The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken is like a warm hug in a bun. This simple, no-fuss recipe takes tender chicken breasts to new heights, doused in a perfectly tangy and sweet barbecue sauce. Set it and forget it, and let the delightful aromas fill your kitchen as it slow-cooks to perfection.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Set It and Forget It: Toss everything into the crockpot and go about your day—it’s that easy!
- Aroma Bonus: As it cooks, it fills your kitchen with the irresistible scent of BBQ delight.
- Versatile Serving Options: Perfect as sandwich filling, on rice, or in tacos—transform your meal however you like.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This dish is bound to satisfy everyone from kids to adults—ideal for any gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken are refreshingly simple and easily found in your pantry. Each plays an integral role in crafting that signature BBQ flavor, from the foundational chicken breasts to the sweet and tangy sauce blend that makes this dish unforgettable.
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts: A lean protein that gets incredibly tender in the crockpot.
- 1 1/4 cup barbecue sauce: We love using Sweet Baby Ray’s Honey BBQ for its perfect balance of sweetness and tang.
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing: Adds a tangy and savory depth to the mix.
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce: Infuses the chicken with umami richness.
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar: Contributes sweetness, balancing out the tangy and smoky flavors.
- 1 tbsp garlic powder: Elevates the overall savoriness.
- 1 tbsp onion powder: Complements the garlic and enriches the flavor profile.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that boost overall flavor.
Variations
This recipe is beautifully versatile, allowing you to easily adapt it based on your dietary preferences or available ingredients. Whether you want to make it spicier or lighter, there’s a way to customize it to your taste.
- Spicy Kick: Add a diced jalapeño or a teaspoon of cayenne pepper for those who love a bit of heat in their BBQ.
- Low-Sugar Version: Opt for a sugar-free barbecue sauce and omit or reduce the brown sugar for a lighter version.
How to Make The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken
Step 1: Prepare Your Chicken
First, generously coat your crockpot with non-stick spray or use a liner. Then, season the boneless chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Place them at the bottom of your crockpot, ensuring they’re ready to soak up all the flavorful goodness.
Step 2: Create Your Sauce
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce, Italian dressing, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar until well combined. Pour this tangy, sweet blend over the chicken in the crockpot, ensuring each piece is covered.
Step 3: Cook and Shred
Cover and cook on high for 2.5 to 3 hours or on low for 5 to 6 hours. Use a meat thermometer to confirm the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Once cooked, you can either serve the chicken as whole breasts or shred it using two forks right in the crockpot to soak up all that juicy sauce.
Pro Tips for Making The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken
- Balancing Sweetness: Adjust the amount of brown sugar to suit your palate, especially if you switch barbecue sauce brands.
- Timing is Everything: Avoid overcooking by checking the chicken’s internal temperature sooner if you use small or thin chicken breasts.
- Shred it Right: Shred the chicken directly in the crockpot to fully absorb the flavors of the sauce.
- Flavor Infusion: Let the shredded chicken sit in the crockpot juices for about 5 minutes before serving for extra flavor absorption.
How to Serve The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro or parsley not only adds a pop of color but also a refreshing herbal note that complements the rich BBQ flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
This succulent BBQ chicken pairs wonderfully with classics like coleslaw or a side of potato wedges. If you’re looking for something lighter, a crisp green salad with a vinaigrette is an excellent choice.
Creative Ways to Present
For a creative twist, try serving the BBQ chicken on mini slider buns for a party-friendly treat, or layer it on a hot, bubbly pizza for a delightful and unexpected dinner option.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To store leftovers, place the chicken and sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors will intensify as they meld together, making for a delicious next-day meal.
Freezing
The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken freezes beautifully. Store in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag for up to 3 months. To use, defrost overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheating
Gently reheat the chicken on the stovetop over low heat, or microwave it until warmed through. Add a splash of chicken broth or water if needed to loosen the sauce to your liking.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a bit more forgiving due to their higher fat content, so feel free to substitute and enjoy a richer flavor.
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What if my chicken turns out too dry?
If the chicken turns out dry, it may have been overcooked. Shredding and mixing it with extra sauce can help restore some moisture.
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Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
For a vegetarian twist, substitute the chicken with jackfruit, which will mimic the texture beautifully when cooked and seasoned similarly.
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Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just be sure your crockpot is large enough to accommodate the additional chicken and sauce. Cooking time may need slight adjustments, so keep an eye on it.
Final Thoughts
With its ease of preparation and unbeatable flavor, The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken is sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation. I warmly invite you to try it, and don’t be surprised if it quickly becomes a family favorite!
Print
The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 2.5-6 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes to 6 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crockpot BBQ Chicken recipe offers tender, flavorful shredded chicken cooked slowly in a savory BBQ sauce mixture. Perfect for sandwiches, tacos, salads, or served over rice, it’s an easy and versatile dish topped with smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors, ideal for busy weeknights or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, with fat trimmed off
- 1 1/4 cup barbecue sauce (such as Sweet Baby Ray’s Honey BBQ)
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing (preferably fat-free)
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar (can reduce to 1/8 cup or omit for less sweetness)
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the crockpot: Lightly spray the inside of a large crockpot or slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray, or use disposable liners for easier cleanup.
- Season chicken: Season the trimmed boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder, then place them in the bottom of the crockpot.
- Mix sauce ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together barbecue sauce, Italian dressing, light brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth and combined.
- Combine: Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the seasoned chicken breasts, cover with the lid.
- Cook: Set the crockpot to high for 2.5-3 hours or low for 5-6 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Check doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Shred the chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken and shred it using two forks, or shred it directly in the crockpot to absorb the sauce for extra flavor.
- Serve: Serve hot, on buns for sandwiches, or over rice, in tacos, salads, or as desired. Enjoy!
Notes
- You can reduce or omit the brown sugar for a less sweet version.
- If you prefer a spicier BBQ, consider adding a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper.
- Shredded chicken can be stored in its juices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup shredded chicken (about 120 grams)
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
