This Crockpot BBQ Chicken recipe is a simple, hands-off way to make tender, juicy pulled chicken coated in a sweet and smoky BBQ sauce. Ready in just 10 minutes of prep, this slow cooker favorite is perfect for sandwiches, sliders, or even taco bowls. The slow cooking process infuses the chicken with flavor, making every bite irresistible.
Why This Crockpot BBQ Chicken Is a Crowd-Pleaser
The magic of this recipe is its simplicity. The sauce combines sweet, smoky, and slightly spicy flavors that cling to every shred of chicken. Cooking it in a slow cooker ensures the chicken stays moist and tender. Serve it on buns with coleslaw, or use it for meal prep—it’s versatile and delicious.
Ingredients That Make It Special
- Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless for easy shredding.
- BBQ sauce: Your favorite brand works perfectly.
- Worcestershire sauce and brown sugar: Enhance sweetness and depth.
- Spices: Chili powder, garlic powder, and onion powder bring warmth and subtle heat.
Optional toppings include buns, coleslaw, or pickles for a complete meal.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
- In a separate bowl, mix BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and spices.
- Pour sauce over the chicken and toss to coat evenly.
- Cover and cook on high for 3–4 hours (or low for 6–7 hours).
- Shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker and stir it into the sauce.
- Adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot.
Tips for Perfect Crockpot BBQ Chicken
- Use 2 pounds of chicken (about 4 medium breasts).
- Shred chicken to your preferred texture—coarse or fine.
- Chicken thighs can be used as a substitute for extra juiciness.
- Makes 6–8 sandwiches, depending on bun size and portioning.
Crockpot BBQ Chicken – Tender, Juicy, and Flavor-Packed
- Total Time: 3 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Tender and juicy Crockpot BBQ Chicken cooked in a sweet and smoky sauce. Perfect for sandwiches, sliders, or meal prep.
Ingredients
2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
1.5 cups BBQ sauce
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Buns and coleslaw for serving
Instructions
1. Place chicken breasts in slow cooker.
2. Mix BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and spices in a bowl.
3. Pour sauce over chicken and toss to coat.
4. Cover and cook on high 3-4 hours (or low 6-7 hours).
5. Shred chicken directly in slow cooker and stir into sauce.
6. Adjust salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot.
Notes
Makes 6-8 sandwiches depending on portion size.
Shred chicken as coarse or fine as preferred.
Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts.
For an Instant Pot version, adjust cook time accordingly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 307
- Sugar: 26
- Sodium: 944
- Fat: 4
- Saturated Fat: 1
- Unsaturated Fat: 3
- Trans Fat: 1
- Carbohydrates: 32
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 33
- Cholesterol: 97
Keywords: Crockpot BBQ Chicken, slow cooker pulled chicken, shredded BBQ chicken