The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken

why make this recipe

Crockpot BBQ chicken is a fantastic dish that is both easy to make and packed with flavor. Using a slow cooker allows the chicken to become tender and juicy, soaking up all the delicious barbecue sauce and seasonings. This recipe is perfect for busy days when you want to come home to a warm meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s very versatile! You can use the chicken in sandwiches, salads, or even on pizza.

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how to make The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken (Easy Pulled 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

1. First, liberally spray the inside of a large crockpot or slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray. For less mess, use a disposable liner.
2. Next, season your trimmed boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Place them in the bottom of your crockpot.
3. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine barbecue sauce, Italian dressing, light brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Whisk until it is well mixed.
4. Pour the sauce 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.
5. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees.
6. Once fully cooked, you can either serve the chicken whole or shred it. I prefer shredding it right in the crockpot to soak up all the extra sauce.
7. Serve the pulled chicken on buns for delicious BBQ sandwiches—or on pizza, salad, tacos, nachos, over rice, or by itself. Enjoy!

how to serve The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken (Easy Pulled Chicken)

This BBQ chicken is incredibly versatile. You can serve it on soft buns for classic pulled chicken sandwiches, or you can pile it on nachos for a fun appetizer. It’s also great over rice or in a salad. Feel free to get creative with your toppings! Add coleslaw on top for a crunchy texture or drizzle extra barbecue sauce to enhance the flavor.

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how to store The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken (Easy Pulled Chicken)

To store any leftover BBQ chicken, let it cool down to room temperature. Then, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. If you want to save it for longer, you can freeze it in a freezer-safe container or bag. Just make sure to label it with the date. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months.

tips to make The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken (Easy Pulled Chicken)

• Trim excess fat from the chicken for a leaner dish.
• Adjust the sweetness of the barbecue sauce by reducing the amount of brown sugar if desired.
• For a smokier flavor, you can add a bit of smoked paprika to the seasoning mix.
• Make sure to shred the chicken in the sauce for maximum flavor.

variation

If you’re looking to mix things up, you can try different barbecue sauces to change the flavor profile. You can also add sliced onions and bell peppers to the crockpot for extra veggies and aroma. For a spicy kick, add some hot sauce to the sauce mixture or use spicy barbecue sauce.

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FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but keep in mind that you may need to add extra cooking time, especially when cooking on low.

Can I use other cuts of chicken?
Yes, other cuts like chicken thighs or drumsticks can also work well, just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

What if I don’t have Worcestershire sauce?
If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce, you can substitute it with soy sauce or omit it entirely. The dish will still taste great without it.

Crockpot BBQ Chicken

A flavorful and tender BBQ chicken dish made in a slow cooker, perfect for sandwiches, salads, or pizza.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 3 hours hrs

Total Time 3 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, with fat trimmed off
• 1.25 cups barbecue sauce (Sweet Baby Ray's Honey BBQ) You can choose your favorite BBQ sauce.
• 0.5 cups Italian dressing Fat-free version can be used.
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce Can be substituted if not available.
• 0.25 cups light brown sugar Can reduce to 1/8 cup or omit if less sweet is preferred.
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp onion powder
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Method

 

Preparation

1. Liberally spray the inside of a large crockpot or slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray or use a disposable liner.
2. Season the trimmed chicken breasts with salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Place them in the bottom of the crockpot.

Cooking

1. In a medium bowl, combine barbecue sauce, Italian dressing, light brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Whisk until well mixed.
2. Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the chicken breasts. Cover and cook on high for 2.5-3 hours or low for 5-6 hours.
3. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees.

Serving

1. Once cooked, serve the chicken whole or shred it in the crockpot to soak up the extra sauce. Enjoy on buns, pizza, salad, or tacos.

Notes

To store leftovers, let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate in an airtight container for 3-4 days, or freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. For additional flavor, consider adding coleslaw or extra barbecue sauce when serving.

Yumi

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]