Get ready to meet your new favorite weeknight dinner. This Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken recipe is the epitome of “set it and forget it” cooking, delivering incredibly tender, juicy, and flavorful results with minimal effort. It’s the perfect solution for busy days when you’re craving a comforting, delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Just a few simple ingredients and 10 minutes of prep time are all you need to create mouthwatering shredded chicken that’s perfect for sandwiches, salads, and so much more.
Why This Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Recipe is a Must-Try
If you’re looking for a recipe that’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser, this is it. This isn’t just any crockpot meal; it’s a game-changer for your meal prep routine and family dinners.
- Incredibly Easy: With just a few pantry staples and a simple spice rub, this recipe comes together in minutes. The slow cooker does all the hard work!
- Packed with Flavor: We use a simple blend of spices to create a flavor base that enhances your favorite BBQ sauce, making the chicken rich, smoky, and slightly sweet.
- Perfectly Juicy: Forget dry, tough chicken. Cooking low and slow ensures every single shred is moist and tender.
- Super Versatile: This shredded BBQ chicken is a fantastic base for countless meals. Serve it on buns for classic sliders, pile it onto baked potatoes, or add it to wraps and salads. Check out these cheesy garlic chicken wraps for another great idea!
Key Ingredients for the Best BBQ Chicken
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You don’t need a long list of complicated ingredients to achieve amazing flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:
The Chicken
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a great lean option for this recipe. They soak up the sauce beautifully and are easy to shred. You can also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for an even richer, more moist result, as they have a slightly higher fat content.
The BBQ Sauce
Use your favorite store-bought BBQ sauce to save time. Whether you prefer sweet, smoky, or spicy, any variety will work well. We recommend a classic hickory or brown sugar flavor as a starting point.
The Flavor Boosters
This is our secret to elevating a simple bottle of BBQ sauce. A quick spice rub made of smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder adds a deep, smoky flavor. A touch of brown sugar balances the tang, while a splash of apple cider vinegar and Worcestershire sauce adds complexity and brightness to the sauce.
How to Make Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Step-by-Step
Making this delicious pulled chicken is as easy as 1-2-3. Follow these simple steps for perfect results every time.
- Mix the Spices: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture evenly over all sides of the chicken breasts.
- Layer in the Slow Cooker: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker. In a separate bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. Pour this mixture evenly over the chicken.
- Cook Low and Slow: Cover the slow cooker 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 tender enough to easily shred with a fork.
- Shred and Serve: Once cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker. Stir the shredded chicken into the sauce until it’s fully coated. Let it sit for a few minutes to absorb all the delicious flavors before serving.
Expert Tips for Perfect Pulled Chicken
A few simple tricks can take your slow cooker BBQ chicken from great to absolutely unforgettable.
- Don’t Overcook: Chicken breast can become dry if cooked for too long. Start checking for doneness at the lower end of the cook time. It’s ready as soon as it shreds easily.
- Shred in the Sauce: Shredding the chicken directly in the slow cooker is not only easier (fewer dishes!), but it also allows the meat to soak up all the sauce, making it extra flavorful and juicy.
- Low is the Way to Go: While you can cook this on high, the low setting yields a more tender and moist result. If you have the time, we highly recommend cooking it low and slow.
What to Serve with BBQ Pulled Chicken
The possibilities are nearly endless! This versatile chicken is the star of any plate. For another easy and delicious slow cooker meal, try this simple slow cooker chicken breast recipe.
- On Buns: Serve on brioche buns for classic BBQ chicken sandwiches or slider buns for a fun appetizer. Top with coleslaw for a creamy crunch.
- With Potatoes: Pile it high on top of a baked potato or serve it alongside some roasted acorn squash.
- In Salads or Bowls: Add a scoop to a fresh green salad or create a hearty bowl with rice, beans, and corn.
- For Tacos or Nachos: Use it as a filling for tacos, quesadillas, or as a topping for a big plate of nachos.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
This recipe is perfect for meal prep! Store leftover 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 intervals until warm or gently heat on the stovetop over low heat. You may want to add a splash of water or extra BBQ sauce if it seems dry.
Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken FAQs
It is generally not recommended to cook frozen chicken in a slow cooker as it can remain at an unsafe temperature for too long. For best and safest results, thaw your chicken completely before cooking.
The key to juicy chicken is to avoid overcooking. Start checking for doneness at the earliest recommended time. Cooking on the LOW setting also helps ensure a more tender, moist result compared to the HIGH setting.
For this recipe, boneless, skinless chicken breasts typically take 4-6 hours on the LOW setting or 2-3 hours on the HIGH setting to become fully cooked and tender enough to shred.
This versatile chicken is delicious on brioche buns for sandwiches, served over baked potatoes or rice, in a fresh salad, or as a filling for tacos and quesadillas. It pairs well with classic sides like coleslaw, mac and cheese, and cornbread.
The easiest method is to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker using two forks once it’s finished cooking. This minimizes cleanup and allows the chicken to soak up all the delicious sauce immediately.
More Easy Dinner Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed this simple crockpot recipe, you’ll love exploring other easy dinner ideas. For a fantastic whole-bird option, don’t miss this crockpot whole chicken recipe.
We hope you love this simple and delicious Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken! It’s a staple in our home, and we know it will be in yours too. If you make it, please leave a comment below and let us know what you think. Don’t forget to share your creations on Pinterest!
Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Recipe
Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken (Easy, Juicy & Flavorful)
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Rub the mixture evenly over all sides of the chicken breasts.
- Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker. In a separate bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. Pour this sauce mixture evenly over the chicken.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Using two forks, shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker. Stir well to coat the shredded chicken with the sauce. Let it rest for 10 minutes to absorb the flavors before serving.
Notes
Tip 2: This recipe is perfect for meal prep. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
