Crockpot BBQ Chicken Recipe

Ever stared at a pack of chicken and just felt exhausted at the thought of making dinner? Well, crockpot bbq chicken is seriously the answer for those long days. Toss a few things in a slow cooker and BOOM, you have a juicy, sweet, flavorful dinner by the time evening rolls around.

This meal is just about as easy as, say, making this crockpot chicken tortellini recipe or even a creamy crockpot parmesan chicken pasta when you’re chasing comfort and convenience. And honestly? The best part is when your kitchen smells just like a summer cookout while you barely even did any work.

Why This Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Recipe Works

Let’s cut through the noise. First, the slow cooker does all the heavy lifting. That means you can do, well, whatever else you want with your day. The bbq sauce gets all thick and sticky, soaking up those chicken flavors. You end up with chicken that’s fall-apart tender. I mean, you just can’t beat the simplicity.

Even picky eaters can’t really complain here. The whole family loves it, every single time. If you’re busy or a bit lazy (hello, my people), this recipe is nearly fail-proof and totally stress-free. Plus, you can use it for sandwiches, salads, pizzas, whatever, leftovers aren’t boring. The only mistake? Not making extras.

Crockpot BBQ Chicken

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: By Emma
• Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Easy and juicy slow-cooked BBQ chicken that the whole family will love, perfect for sandwiches, salads, or pizza.

---

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 2 to 2.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 to 1.5 cups your favorite BBQ sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional for extra sweetness)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• to taste none salt and black pepper
• ¼ cup water or chicken broth (if you like it saucier)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

Preparation

1. Spray the inside of your slow cooker with a little oil.
2. Add chicken in a single layer.
3. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
4. Pour BBQ sauce over everything. Add brown sugar if using.
5. Cover. Cook on LOW for 5-6 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours.
6. Once it’s fork-tender, shred using two forks right in the pot.
7. Stir well so every piece is saucy.

Notes

For best results, do not overcook. Chicken thighs are more forgiving than breasts. For variations, try adding teriyaki sauce or chipotle for a smoky kick.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours
• Category: dinner, Main Course
• Cuisine: American, BBQ

Ingredients for Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken

Here’s what you’ll need for this crockpot bbq chicken:

• 2 to 2.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 to 1.5 cups of your favorite BBQ sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional for extra sweetness)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper (add to taste)
• ¼ cup water or chicken broth (if you like it saucier)

Toss it all in and watch the magic happen.

Best Chicken Cuts to Use (Breasts vs. Thighs)

This is one of those big debates in my house. Some folks swear by chicken breasts. They’re lean, easy, and everywhere in the store. If you like your crockpot bbq chicken a bit drier and firm, go this route.

But let’s be honest. Chicken thighs are rocking it. They’ve got more flavor and, no offense to breasts, just always stay moist. If you worry about dry meat, grab some boneless, skinless thighs. I flip-flop, but when I have time, I mix both together. That’s the ticket.

BBQ Sauce Options (Homemade vs. Store-Bought)

Okay, here’s where you can totally go wild or stick with easy street. If you have a secret homemade sauce, use it. That’s the dream. But listen, no shame in using store-bought for busy days. Some brands out there are mouthwateringly good. You can choose classic, smoky, spicy, honey bbq, whatever.

Want to really jazz things up? Try a rich bourbon bbq sauce. That moody tang is chef’s kiss. Or, honestly, just toss in whatever is in your fridge. Can’t go wrong.

Seasonings and Flavor Boosters

You can keep it simple with salt, pepper, and BBQ sauce. I like to add smoked paprika because, well, it’s got that fire-kissed flavor without having to grill anything. Sometimes I’ll throw in a splash of apple cider vinegar if my sauce is too sweet or a hint of chili powder for heat.

A little garlic powder? Yes! Even a squirt of mustard if the mood feels right. There are no strict rules here. Go with what makes you drool.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Crock Pot BBQ Chicken

Here’s the easiest way I know:

1. Spray the inside of your slow cooker with a little oil (less cleanup, trust me).
2. Add chicken in a single layer.
3. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
4. Pour BBQ sauce over everything. Add brown sugar if using.
5. Cover. Cook on LOW for 5-6 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours.
6. Once it’s fork-tender, shred using two forks right in the pot.
7. Stir well so every piece is saucy.

And you’re basically done. Told you it was simple.

How to Keep Chicken Juicy and Tender

Most important tip: don’t overcook, or you’ll get dry, stringy chicken, and nobody came here for that. Set your timer or check with a fork right at that 5-hour mark if you’re using breasts. Thighs are more forgiving.

Sometimes, I throw in a splash of broth or a couple tablespoons of water if things start looking a little thick too early. That steam keeps your crockpot bbq chicken extra juicy. Also: always keep the lid on, except for quick peeks.

How to Thicken or Thin BBQ Sauce

Is the sauce runny? Take off the lid for the last 30 minutes. That lets all that extra steam slip out, thickening things up.

Too thick? Add a touch more water or broth. Stubborn sauces can always be tamed by whisking in just a splash of liquid. If you really want a sticky, cling-to-your-fork situation, crank the slow cooker to HIGH for that last bit. Don’t stress about it though…easy fixes!

Serving Ideas for BBQ Pulled Chicken

Here’s a fast list of ways to devour your crockpot bbq chicken:

• Pile it high on toasted buns for classic sandwiches.
• Spoon it on top of baked potatoes for an easy baked-potato bar.
• Toss it in a wrap or tortilla for a no-fuss lunch.
• Top a pizza crust with it and go wild with cheese.

No need to get fancy unless you want to. Hungry folks basically line up for any of those.

BBQ Chicken Variations to Try

You bored with regular bbq? I sometimes switch things up with a little teriyaki flair, seriously, try this crockpot teriyaki chicken for a sweet, sticky twist. Or, add a hint of chipotle for a smoky-kick. I even toss some pineapple tidbits in now and then, especially if I need to bribe my kids to eat.

Get creative. Maybe buffalo sauce and blue cheese one day, or garlic-parmesan another. Your slow cooker loves your wild side.

“I made this crockpot bbq chicken for my book club last month, and honest to goodness, not one person left without asking for the recipe. It’s a winner!” – Mel, actual reader

How to Store Leftover BBQ Chicken

So, say you’ve got extras. Store cooled chicken in an airtight container and toss it in the fridge. It’ll hang out there happily for about 3 days. If you’re a meal-prepper, pop it in freezer bags and freeze for up to 2 months. Just squeeze out as much air as you can.

If it thickens up in the fridge, just add a splash of broth when you warm it up.

Best Way to Reheat BBQ Chicken Without Drying Out

Best way? Add a tablespoon or two of water or broth before you reheat. Warm it in the microwave in short bursts, or, if you’re more patient than me, heat on the stovetop in a covered skillet over low. Stir occasionally.

Please, don’t nuke it for five minutes straight or you’ll end up with jerky and soggy sauce.

Common Mistakes to Avoid with Crock Pot BBQ Chicken

Don’t use frozen chicken straight in the slow cooker. It’s a food safety thing. Overcooking is the next big issue, remember, slow doesn’t mean “forever.” Also, don’t go light on the sauce: your chicken needs that extra moisture.

One more: shredding too early. Wait until it’s really tender; otherwise, you’ll have to dig around for chewy bits later.

What to Serve with Crock Pot BBQ Chicken

Oh, the fun part. Crockpot bbq chicken plays so well with others. Some folks go simple with coleslaw or potato salad. If I’m feeling “extra,” I’ll serve up these golden garlic parmesan crockpot chicken potatoes on the side. Or, trust me, sweet potato and chicken bowl is a surprisingly perfect combo.

Best Side Dishes for BBQ Chicken

• Roasted corn on the cob, lightly buttered
• Baked beans with a bit of bacon thrown in
• Creamy mac and cheese (nothing wrong with comfort food)
• Tangy pickles or crispy coleslaw to balance the sweet BBQ

Nutrition and Health Information

If you’re watching calories, chicken breasts are your best friend. Thighs give you more flavor but a bit more fat. Either way, crockpot bbq chicken is way lighter than most fried options. If you want less sugar, pick a low-sugar BBQ sauce or make your own.

You control the salt, the sauce, and even the sides. Makes it pretty darn versatile, right?

Choosing the Right Slow Cooker Size

Too small and you’ll end up with a spillover mess. Too large and things might dry out. For a family of four, a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker is just about perfect. Cooking for a crowd? Break out the 8-quart.

Don’t cram it in; the chicken cooks more evenly if you leave a little breathing room. That’s the whole trick to tender, fuss-free crockpot bbq chicken.

Can I Use Frozen Chicken in the Crock Pot?

Okay, here’s the deal. Technically, USDA says don’t do it. The chicken might spend too long in the danger zone before getting hot enough. Always thaw completely in the fridge first. Otherwise, you’re playing chicken with lady luck (see what I did there?).

If you need fast chicken, use an Instant Pot or microwave to thaw. It’s not worth rolling the dice!

Can I Double the Recipe for a Crowd?

Absolutely. Just use a big enough slow cooker so it’s not overstuffed. Adding extra sauce helps keep things juicy as the batch grows. You might need to extend the cook time by an hour if you’ve loaded up the pot, but don’t go too far, keep an eye on tenderness.

Can I Make This Recipe Without a Slow Cooker?

You bet. If your slow cooker’s collecting dust or you’re in a rush, you can do crockpot bbq chicken in your oven at around 300°F for 2-ish hours. Cover tightly with foil for max juicy results.

A stovetop will work, but keep it low and slow with a lid for the best texture.

Common Questions

Ready to Rule Weeknight Dinners?

Listen, crockpot bbq chicken is my go-to when I need delicious, easy, and totally fuss-free dinners that’ll still impress. It’s crowd-pleaser certified and likely to show up on repeat in your meal rotation. Next time, try swapping sauces or tossing leftovers in a sandwich – then thank me later. Oh, if you’re hunting for even more slow cooker classics, you’re gonna love exploring my crockpot recipe ideas, Give it a go and share your tweaks. This dinner wins every time!

Related posts:

This Sweet Potato Cornbread Recipe Will Change Your Life Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes Recipe Tasty Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken That’s Better Than Takeout! Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup Recipe Cheesy Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole for Cozy Nights Crockpot Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe