Crockpot BBQ Chicken – Tender, juicy chicken is slow-cooked in a smoky, tangy BBQ sauce, creating a melt-in-your-mouth dish that’s full of flavor. Simply toss the chicken and sauce into your slow cooker, set it, and forget it. Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or a weekend BBQ!
What Is Crockpot BBQ Chicken?
Crockpot BBQ Chicken is a slow-cooked dish that combines chicken (typically boneless, skinless breasts or thighs) with your favorite barbecue sauce. The slow cooking process allows the chicken to become incredibly tender and flavorful. The BBQ sauce thickens as the chicken cooks, creating a savory and sweet coating that’s perfect for any occasion.
This recipe is perfect for busy days when you want a hassle-free, yet flavorful meal. Plus, it’s versatile – you can serve it on buns, over rice, or alongside roasted vegetables, making it suitable for all tastes and dietary preferences.
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Crockpot BBQ Chicken
- Choose the Right Chicken Cut: For the best results, use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. While chicken breasts cook more quickly and are leaner, thighs are more forgiving if you cook them longer and tend to stay juicier.
- Searing Before Cooking (Optional): While the beauty of using a Crockpot is the ease of just adding ingredients and letting them cook, searing the chicken breasts in a hot skillet before adding them to the slow cooker can enhance the flavor. This step creates a beautiful caramelized crust on the chicken, adding depth to the overall taste.
- Don’t Overcook: Overcooked chicken can become dry and tough, even in a slow cooker. Keep an eye on the cooking time and check the internal temperature of the chicken. The ideal temperature is 165°F (74°C).
- Add Liquid for Moisture: If you’re cooking the chicken for a longer period, add a little chicken broth or water to ensure the chicken remains moist. This is especially helpful when cooking the chicken on low for several hours.
- Adjust the BBQ Sauce: BBQ sauce can vary widely in flavor. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, look for options that include honey or brown sugar. For a spicier version, go for a sauce with chipotle or cayenne pepper. You can also mix in a little extra vinegar for tanginess.
- Layering is Key: Start by placing the chicken at the bottom of the Crockpot. Pour your BBQ sauce over the chicken, then add any other ingredients, such as onions or garlic. This helps the chicken absorb all the flavors as it cooks.
- Rest Before Shredding: After the chicken is cooked, allow it to rest for 5 minutes before shredding. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring the chicken stays juicy and tender.
How to Serve Crockpot BBQ Chicken
Crockpot BBQ Chicken is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. Here are a few ideas for how to enjoy this flavorful dish:
- BBQ Chicken Sandwiches: Shred the chicken and serve it on soft buns with a scoop of coleslaw and a drizzle of extra barbecue sauce. This makes for an easy and delicious meal.
- Over Rice: Serve the shredded chicken over a bed of fluffy white rice or brown rice for a comforting meal.
- With Roasted Vegetables: Pair the BBQ chicken with roasted vegetables such as sweet potatoes, carrots, and broccoli for a wholesome, balanced meal.
- On a Salad: Add shredded BBQ chicken to a salad for a healthy, protein-packed lunch or dinner. Toss it with leafy greens, avocado, and a tangy vinaigrette dressing.
- Tacos or Burritos: Use the shredded BBQ chicken as a filling for tacos or burritos. Top with your favorite toppings like guacamole, cilantro, and sour cream.
How to Store Crockpot BBQ Chicken
If you happen to have leftovers (or if you’re making extra for meal prep), storing Crockpot BBQ Chicken is easy:
- In the Refrigerator: Allow the chicken to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. To reheat, you can use a microwave, stovetop, or return it to the Crockpot with a bit of extra sauce to keep it moist.
- In the Freezer: For longer storage, Crockpot BBQ Chicken can be frozen. Place the chicken in a freezer-safe container or bag, making sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. It will keep for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat on the stovetop or in the Crockpot.
Variations of Crockpot BBQ Chicken
- Crockpot BBQ Chicken with Pineapple: Add chunks of fresh pineapple to the slow cooker along with the chicken and BBQ sauce. The sweetness of the pineapple will complement the smoky sauce, creating a tropical flavor twist.
- Spicy BBQ Chicken: To add some heat to the dish, incorporate chopped jalapeños or a few teaspoons of hot sauce into the sauce before cooking. You can also use a spicy BBQ sauce to kick up the flavor.
- BBQ Chicken with Onions and Garlic: For extra flavor, add sliced onions and minced garlic to the Crockpot. These ingredients will caramelize as the chicken cooks, adding depth to the dish.
- BBQ Chicken with Ranch: Mixing ranch seasoning into the BBQ sauce adds a creamy, herby element to the dish, creating a rich and indulgent flavor profile.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for Crockpot BBQ Chicken? Yes! You can use frozen chicken breasts or thighs. However, it’s important to ensure that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) by the end of cooking. You may need to extend the cooking time slightly if the chicken is frozen.
Can I cook Crockpot BBQ Chicken on high instead of low? Absolutely! If you’re short on time, you can cook the chicken on the high setting for about 3-4 hours. The low setting usually requires 6-7 hours, but both methods will yield tender, flavorful chicken.
Can I make Crockpot BBQ Chicken with bone-in chicken? Yes, but bone-in chicken takes longer to cook. If you’re using bone-in chicken, you’ll need to add about 1-2 additional hours to the cooking time. Bone-in chicken can also add extra flavor to the dish, though it may require more effort to shred.
How do I know when my Crockpot BBQ Chicken is done? The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). A meat thermometer is the best way to ensure it’s properly cooked. If the chicken is tender and shreds easily with a fork, it’s ready.
Can I double the recipe? Yes! If you’re feeding a large group or meal prepping, you can easily double the recipe. Just make sure the chicken pieces are in a single layer and not overcrowded in the Crockpot for even cooking.
Crockpot BBQ Chicken
Crockpot BBQ Chicken - Tender, juicy chicken is slow-cooked in a smoky, tangy BBQ sauce, creating a melt-in-your-mouth dish that’s full of flavor. Simply toss the chicken and sauce into your slow cooker, set it, and forget it. Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or a weekend BBQ!
Ingredients
- 3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 5-6 pieces)
- 1 1/2 cups BBQ sauce (I love Sweet Baby Ray’s Honey BBQ)
- 1/2 medium onion, grated (with juice)
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 Tbsp brown sugar
Instructions
- In a 5-6 qt slow cooker, mix together the BBQ sauce, grated onion (with juice), olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar.
- Add the chicken breasts, turning them to coat evenly in the sauce.
- Cover and cook on high for 2-3 hours or low for 6-7 hours. Keep an eye on the chicken if you're using smaller pieces or know your slow cooker runs hot.
- It’s done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the chicken shreds easily.
- Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a cutting board and shred using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to coat it in the sauce.
Nutrition Information
Yield
8Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 401Total Fat 8gSaturated Fat 2gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 5gCholesterol 145mgSodium 692mgCarbohydrates 25gFiber 1gSugar 21gProtein 53g
Dinnerfocus.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Conclusion
Crockpot BBQ Chicken is the perfect meal for busy days when you still want something flavorful and satisfying. With minimal prep and maximum taste, this dish delivers every time. Whether you serve it as a sandwich, over rice, or alongside vegetables, it’s bound to become a family favorite. Enjoy the sweet, smoky flavors and the convenience of a hands-off meal that doesn’t sacrifice taste.
Try my other chicken recipes:
