling to the chicken better. When making Crockpot BBQ Chicken, you can find a great selection of BBQ sauces at your local grocery store, or even try making your own!

Here’s a Crockpot BBQ Chicken trick I learned from my mom: a splash of apple cider vinegar adds a nice tang that cuts through the sweetness of the BBQ sauce. It’s a game changer! And don’t skip the smoked paprika! It gives the Crockpot BBQ Chicken a wonderful smoky flavor.

As for cost-saving tips, keep an eye out for chicken breasts on sale – that’s the best way to save money. And brown sugar keeps forever in an airtight container, so no worries about it going bad! I like to store my leftover BBQ sauce in the refrigerator after making the recipe. Also, If you want to try a similar recipe, check this one out! Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti.

How to Make Crockpot BBQ Chicken: Step-by-Step

Follow these simple steps for a delicious, effortless meal:

First, place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your crockpot. Don’t worry about trimming them too much – the Crockpot BBQ Chicken will be so tender, any little bits will just shred up nicely.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper. I learned the hard way with Crockpot BBQ Chicken that if you don’t whisk the sauce well, you can get clumps of brown sugar. So, whisk it good!
Pour the BBQ sauce mixture over the chicken breasts, making sure they’re evenly coated. Don’t worry if your Crockpot BBQ Chicken breasts are overlapping a little bit – they’ll shrink as they cook.
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. In my kitchen, Crockpot BBQ Chicken usually takes about 7 hours on low, but every crockpot is different, so keep an eye on it. See also Crockpot BBQ Chicken – Best Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken!
Once the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork, remove it from the crockpot and place it in a large bowl.
Using two forks, shred the chicken. Your Crockpot BBQ Chicken should smell like smoky, sweet goodness at this point!
Pour about half of the cooking liquid from the crockpot over the shredded chicken. This is the secret to keeping the Crockpot BBQ Chicken super moist and flavorful. You can add more liquid if you like, depending on how saucy you want it.
Stir the chicken and sauce together until well combined.
Serve the pulled bbq chicken on hamburger buns, topped with your favorite coleslaw, or however you like!

Time-Saving Tips

While the Crockpot BBQ Chicken is cooking, I usually tackle some laundry, help the kids with their homework, or maybe even sneak in a little nap! It’s the beauty of the crockpot – it does all the work for you! If you’re short on time, you can definitely cook it on high, but I find that the low and slow method really makes the chicken extra tender. And here’s a family-tested Crockpot BBQ Chicken time-saver: you can even use frozen chicken breasts! Just add an extra hour or two to the cooking time. Also, check out this external link with additional tips: Pulled Chicken (Crock Pot BBQ Chicken) – Sugar Spun Run.

Serving Suggestions

Oh, how we love this Crockpot BBQ Chicken at our house! The kids love our Crockpot BBQ Chicken when I serve it on toasted hamburger buns with a side of sweet potato fries. It’s their absolute favorite! I personally love topping mine with a tangy coleslaw – the crunch and acidity are the perfect complement to the sweet and smoky Crockpot BBQ Chicken. Some great side dishes that pair with Crockpot BBQ Chicken are mac and cheese, corn on the cob, or a simple green salad.

This Crockpot BBQ Chicken is perfect for potlucks, picnics, or even just a busy weeknight dinner. It’s always a crowd-pleaser! For presentation, I like to pile the pulled bbq chicken high on the buns and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or cilantro. If you have extra Crockpot BBQ Chicken, it’s fantastic in quesadillas, tacos, or even on top of a baked potato. I’ve even used it to make bbq chicken sandwiches the next day for lunch.

For a seasonal Crockpot BBQ Chicken variation, try adding a can of diced tomatoes with green chilies for a little kick. My friends always ask for this Crockpot BBQ Chicken recipe, and I’m always happy to share it! For another great recipe that’s easy to make check out this one. Irresistible Crockpot Mexican Chicken Pozole Verde.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for this Crockpot BBQ Chicken recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will give you an even richer flavor and will be incredibly tender. Just be sure to trim off any excess fat before cooking. My family loves it both ways, so I switch it up depending on what I have on hand.
My Crockpot BBQ Chicken is too watery. What did I do wrong?
Sometimes, chicken releases a lot of liquid while it cooks. You know what I do when my Crockpot BBQ Chicken turns out too watery? I simply remove the chicken and shred it, then put the sauce in a saucepan on the stove and simmer it until it thickens up a bit. Then, I pour it back over the chicken. Problem solved!
Can I add vegetables to the crockpot with the chicken?
Definitely! Onions and bell peppers are great additions. Just chop them up and throw them in with the chicken. They’ll cook down and become nice and tender. Some readers have also suggested adding pineapple chunks for a sweet and tangy twist to the Crockpot BBQ Chicken.
How long does Crockpot BBQ Chicken last in the refrigerator?
Cooked Crockpot BBQ Chicken will last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container.
Can I freeze Crockpot BBQ Chicken?
Yes! These easy crockpot chicken recipes are great for freezing. Let the chicken cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. It will last for up to 2-3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop.
My BBQ sauce is too sweet. How can I balance the flavor?
If your BBQ sauce is too sweet, try adding a tablespoon or two of apple cider vinegar or a squeeze of lemon juice. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little heat. I always taste the sauce before I pour it over the chicken and adjust the seasonings as needed.
Can I use a different type of BBQ sauce for this Crockpot BBQ Chicken?
Of course! Feel free to experiment with different flavors of BBQ sauce. A smoky BBQ sauce would be delicious, or you could try a spicy BBQ sauce for a little kick. It’s all about finding what you like best.

Another great option to check out is this link Crockpot BBQ Chicken Recipe – Easy Chicken Recipes

My Final Thoughts

This Crockpot BBQ Chicken recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s such a reliable, easy, and delicious meal that my whole family loves. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights, potlucks, or any time you need a comforting and satisfying meal.

My Crockpot BBQ Chicken Pro Tips:

Don’t overcook the chicken: It will become dry and stringy.
Use a good quality BBQ sauce: It makes a big difference in the overall flavor.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings: Add a little garlic powder, onion powder, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper to customize the flavor.

Here are a few Crockpot BBQ Chicken variations we’ve tried: a pineapple Crockpot BBQ Chicken (sweet and tangy!), a spicy Crockpot BBQ Chicken with a dash of hot sauce, and a honey Crockpot BBQ Chicken with a touch of honey instead of brown sugar. My little one loves the honey version, while my teenager prefers the spicy one.

I really hope you try this Crockpot BBQ Chicken recipe. I know you’ll love it! It’s so easy to make, and it’s always a hit. Let me know how it turns out for you, and don’t be afraid to make it your own! Happy cooking!

Crockpot BBQ Chicken

Print Recipe

This Crockpot BBQ Chicken recipe is the easiest way to get flavorful, tender chicken for sandwiches, salads, or even on its own! Simply toss the ingredients in your slow cooker and let it work its magic.

Author: Zoubida
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 360 minutes
Total Time: 365 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Dinner
Method: Crockpot
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

Place chicken breasts in the bottom of a slow cooker.
In a medium bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper.
Pour sauce mixture over the chicken, ensuring it’s fully coated.
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until chicken is easily shredded with a fork.
Remove chicken from the slow cooker and shred using two forks.
Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to coat with the sauce.
Serve on buns, over rice, or in salads.

Notes

For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce. Serve with your favorite coleslaw and pickles for a classic BBQ sandwich.