Hey there fellow busy food lovers! Today I’m gonna share my absolute favorite way to make mouth-watering BBQ chicken without breaking a sweat. If you’ve ever wondered how do you make barbecue chicken in a crock pot, you’re in for a treat! This method is practically foolproof and creates the most tender flavorful pulled chicken that’ll have everyone asking for seconds (my son actually asked for refills, which is like a small miracle in my house!).
Why Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Will Change Your Life
Let’s be real – we’re all crazy busy these days. Between work, kids and everything else life throws at us who has time to stand over a hot stove? That’s why I’m obsessed with this crock pot BBQ chicken recipe. You literally throw everything in, walk away, and come back to a dinner that tastes like you spent hours on it.
Here’s why this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your dinner rotation
- Super easy – no special prep, just dump and go!
- Fall-apart tender chicken that shreds effortlessly
- Versatile – serve on buns, over rice, in tacos, you name it!
- Perfect for company or family dinners when you’re short on time
- Great for meal prep – makes delicious leftovers!
What You’ll Need for Amazing Crock Pot BBQ Chicken
The beauty of this recipe is that you probably already have most of these ingredients in your pantry! Here’s what you’ll need:
Basic Ingredients:
- 3-4 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1½ cups BBQ sauce (Sweet Baby Ray’s Honey BBQ is popular, but use your fave!)
- ½ medium onion, grated (with juice)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Optional: ¼ cup white vinegar and ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes for a bit of zing!
How to Make BBQ Chicken in Your Crock Pot (So Easy, You’ll Laugh!)
I’m not kidding when I say this recipe is ridiculously simple. Follow these steps and you’ll have amazing BBQ chicken with almost zero effort:
Step 1: Mix Your Sauce
In your slow cooker, stir together the BBQ sauce, grated onion (with its juice), olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, and if you’re using them, the vinegar and red pepper flakes. Keep stirring until everything is well combined and the sauce is smooth.
Step 2: Add Your Chicken
Place your chicken breasts into the slow cooker and turn them to coat with the sauce. Don’t worry about being perfect here – the chicken will be swimming in that delicious sauce as it cooks!
Step 3: Set It and Forget It!
Cover your slow cooker and set it to either:
- Low setting: 6-7 hours
- High setting: 2-4 hours
Pro tip: Check on it a bit earlier if you’re using smaller chicken pieces or making a smaller batch. Different slow cookers can run hotter than others!
Step 4: The Shredding Magic
Your chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and shreds easily with a fork. Here’s what to do:
- Remove the chicken to a cutting board
- Shred each piece using two forks (this is so satisfying!)
- Return the shredded chicken to the crock pot
- Stir it back into that amazing sauce
That’s it! Your slow cooker BBQ chicken is ready to serve and enjoy!
Serving Ideas That’ll Make Your Mouth Water
Now that you’ve got this amazing shredded BBQ chicken, what should you do with it? Here are some of my favorite ways to serve it:
- Classic BBQ Chicken Sandwiches: Pile it high on soft buns with coleslaw and pickle chips
- Loaded Baked Potatoes: Top a baked potato with BBQ chicken, cheese, and green onions
- BBQ Chicken Tacos: Stuff into tortillas with avocado and fresh cilantro
- Rice Bowls: Serve over white or brown rice with a side of veggies
- Quesadillas: Mix with cheese in a tortilla and grill until melty and delicious
Common Questions About Crock Pot BBQ Chicken
Can I use frozen chicken?
While some recipes say it’s okay, for food safety reasons, it’s best to thaw your chicken first. Frozen chicken in a slow cooker can sit in the “danger zone” temperature too long, potentially allowing bacteria to grow. Plus, it can water down your sauce!
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! One reader commented that they doubled the recipe and it filled their crockpot to about an inch from the top. They cooked it on low for about six hours with great results. Just note that the sauce might be runnier from the extra chicken juices – you can simmer it on the stove to thicken if needed.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs actually work amazingly well in the slow cooker. They stay even more moist than breasts and have great flavor. The cooking time remains about the same.
How long does this keep in the fridge?
The leftovers will keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. This makes it perfect for meal prep!
Can I freeze this?
Definitely! You can freeze the cooked and shredded BBQ chicken for up to 3 months. One reader mentioned they routinely freeze half for an easy meal later with no complaints from their picky family.
What if my sauce is too runny?
If your sauce ends up too thin (which can happen from the chicken releasing juices), you have options:
- Remove the chicken, transfer the sauce to a pot, and simmer until it thickens
- Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water, then stir into the sauce and cook on high for 15 minutes
- Return the shredded chicken to the thickened sauce
Perfect Side Dishes to Serve With Your BBQ Chicken
To make this a complete meal, try pairing your BBQ chicken with these sides:
- Coleslaw: The creamy, crunchy texture is perfect with BBQ chicken
- Baked potatoes: Classic BBQ restaurant vibes!
- Corn on the cob: For a true summer BBQ feel any time of year
- Mac and cheese: The ultimate comfort food pairing
- Potato salad: Cool and creamy to balance the tangy BBQ
- Green beans: Add some vegetables to round out the meal
Make-Ahead and Freezer Meal Tips
This recipe is awesome for planning ahead! Here’s how:
Freezer Meal Prep:
- Freeze the BBQ sauce mixture in a container
- Store the raw chicken breasts in a separate freezer bag
- Thaw both overnight in the fridge when ready to use
- Proceed with the recipe as written
Don’t forget to label the bags with cooking instructions so you don’t have to look them up later!
My Family’s Verdict
I gotta tell you, this recipe is a HUGE hit in my house. The first time I made these BBQ chicken sliders with coconut coleslaw and dill pickle chips, my entire family devoured them. Even my pickiest eater asked for seconds!
One reader commented: “I have made this several times and it is a keeper for sure! So tasty and the family loves it!” This has definitely been my experience too.
Health and Nutrition Facts
If you’re watching what you eat, here’s a rough breakdown of what you’re getting per serving (assuming about 4-6 servings from this recipe):
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~320-400 |
| Protein | ~30-37g |
| Carbs | ~25-60g (depends on BBQ sauce) |
| Fat | ~4-7g |
| Fiber | ~1g |
The nutrition can vary quite a bit depending on your specific BBQ sauce choice, as some are higher in sugar than others. If you’re watching your sugar intake, look for a lower-sugar BBQ sauce option.
Final Thoughts
I honestly can’t recommend this crockpot BBQ chicken recipe enough. It’s saved my dinner plans countless times, and it’s one of those rare recipes that pleases everyone from picky kids to discerning adults. The fact that it requires almost zero actual cooking skills makes it even better!
Next time you’re wondering how to make barbecue chicken in a crock pot, remember this simple recipe. Just throw everything in, let your slow cooker do the hard work, and prepare for the compliments!
What’s your favorite way to serve slow cooker BBQ chicken? Do you have any special twists you add to make it your own? I’d love to hear about them in the comments below!
Happy slow cooking,
[Your Name]
P.S. If you try this recipe, I’d LOVE to see your creations! Tag me on social media so I can see how it turned out!
What if I don’t have pineapple juice?
Pineapple juice is my all-time, hands down favorite way to make this recipe. The flavor is just seriously good.
You can swap in another juice, but if you can wait until you get pineapple juice, I would recommend it.
My next favorite juice to use would be mango, but orange works as well (with a distinct change in flavor).
Variations on this Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken:
- Like I mentioned above, you can stick with your favorite store bought bbq sauce if you’re short on time. We all do it sometimes. No one here will judge!
- Add spice! Stir a bit of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or sriracha sauce to your sauce for extra kick.
- This sauce would be awesome over smoked sausages and peppers, a turkey breast, meatballs, meatloaf… you name it. Feel free to experiment a little with your protein once you’ve tried the recipe as it is!
- If you like your sauce a little less sweet or more tangy, feel free to tweak the sauce to your tastes. Nothing in the sauce needs to be cooked before tasting, so feel free to adjust before you dump it on your chicken.
