This Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken is the definition of easy comfort food: tender, juicy shredded chicken simmered low and slow in a sweet, tangy, smoky sauce. With just a few minutes of prep, your slow cooker does all the work, leaving you with flavorful chicken that’s perfect for piling onto buns, spooning over rice, or serving alongside your favorite classic BBQ sides.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: sliced green onions, for garnish
- Optional: sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker in an even layer.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the chicken, turning the chicken breasts once or twice to ensure they are fully coated.
- Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or on HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and very tender.
- Transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board or large plate. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir it into the sauce until every strand is well coated. Let it sit on WARM for 5–10 minutes so the flavors can soak in.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve the BBQ chicken on buns, over rice, or with your favorite sides. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds, if desired.
Variation
- Swap the protein: Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for an even juicier, more flavorful result. Adjust cook time only if needed until the chicken is very tender and shreds easily.
- Spicy BBQ Chicken: Stir 1–2 teaspoons of smoked paprika and 1/2–1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or hot sauce into the sauce mixture for a bold, spicy kick.
- Honey Garlic BBQ Chicken: Add 2–3 tablespoons of honey and an extra 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder to the sauce for a sweeter, garlicky twist that’s great for kids and family dinners.
Cooking Notes
- Avoid overfilling the slow cooker; it should be no more than about two-thirds full to cook evenly and safely.
- Every slow cooker runs slightly differently. Begin checking the chicken at the lower end of the cook-time range; it’s done when it easily shreds with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- If you prefer thicker, stickier BBQ chicken, remove the lid for the last 20–30 minutes of cooking or reduce the sauce in a saucepan and then stir it back into the shredded chicken.
Serving Suggestions
- Pile the BBQ chicken onto toasted hamburger buns, brioche buns, or slider rolls and top with coleslaw for classic BBQ sandwiches.
- Serve the shredded chicken over steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or cauliflower rice with a side of roasted vegetables or cornbread.
- Use leftovers in BBQ chicken quesadillas, baked potatoes, flatbreads, or grain bowls for easy next-day lunches or dinners.
Tips
- Spray the inside of the slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray or use a liner for easier cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- If making ahead for a party, keep the chicken on the WARM setting and stir occasionally, adding a splash of broth or extra BBQ sauce if it starts to dry out.
- For meal prep, portion the cooked and cooled chicken into airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently with a bit of extra sauce or broth.
Prep Time:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6–7 hours on LOW (or 3–4 hours on HIGH)
- Total Time: 6–7 hours 10 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Protein: 36 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use frozen chicken in this slow cooker recipe?
It’s best and safest to thaw chicken completely before adding it to the slow cooker to ensure even cooking and proper food safety. - How can I thicken the sauce if it’s too runny after cooking?
Remove the lid and cook on HIGH for 15–20 minutes, or transfer some sauce to a saucepan and simmer until reduced, then stir back into the chicken. - Can I double this recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients as long as your slow cooker is large enough (no more than about two-thirds full). The cook time may increase slightly; cook until the chicken shreds easily. - How should I store and reheat leftovers?
Cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of broth or BBQ sauce to keep it moist.
Conclusion
This Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken is a low-effort, high-reward recipe that delivers tender, saucy, flavor-packed meat every time. With just a few pantry staples and minimal prep, you’ll have a versatile dish that works for busy weeknights, easy entertaining, or meal prep. Keep this one in your rotation whenever you’re craving fuss-free, crowd-pleasing BBQ at home.
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Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken
- Total Time: 6–7 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-free (if using gluten-free BBQ sauce and Worcestershire sauce)
Description
This Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken is the definition of easy comfort food: tender, juicy shredded chicken simmered low and slow in a sweet, tangy, smoky sauce. With just a few minutes of prep, your slow cooker does all the work, leaving you with flavorful chicken that’s perfect for piling onto buns, spooning over rice, or serving alongside your favorite classic BBQ sides.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: sliced green onions, for garnish
- Optional: sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker in an even layer.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the chicken, turning the chicken breasts once or twice to ensure they are fully coated.
- Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or on HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and very tender.
- Transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board or large plate. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir it into the sauce until every strand is well coated. Let it sit on WARM for 5–10 minutes so the flavors can soak in.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve the BBQ chicken on buns, over rice, or with your favorite sides. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds, if desired.
Notes
- Use your favorite style of BBQ sauce sweet, smoky, spicy, or tangy to customize the flavor.
- If the sauce seems too thin after shredding, remove the lid and let the chicken cook on HIGH for 10–15 minutes to thicken slightly.
- For a richer flavor, you can sear the chicken breasts in a hot skillet with a little oil before adding them to the slow cooker, but this is completely optional.
- This recipe works with chicken thighs as well; just trim excess fat and cook for the same time until very tender.
- Leftovers store well and taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6–7 hours on LOW (or 3–4 hours on HIGH)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g (approximate, varies with BBQ sauce)
- Sodium: 650 mg (approximate, varies with BBQ sauce and broth)
- Fat: 8 g (approximate)
- Saturated Fat: 2 g (approximate)
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g (approximate)
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g (approximate)
- Fiber: 0 g (approximate)
- Protein: 36 g (approximate)
- Cholesterol: 100 mg (approximate)
Keywords: slow cooker bbq chicken, crockpot bbq chicken, shredded bbq chicken, easy chicken dinner, weeknight meal, dump and go