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.
Jessica P says
Could this be done in an instapot? Any idea how if so?
Becky Hardin says
Try this recipe (click here)!
Louis Tagliavento says
I’m going to try this recipe but I’d like to use boneless skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts, would the ratio of any of the ingredients be different for the thighs being that the fat content is higher, and that the thighs are juicier producing more moisture in the crockpot.
Becky Hardin says
No changes necessary! Enjoy!
Amccord says
This was very tasty!! My family loved it!! It wa very easy to make.
Becky Hardin says
Thanks for sharing!
Jess says
I used Stubbs bbq sauce with this recipe and it was amazing!!
Becky Hardin says
Sounds delicious!
Rebecca says
This is by far one of the best recipes I have tried. That sauce is amazing and would not change a thing!
Becky Hardin says
I’m so happy to hear that, Rebecca!
Mamma Bear says
This was absolutely amazing!!! Me and my husband couldn’t get enough. It was fun an easy to make. This was one of the first things I learned to cook lol I just started cooking a few months ago and have followed a couple of your Crockpot chicken recipes. Thanks for sharing , makes me feel like an amazing cook lol .
Becky Hardin says
I’m so happy to hear that! Enjoy your cooking journey!!
Carmen Sanchez-Hernandez says
I use this easy wonderful recipe often. Plus it helps in stretching out my meal
Becky Hardin says
I’m so glad to hear that, Carmen! Thanks so much for stopping by!
Katie says
Can this be made with frozen chicken?
Becky Hardin says
Absolutely! It will take quite a bit longer to cook, though!
Jacqueline says
Can you do this with frozen chicken? If so would you just add a few hours or so?
Becky Hardin says
Yes! Unfortunately, I haven’t tried this from frozen, but I would guess it would take more like 6-7 hours on low!
Corinne says
Holy Chicken!!! My teenager couldn’t stop saying how awesome it was!!!
Becky Hardin says
I’m so happy to hear that, Corinne!
Allison says
Delicious! Usually whenever I make something like this in the crockpot, it comes out too liquid, but this was perfect and delicious.
Becky Hardin says
I’m so glad this recipe was a hit for you, Allison!