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Crockpot BBQ Chicken


  • Author: Sara McKenney
  • Total Time: ~6 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Description

This Crockpot BBQ Chicken is a slow-cooked classic that delivers tender, juicy shredded chicken drenched in a rich, smoky, and tangy BBQ sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, easy dinners, or casual gatherings, this recipe is packed with flavor and takes minimal effort. Serve it on buns, over rice, or alongside your favorite sides. Whether you’re hunting for dinner ideas, a quick prep meal, or a versatile protein for meal prepping, this easy recipe is a go-to. Ideal for quick breakfast-for-dinner swaps, healthy snacks, or lunchbox fillings—it’s comfort food with convenience.


Ingredients

2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs

1 1/2 cups BBQ sauce

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional)

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon chili flakes or 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)


Instructions

1. Place the chicken in the bottom of the crockpot in a single layer.

2. In a bowl, mix BBQ sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper.

3. Pour the sauce over the chicken and spread it evenly.

4. Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours until the chicken is tender.

5. Shred the chicken directly in the crockpot using two forks.

6. Stir to coat the shredded chicken with the sauce.

7. Let it sit on warm for 10–15 minutes before serving.

8. Serve hot on buns, rice, or with your favorite sides.

Notes

Use a high-quality BBQ sauce you enjoy for the best flavor.

For spicier chicken, add extra hot sauce or chili flakes to the mix.

Let the shredded chicken rest in the sauce to soak up maximum flavor before serving.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6–7 hours (low) or 3–4 hours (high)
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooker
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 14g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 26g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: Crockpot BBQ Chicken, slow cooker chicken, BBQ pulled chicken, dinner ideas, easy recipe