Crockpot BBQ Chicken (Easy Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken)
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This Crockpot BBQ Chicken is one of the easiest dinners you can make. Tender shredded chicken cooks in a flavorful BBQ sauce and is perfect for sandwiches, sliders, or baked potatoes.
This is one of those recipes I make when I know the day is going to be busy but I still want dinner ready without a lot of effort. Everything goes into the crockpot, and a few hours later the chicken is tender enough to shred with a fork.
We use this BBQ chicken for sandwiches most of the time, but it’s also great on baked potatoes, rice bowls, or sliders. It’s simple, reliable, and always a hit with the family.
Table of contents
Why I Love This Recipe
There are a lot of BBQ chicken recipes out there, but this one stays in our regular dinner rotation because it’s so easy.
Here’s why it works so well:
- Only a few simple pantry ingredients
- 5 minutes of prep
- Perfect for BBQ chicken sandwiches or sliders
- Great for meal prep
- Freezes beautifully
- Kid-friendly and family approved
Slow cooker recipes like this are lifesavers when dinner time sneaks up faster than expected.
Ingredients You Need
This recipe uses simple ingredients you may already have in your kitchen.
You’ll need:
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- Your favorite BBQ sauce
- Worcestershire sauce
- Brown sugar
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt and pepper
The Worcestershire sauce and brown sugar add just a little extra depth and sweetness to the BBQ sauce without making the recipe complicated.
How to Make Crockpot BBQ Chicken
This recipe is incredibly simple.
That’s it!
After shredding, the chicken soaks up all that BBQ flavor and becomes incredibly juicy.
Ways to Serve Crockpot BBQ Chicken
One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is.
Here are some of our favorite ways to serve it:
- BBQ chicken sandwiches on hamburger buns
- Sliders on Hawaiian rolls
- Over baked potatoes
- In wraps or tortillas
- On top of rice bowls
- Piled onto nachos
If you’re feeding a crowd, BBQ chicken sliders are always a hit.
You could even serve this alongside easy comfort food favorites like my super easy Sloppy Joes or Air Fryer Hamburgers for a casual dinner or game day spread.
Tips for the Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken
A few simple tips can make this recipe even better.
Use chicken thighs for extra juicy chicken
Chicken thighs stay especially tender in the slow cooker.
Sear the chicken first (optional)
If you have an extra few minutes, quickly searing the chicken in a skillet adds even more flavor.
Thicken the sauce if needed
If the sauce is a little thin after shredding, remove the lid and cook on HIGH for about 20–30 minutes.
How to Store Leftover BBQ Chicken
Leftovers store very well.
Refrigerator
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer
Freeze in freezer bags or containers for up to 3 months.
This makes a great meal prep recipe since you can pull it out later for quick lunches or dinners.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Raw chicken cooks safely in the slow cooker as long as it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
It’s best to thaw the chicken first so it cooks evenly and safely.
Absolutely. Chicken thighs are slightly richer and stay very tender when slow cooked.
If the sauce is too thin, cook the shredded chicken uncovered on HIGH for about 20–30 minutes.
Any BBQ sauce you enjoy works well in this recipe. Sweet, smoky, or honey BBQ all taste great.
Try This Crockpot BBQ Chicken Tonight
If you’re looking for a simple dinner that everyone will love, this Crockpot BBQ Chicken is a great place to start.
It’s easy, flavorful, and incredibly versatile — and the slow cooker does almost all the work for you.
If you try this recipe, I’d love for you to leave a comment and let me know how it turned out!
Crockpot BBQ Chicken
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, (or thighs)
- 1 ½ cups BBQ sauce, your favorite brand
- 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 Tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Directions
- Place chicken in the bottom of the slow cooker.
- In a small bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and seasonings.
- Pour sauce mixture over the chicken.
- Cover and cook:
- Low: 6 hours
- High: 4 hours
- Shred chicken directly in the slow cooker using two forks.
- Stir to coat well in sauce. Serve warm.
Notes
Nutrition Facts
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