Why Make This Recipe
Crockpot BBQ Chicken is a fantastic recipe for anyone looking for easy meal prep. It’s perfect for busy days since you can just set it and forget it. The chicken comes out tender and full of flavor, thanks to the combination of BBQ sauce, Italian dressing, and spices. Plus, it’s versatile! You can serve it in sandwiches, on tacos, or even over rice.
How to Make The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, with fat trimmed off
- 1 1/4 cup barbecue sauce (We love sweet Baby Ray’s Honey BBQ)
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing (I use this fat-free one)
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar (can reduce to 1/8 cup or omit if you prefer it less sweet)
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Directions
- First, liberally spray the inside of a large crockpot or slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray, or for less mess, use one of these awesome disposable liners.
- Next, season your trimmed boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder, and place them in the bottom of your crockpot.
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, add barbecue sauce, Italian dressing, light brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Whisk until combined.
- Pour the mixture evenly over the chicken breasts, place the lid on the crockpot, and cook on high for 2.5-3 hours or low for 5-6 hours.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees.
- Once fully cooked, you can either serve the chicken whole or use two forks to shred it. I like to shred it right in the crockpot to soak up all the extra chicken marinade and BBQ sauce.
- Serve on buns for delicious BBQ pulled chicken sandwiches, or serve on pizza, salad, tacos, nachos, over rice, or by itself. Enjoy!
How to Serve The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken
This BBQ chicken is super versatile. You can serve it on hamburger buns for classic pulled chicken sandwiches. It also works great in tacos, on a salad, or even as a topping for nachos. For a quick meal, it’s delicious served over rice. The possibilities are endless!
How to Store The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken
Leftover Crockpot BBQ Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it. Just make sure to let it cool completely before placing it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It will keep well in the freezer for about 3 months.
Tips to Make The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken
- Make sure to trim off any excess fat from the chicken for a healthier meal.
- Adjust the sweetness by reducing the brown sugar or omitting it altogether if you prefer a less sweet taste.
- For added flavor, marinate the chicken in the BBQ sauce mixture overnight before cooking.
- Shredding the chicken in the crockpot helps soak up all the delicious sauce.
Variation
You can easily customize this recipe by adding different spices or sauces. For a spicier kick, add some cayenne pepper or hot sauce. If you want a smoky flavor, try using smoked paprika. You can also swap the BBQ sauce for a different flavor, such as teriyaki or honey mustard.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can cook frozen chicken in the crockpot, but it will need extra cooking time. Just make sure it reaches the safe internal temperature.
How can I make this recipe healthier?
Use skinless chicken breasts and fat-free dressing. You can also skip the brown sugar or reduce the amount you use.
Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure your crockpot is big enough to hold the extra chicken and sauce, and adjust the cooking times as needed.
Crockpot BBQ Chicken
Ingredients
Method
- Liberally spray the inside of a large crockpot or slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray, or use a disposable liner.
- Season the trimmed chicken breasts with salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder, and place them in the bottom of your crockpot.
- In a medium-sized bowl, add barbecue sauce, Italian dressing, light brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Whisk until combined.
- Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the chicken breasts, then cover with the lid.
- Cook on high for 2.5-3 hours or low for 5-6 hours.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees.
- Once fully cooked, you can serve the chicken whole or shred it with two forks to soak up all the delicious sauce.
- Serve on buns for BBQ pulled chicken sandwiches, on tacos, over rice, or as a topping for nachos.
Notes
Name: Yumi HwagByline: Founder & Recipe Developer, YumimealsBio : Yumi tests weeknight-friendly air fryer, slow cooker, and BBQ recipes in a small home kitchen. She focuses on simple steps, real-family testing, and clear food-safety guidance. Contact: [email protected]