Why Make This Recipe
Crockpot BBQ Chicken is a fantastic dish that is not only easy to make but also bursting with flavor. This recipe is perfect for busy days when you want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Using a slow cooker makes the chicken tender and juicy, allowing it to soak up all the rich barbecue sauce. It’s a crowd-pleaser and great for gatherings, BBQ parties, or family dinners.
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. For less mess, use a disposable liner.
- Next, season your trimmed boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. 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 165 degrees internal temperature.
- Once fully cooked, you can either serve whole or use two forks to shred the chicken. I like to shred it right in the crockpot to soak up all the extra chicken marinade and BBQ sauce.
- Serve the chicken on buns for delicious BBQ pulled chicken sandwiches, or use it for pizza, salad, tacos, nachos, over rice, or by itself. Enjoy!
How to Serve The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken
Serve your BBQ chicken on soft buns to make tasty pulled chicken sandwiches. You can also top it with coleslaw for added crunch. If you’re feeling creative, consider using it in BBQ chicken pizzas, on top of salads, in tacos, or as a savory filling for nachos. The options are endless!
How to Store The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken
To store leftover BBQ chicken, let it cool completely and transfer it to an airtight container. You can refrigerate it for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing the shredded chicken in freezer-safe bags. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat.
Tips to Make The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken
- Use chicken thighs for a richer flavor and even more tenderness.
- For a kick, add some crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture.
- Experiment with different flavors of barbecue sauce to find your favorite combination.
- Shred the chicken right in the crockpot to soak up more of the sauce.
Variation
For a healthier twist, you can replace the barbecue sauce with a homemade sauce that uses reduced-sugar ingredients. You could also add chopped bell peppers or onions to the crockpot before cooking for added flavor and nutrients.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can cook frozen chicken in the crockpot, but it may take longer to reach the correct internal temperature.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure your crockpot is large enough to accommodate the extra chicken.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Crockpot BBQ Chicken
Ingredients
Method
- Liberally spray the inside of a large crockpot with non-stick cooking spray or use a disposable liner.
- Season the trimmed chicken breasts with salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder, then place them at the bottom of the crockpot.
- In a medium bowl, mix barbecue sauce, Italian dressing, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce until well combined.
- Pour the barbecue mixture evenly over the chicken breasts.
- Cover the crockpot and cook on high for 2.5-3 hours or low for 5-6 hours, ensuring the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Once cooked, you can serve the chicken whole or shred it in the crockpot to soak up the additional sauce.
- Serve on buns for pulled chicken sandwiches, or use in pizza, salad, tacos, nachos, or on its own.
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]