This Crockpot BBQ Chicken is a quick, easy, and flavorful way to make pulled chicken. Perfect for any party, potluck, or picnic! Succulent chicken covered in an addictive BBQ sauce, then shredded. This slow cooker BBQ chicken is great for burgers, burritos tacos, on rice, and more.
Why we love this Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Recipe
This is one of my favorite (and most popular) recipes for a reason. Well, several reasons actually! Here are a few:
- Easy: Toss everything into the slow cooker and let it do all the work for you. A true set it and forget it recipe!
- BBQ sauce: The BBQ sauce in this shredded chicken recipe is all dressed up with apple cider vinegar, brown sugar and seasonings to really send it over the top.
- Versatile: There are so many ways to enjoy this BBQ chicken! I love it best when it’s piled high on a bun with some onions and pickles.
Variations on Crockpot Barbecue Chicken
There are so many ways to change up this slow cooker BBQ chicken to suit your needs. I like to add fresh onions and garlic to the pot when I have extra time. Try some of these other variations!
- Spicy Chipotle: Mixing in chipotle peppers in adobo sauce along with BBQ sauce, sliced jalapeños, and a touch of honey.
- Hawaiian: Add crushed pineapple (with juice), soy sauce, and a touch of ginger. You can also add some red bell pepper and onion slices for extra flavor.
- Mustard BBQ: Use a mustard-based BBQ sauce, a bit of honey or brown sugar, and some spices like paprika and cayenne pepper.
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How to Store and Reheat
Store leftover Crockpot BBQ chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat cooked chicken in the microwave in 30-second increments until warmed through.
How to Freeze
Freeze slow cooker BBQ chicken whole or divided into individual portions in airtight containers or Ziplock bags for up to 4 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Serving Suggestions
This crockpot BBQ chicken is so versatile! You can serve it as a sandwich on a sesame seed bun topped with coleslaw and pickles (pictured), or with a side of mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes, or rice.
More BBQ Chicken Recipes We Love
- Air Fryer BBQ Chicken
- Stovetop BBQ Chicken
- Instant Pot BBQ Chicken
- Baked BBQ Chicken
- Grilled BBQ Chicken
- BBQ Chicken Sandwiches
- BBQ Chicken Foil Packets
Top Reader Review
“This was deeeeelicious!! My husband and I loved it! Probably the best I’ve had and ever made! Thank you so much for sharing the recipe!!” – Elise
Crockpot BBQ Chicken Recipe
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Ingredients
- 1½ cups BBQ sauce
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Equipment
- Crockpot
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk the BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, onion powder, and garlic powder together.1½ cups BBQ sauce, ¼ cup apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker.2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Pour the sauce over the chicken breasts, covering them fully.
- Cook the chicken on high for 2-3 hours, or on low for 4-6 hours.
- Shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker, or remove to shred and return to the sauce.
- Give the chicken a good stir to coat it in the sauce.
- Serve BBQ pulled chicken as sandwiches, tacos, or bowls.
Notes
- Know your slow cooker. When cooking 4 chicken breasts like this recipe calls for, I love using my 2.5 quart crockpot — it’s the perfect size and heats up quickly. If you’re cooking more chicken, you’ll likely want to use a 4-6 quart crockpot. Note that if your crockpot is too full, it will take longer to heat and cook.
- Don’t overcook. I know it can be tempting to leave the chicken in for a longer time, but longer isn’t always better. You really want to be sure you hit the sweet spot between “just enough” and “dry and unappetizing”.
- BBQ pulled chicken is great as a sandwich with a homemade slaw and pickles! You can also eat pulled chicken in a meal prep bowl, in a wrap, or as a taco.
How to make Crockpot BBQ Chicken Step by Step
Make the BBQ Sauce: Mix together 1 1/2 cups BBQ sauce, 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1/2 tsp onion powder and 1/2 tsp garlic powder.
Cook the chicken: Add 2 lbs of chicken breasts to a Crockpot. Pour the BBQ sauce all over the chicken. Cover and cook on high for 2-3 hours or low for 4-6 hours.
Shred the chicken: Once the chicken is fully cooked, shred it with two forks and toss with the sauce.
Kate says
So easy and so good!
Becky Hardin says
Thanks for sharing, Kate!
Liz says
This recipe was delicious! My whole family enjoyed it. Will definitely make again!
Carey bray says
Can’t wait to try this recipe. We are trying to make a budget friendly menu and stay within a food. I’d get each month…this should last us a couple maybe three meals which would be so helpful!
Becky Hardin says
That’s the best!
Risha says
Delish and easy!
Becky Hardin says
Thanks for stopping by, Risha!
Claire says
Was really good and easy to make in a pinch! We only used 2 breasts (what we had) and it fed enough for 4!
Becky Hardin says
Thanks for sharing, Claire!
Airean says
This is such a good and easy recipe! Definitely a fan favorite. I brought left overs to my stepmom and she said it was the best she’s ever had and wanted the recipe herself could this be done the same way with pork?
Becky Hardin says
I imagine so, I haven’t tried it!
Victoria acosta says
I’m so excited to try this recipe, it looks delicious! Thanks for providing the nutrition facts. How many ounces of chicken in a serving?
Becky Hardin says
The serving size is 8oz but you can do less of course!
Anna says
This was amazing! So flavorful and easy!
Becky Hardin says
Thanks for sharing, Anna!
Zofia says
I only have white vinegar, is that ok?
Becky Hardin says
That should work just fine!
Lilly says
So easy and thoughtless! We eat as bbq chicken sliders and they are amazinggg!
Becky Hardin says
Thanks for stopping by, Lilly!
marion says
Love this recipe! How can I make it a day ahead and reheat?
Can I reheat in slow cooker next day?
Becky Hardin says
This can absolutely be reheated, although I do not recommend reheating in the slow cooker. Reheat in the microwave, on the stovetop, or in the oven!