This Crockpot Honey Barbecue Chicken is sweet, tangy, and irresistibly saucy everything you love about BBQ with almost zero effort. Juicy chicken breasts slowly simmer in a honey-kissed barbecue sauce until they’re fall-apart tender and perfect for shredding. Ideal for busy days, meal prep, or feeding a crowd, this set-it-and-forget-it dinner brings big flavor with minimal hands-on time.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (use your favorite)
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts in an even layer on the bottom of the crockpot.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Pour the honey barbecue sauce mixture over the chicken, turning the pieces gently so they are fully coated in the sauce.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or on HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is very tender and easily shreds with a fork.
- Using two forks, shred the chicken directly in the crockpot, then stir to thoroughly coat all the meat in the sauce.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or a splash more vinegar if you prefer a tangier sauce.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley, on its own, over rice, or piled into sandwiches or sliders.
Variation
- Spicy Honey BBQ Chicken: Add 1–2 teaspoons of smoked paprika and 1/4–1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a sweet-heat combo.
- Honey Bourbon BBQ Chicken: Stir 2–3 tablespoons of bourbon into the sauce before cooking for a deeper, smoky flavor (the alcohol will mostly cook off).
- Pineapple Honey BBQ Chicken: Add 1 cup drained pineapple tidbits to the crockpot for a sweet, tropical twist that pairs perfectly with the honey barbecue sauce.
Cooking Notes
- Slow cookers vary, so start checking the chicken for tenderness at the earlier end of the time range to avoid overcooking.
- If the sauce seems thin after shredding, cook on HIGH with the lid off for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to your liking.
- For best texture and food safety, ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before shredding.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve on toasted buns or slider rolls with a scoop of coleslaw for classic BBQ sandwiches.
- Spoon over steamed rice, quinoa, or mashed potatoes with a side of roasted or steamed veggies for a complete meal.
- Use the shredded chicken as a topping for baked potatoes, nachos, or flatbreads for a fun, crowd-pleasing twist.
Tips
- Lightly grease or spray the crockpot insert for easier cleanup and to help prevent sticking.
- Trim excess fat from the chicken breasts before cooking so the sauce stays smooth and not overly greasy.
- Double the recipe if your slow cooker is large enough this chicken reheats and freezes well, making it perfect for meal prep and leftovers.
Prep Time:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6–7 hours on LOW (or 3–4 hours on HIGH)
- Total Time: 6–7 hours
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal (approx.)
- Protein: 30 g (approx.)
- Sodium: 650 mg (approx.)
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work very well and stay extra juicy. Cook using the same time guidelines and shred once tender. - Can I cook this from frozen chicken?
It’s safest to thaw chicken before using in the slow cooker so it heats evenly and quickly. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then proceed with the recipe. - How should I store and reheat leftovers?
Store cooled chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if needed. - Can I make this ahead for a party?
Absolutely. You can fully cook and shred the chicken, then keep it warm in the crockpot on the WARM setting for serving, stirring occasionally to prevent drying out.
Conclusion
Crockpot Honey Barbecue Chicken packs bold, sweet-and-savory flavor into a low-effort, slow-cooked meal. With just a handful of pantry staples, the chicken turns meltingly tender and soaks up every drop of sticky honey BBQ sauce ideal for sandwiches, bowls, or simple weeknight plates. It’s a versatile, crowd-pleasing recipe you’ll rely on whenever you need fuss-free comfort food.
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Crockpot Honey Barbecue Chicken
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Omnivore
Description
This Crockpot Honey Barbecue Chicken is sweet, tangy, and irresistibly saucy everything you love about BBQ with almost zero effort. Juicy chicken breasts slowly simmer in a honey-kissed barbecue sauce until they’re fall-apart tender and perfect for shredding. Ideal for busy days, meal prep, or feeding a crowd, this set-it-and-forget-it dinner brings big flavor with minimal hands-on time.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (use your favorite)
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts in an even layer on the bottom of the crockpot.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Pour the honey barbecue sauce mixture over the chicken, turning the pieces gently so they are fully coated in the sauce.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or on HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is very tender and easily shreds with a fork.
- Using two forks, shred the chicken directly in the crockpot, then stir to thoroughly coat all the meat in the sauce.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or a splash more vinegar if you prefer a tangier sauce.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley, on its own, over rice, or piled into sandwiches or sliders.
Notes
- Use a barbecue sauce you truly love the flavor concentrates as it cooks in the slow cooker.
- If your barbecue sauce is already very sweet, reduce the honey slightly or add an extra splash of apple cider vinegar for balance.
- For a thicker, stickier sauce, cook uncovered on HIGH for the last 20–30 minutes to help excess liquid evaporate.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker / Crockpot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 320 kcal (approx.)
- Sugar: 28 g (approx.)
- Sodium: 650 mg (approx., depending on barbecue sauce)
- Fat: 6 g (approx.)
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g (approx.)
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g (approx.)
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g (approx.)
- Fiber: 0–1 g (approx.)
- Protein: 30 g (approx.)
- Cholesterol: 95 mg (approx.)
Keywords: crockpot honey barbecue chicken, slow cooker BBQ chicken, shredded BBQ chicken, easy crockpot dinner, set it and forget it, honey BBQ chicken