Ready for the easiest, most delicious BBQ chicken ever? This crockpot BBQ chicken recipe is a game-changer for busy families. Get tender, flavorful chicken perfect for sandwiches, salads, or a quick weeknight meal.
Hey there, friend! Angela here, your fellow home cook from sunny Florida. If you’re anything like me, a busy mom of three, you’re always on the hunt for those magical recipes that make dinner delicious and doable. Well, pull up a chair, because today we’re talking about a true lifesaver: crockpot BBQ chicken. Seriously, this dish is a weeknight hero! It’s super simple, incredibly versatile, and practically cooks itself.
We’re talking tender, juicy chicken swimming in a rich, tangy, and slightly sweet BBQ sauce that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. No fuss, no stress, just pure comfort food that brings everyone to the table. Have you ever had one of those days where you’re running between soccer practice and errands and just wish dinner would cook itself? That’s exactly why I love my slow cooker. Let’s get cooking and make some delicious memories, shall we?
Table of contents
Essential Ingredients for Your Crockpot BBQ Chicken
Alright, let’s gather our stars for this crockpot BBQ chicken show! You don’t need a fancy pantry for this, just some good, honest ingredients that you likely already have tucked away in your cabinets.
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts: These are our workhorses. Make sure they’re trimmed of fat for the best results. Lean and mean, just how we like it!
- 1 1/4 cup barbecue sauce: This is where the magic happens! I’m a huge fan of Sweet Baby Ray’s Honey BBQ for its perfect balance of sweet and smoky. But honestly, use your favorite brand. What’s your go-to?
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing: Now, this might sound a little unusual, but trust me! It adds a fantastic zesty kick and helps tenderize the chicken beautifully. I usually grab a fat-free one, but any good quality Italian dressing will do.
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce: A secret weapon for adding a deep, savory umami flavor. Don’t skip this one! It really rounds out the sauce.
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar: This sweetens things up and helps create that wonderful, caramelized stickiness. You can adjust this to 1/8 cup or even omit it if your BBQ sauce is already quite sweet.
- 1 tbsp garlic powder: Because everything is better with garlic, right? It adds a lovely aromatic depth.
- 1 tbsp onion powder: Pairs perfectly with the garlic powder to build a solid flavor base.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: Simple, essential seasonings to bring out all those delicious flavors.
A Few More Pantry Pals: Additional Ingredients
Sometimes, a recipe just begs for a little extra something, or maybe you need a quick swap based on what’s in the fridge. Here are a few additional ingredients or substitutions to consider for your crockpot BBQ chicken:
If you prefer dark meat, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are fantastic here! They stay incredibly moist and flavorful in the slow cooker. Just be sure to trim any excess fat before tossing them in.
Want a deeper, smoky flavor without firing up the grill? A teaspoon of smoked paprika in the seasoning mix works wonders! It gives that “just off the smoker” vibe without the actual wood chips.
If you like a little more tang, a splash of apple cider vinegar in the sauce can brighten things up beautifully. And for those who love a little heat, a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce can add a fantastic kick to your BBQ chicken.
Feeling ambitious? You can definitely use your own homemade barbecue sauce instead of store-bought. Just adjust the other seasonings accordingly so the flavors stay balanced.
Expert Tips for Perfect Crockpot BBQ Chicken
As a home cook, I’ve learned a few tricks over the years, and I’m happy to share them with you! These expert tips will ensure your crockpot BBQ chicken turns out perfectly every single time.
First, don’t overcrowd your crockpot. It’s tempting to cram in as much chicken as possible, but try to arrange your chicken breasts in a single layer. This allows for more even cooking and ensures every piece gets coated in that glorious sauce.
While cooking on high is faster, I genuinely believe that cooking your crockpot BBQ chicken on the low setting yields the most tender, shreddable chicken. High heat can sometimes make chicken breasts a bit tougher.
Since your slow cooker is already on the counter, you should also try my buffalo chicken dip crockpot recipe, it uses a similar “set it and forget it” method that my kids go crazy for during game day!
If you prefer a caramelized crust rather than shredded meat, you might actually love my baked bbq chicken breast recipe for those nights you feel like firing up the oven instead of the slow cooker. Both are winners in my house!
Lastly, remember to shred in the pot! Once the chicken is cooked, use two forks to shred it right in the crockpot. This allows the chicken to soak up all those amazing juices and that flavorful BBQ sauce, making it incredibly moist and delicious.
Step-by-Step Guide: Making Your Delicious Crockpot BBQ Chicken
Ready to dive in? Here’s how to whip up this fantastic crockpot BBQ chicken with ease. You’ll be amazed at how simple it is to get on the table!
- First, liberally spray the inside of your large crockpot with non-stick cooking spray. Or, if you’re like me and love easy cleanup, those disposable slow cooker liners are a total dream!
- Next, grab your trimmed chicken breasts. Give them a good pat dry. Then, season them generously with salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder before they hit the pot.
- Now, in a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine your barbecue sauce, Italian dressing, light brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Give it a good whisk until everything is well combined. It should look smooth and inviting!
- Carefully pour this flavorful mixture evenly over the chicken breasts. Make sure each piece is nicely coated in that delicious sauce so no chicken is left behind.
- Place the lid firmly on your crockpot. Now, set it to cook! You can choose to cook on high for 2.5-3 hours or, my preferred method, low for 5-6 hours.
- Once the cooking time is up, it’s always smart to check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit for food safety. A meat thermometer is your best friend here!
- Finally, for that perfect pulled BBQ chicken experience, use two forks to shred the chicken right in the crockpot. This lets the chicken absorb all that extra marinade and BBQ sauce.
Beyond the Bun: Additional Serving Ideas & Variations
The beauty of crockpot BBQ chicken is its incredible versatility! While it’s famous for sandwiches, there are so many other ways to enjoy this delicious dish.
The classic way is to serve it piled high on toasted brioche buns. While these are great on brioche, I sometimes use the same buttery glaze technique from my ham and cheese sliders to top these BBQ buns for an extra decadent treat.
You can also use it as a topping for homemade or store-bought pizza dough. Add some red onion, cilantro, and a blend of mozzarella and smoked gouda for an amazing pizza night! Or, toss it on top of loaded nachos or tacos for a fun twist on Tex-Mex.
Looking for a healthier option? It’s a fantastic, flavorful addition to a fresh green salad. I love the contrast of the warm BBQ chicken with cold, crisp greens and a little ranch dressing.
Serving this over a bed of grains is so filling, but if you’re in the mood for a charred, smoky flavor, my bbq grilled chicken and rice is another fantastic way to get that BBQ fix on a weeknight!
Your Burning Questions Answered: Crockpot BBQ Chicken FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken?
While you technically can, I highly recommend using thawed chicken breasts. Frozen chicken can release a lot of extra water, which can dilute your sauce and affect the final texture.
How long does leftover crockpot BBQ chicken last?
Properly stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, it will last for 3-4 days. It actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld!
What if my sauce is too thin?
Don’t fret! You can easily thicken it by removing the chicken, creating a cornstarch slurry (1-2 tbsp cornstarch mixed with cold water), and stirring it back into the sauce on high heat.
Conclusion
Well, there you have it, my friend! We’ve journeyed through the wonderful world of crockpot BBQ chicken, and I hope you’re feeling inspired to give this recipe a whirl.
It’s more than just a meal; it’s a way to bring deliciousness to your table without the fuss, leaving you more time for what truly matters: your family. This recipe is proof that simple ingredients and a trusty slow cooker can create something truly spectacular.
I absolutely adore this recipe, and I’m confident you will too. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or just a lazy Sunday supper. So, go ahead, gather your ingredients, set your crockpot, and get ready to enjoy.
I’d love to hear how it turns out for you! Don’t forget to share your creations and any serving ideas you come up with. Happy cooking, everyone!
Crockpot BBQ Chicken
Equipment
- Crockpot or Slow Cooker
- Meat Thermometer
- Mixing bowl
Ingredients
Chicken & Seasoning
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts trimmed of fat
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- salt and black pepper to taste
BBQ Sauce Mixture
- 1 1/4 cups barbecue sauce Sweet Baby Ray’s Honey BBQ recommended
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing fat-free preferred
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar can reduce to 1/8 cup or omit
Instructions
- Liberally spray the inside of a large crockpot with non-stick cooking spray or use a disposable liner.
- Season trimmed chicken breasts with salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Place in the bottom of the crockpot.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce, Italian dressing, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce until combined.
- Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the chicken breasts.
- Cover and cook on high for 2.5-3 hours or on low for 5-6 hours.
- Check that internal temperature has reached 165 degrees. Shred the chicken using two forks directly in the pot to soak up the juices.