Crockpot BBQ Chicken (Easy, Juicy & Perfect for Sandwiches)

Welcome to the easiest, most flavorful Crockpot BBQ Chicken recipe you will ever make. This set-and-forget meal delivers incredibly tender, juicy, and perfectly saucy shredded chicken every single time. It’s the ultimate solution for busy weeknights, effortless meal prep, or feeding a hungry crowd on game day. If you’re searching for a recipe that combines minimal effort with maximum flavor, you’ve found it.

We’re taking simple ingredients and transforming them into something truly special. Forget bland, watery slow cooker chicken; our method ensures every bite is packed with a smoky, sweet, and tangy punch. Get ready to make your new go-to for sandwiches, salads, and so much more.

Why This is the Only Crockpot BBQ Chicken Recipe You’ll Need

In a world of complicated recipes, this Crockpot BBQ Chicken stands out for its simplicity and depth of flavor. We don’t just dump sauce on chicken; we build layers of flavor with a simple homemade spice rub that makes all the difference. The slow cooker does all the hard work, gently breaking down the chicken until it’s fall-apart tender and has absorbed all the delicious BBQ goodness.

This recipe is endlessly versatile, budget-friendly, and perfect for cooks of all skill levels. It’s a lifesaver for busy families and a crowd-pleasing favorite for gatherings.

Key Ingredients for Success

The magic of this recipe lies in its simple, accessible ingredients. You likely have most of what you need already in your pantry.

The Chicken: Breasts or Thighs?

You can successfully use either boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Breasts are leaner and shred into long, clean strands, which is perfect for sandwiches. Thighs have a bit more fat, making them extra juicy and flavorful. For the best of both worlds, use a combination of both!

The Ultimate BBQ Spice Rub

This simple rub adds a foundational layer of smoky, savory flavor that elevates the entire dish. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Brown Sugar
• Smoked Paprika
• Garlic Powder
• Onion Powder
• Salt & Black Pepper

Choosing Your BBQ Sauce

Feel free to use your favorite store-bought BBQ sauce to keep things simple. A classic smoky and sweet sauce works best. For a homemade touch, you can whisk together ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and a little Worcestershire sauce for a quick and delicious alternative.

How to Make Crockpot BBQ Chicken Step-by-Step

Making this shredded BBQ chicken is as easy as 1-2-3. Just a few minutes of prep time is all it takes before the slow cooker takes over.

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

First, pat your chicken dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Rub this spice blend generously over all sides of the chicken, ensuring it’s fully coated.

Step 2: Slow Cook to Perfection

Place the seasoned chicken in the bottom of your crockpot. Pour your favorite BBQ sauce evenly over the top. There’s no need to add any other liquid; the chicken will release its own juices as it cooks. Cover the crockpot and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours. The chicken is done when it’s cooked through and shreds easily with a fork.

Step 3: Shred and Combine

Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken from the crockpot and place it on a large cutting board or in a bowl. Using two forks, shred the chicken. For an even faster method, you can use a hand mixer on low speed directly in the bowl. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir it into the sauce until every piece is coated. Let it warm through for another 10 minutes to absorb all the flavor.

Expert Tips for the Best Shredded Chicken

For truly unforgettable Crockpot BBQ Chicken, keep these simple tips in mind.

• Don’t Overcook: While forgiving, chicken breasts can become dry if cooked for too long. Start checking for doneness at the lower end of the recommended cook time.
• Thicken the Sauce: If your sauce is a bit thin after cooking, you can thicken it easily. Remove the chicken and turn the crockpot to HIGH. Whisk in a slurry of 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of cold water and let it bubble for a few minutes until thickened.
• Get a Little Char: For a touch of that “fresh off the grill” flavor, spread the sauced, shredded chicken on a baking sheet and broil it for 2-3 minutes until the edges are slightly caramelized. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning!

Serving Suggestions

This versatile shredded chicken is the star of any meal. Pile it high on brioche buns for the ultimate BBQ pulled chicken sandwich, topped with coleslaw and pickles. It’s also fantastic served alongside comforting sides like creamy mac and cheese or fluffy Air Fryer Baked Potatoes.

Creative Ways to Use Leftover BBQ Chicken

Don’t let leftovers go to waste! This chicken can be repurposed into dozens of delicious meals.

• BBQ Chicken Nachos: Spread tortilla chips on a sheet pan, top with the chicken, cheese, black beans, and jalapeños, and bake until bubbly.
• Stuffed Sweet Potatoes: Spoon the warm chicken into a baked sweet potato and top with sour cream and green onions.
• BBQ Chicken Pizza: Use it as a topping on your favorite pizza crust with red onions and cilantro.
• Sliders: For a party-perfect appetizer, make some delicious sliders on sweet Hawaiian rolls. Or, for another fun crockpot dish, try this garlic parmesan chicken.

Storing and Reheating

Store leftover Crockpot BBQ Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply microwave in short bursts or gently warm it in a saucepan over low heat. You may want to add a splash of water or extra BBQ sauce to keep it moist.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Perfect Crockpot BBQ Chicken Recipe

Crockpot BBQ Chicken (Easy, Juicy & Perfect for Sandwiches)

The easiest, most flavorful Crockpot BBQ Chicken recipe. This set-and-forget meal delivers incredibly tender, juicy, and perfectly saucy shredded chicken every single time, perfect for sandwiches, salads, and more.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 4 hours hrs

Total Time 4 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 310

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2.5 lbs Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts or Thighs A combination works great too.
• 18 oz BBQ Sauce Use your favorite brand and flavor.
• 2 tbsp Brown Sugar Packed.
• 1 tbsp Smoked Paprika
• 2 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1 tsp Onion Powder
• 1 tsp Salt
• 1/2 tsp Black Pepper Freshly ground is best.

Equipment

• 1 Slow Cooker (6-quart)
• 2 Two Forks (for shredding)

Instructions

 

1. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
2. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Rub the spice mixture evenly over all sides of the chicken.
3. Place the seasoned chicken in the bottom of your slow cooker. Pour the BBQ sauce over the top. Cover and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
4. Remove the chicken from the slow cooker. Shred it using two forks or a hand mixer on low speed. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
5. Stir the shredded chicken into the sauce until well-combined. Let it sit for 10 minutes to absorb the sauce. Serve warm on buns, in salads, or as desired.

Notes

Tip 1: For a thicker sauce, mix 1 tbsp of cornstarch with 2 tbsp of cold water to make a slurry. Stir it into the sauce after removing the chicken and cook on HIGH for 10-15 minutes until thickened.
Tip 2: For a caramelized flavor, spread the finished shredded chicken on a baking sheet and broil for 2-3 minutes.

Share Your Creations!

We are confident this will become your favorite Crockpot BBQ Chicken recipe. It’s a true game-changer for easy, delicious meals. If you make it, we’d love to see! Leave a comment below with your thoughts or share a photo of your amazing dish on Pinterest. Your feedback helps our community of home cooks grow!