Pull out the bibs, keep your napkin at the ready, and grab the barbecue sauce, because today we are making one of my favorite slow cooker recipes: Crockpot BBQ Chicken!
Moist, saucy, and brimming with that sweet ’n smoky BBQ flair, this slow cooker BBQ chicken is one of those prized and precious dinners in which a ridiculously simple recipe produces an extremely satisfying meal (especially when paired with Healthy Coleslaw).
Just like this Shredded Chicken Sandwich recipe, this easy slow cooker BBQ pulled chicken recipe is freezer friendly, actually healthy (which is high in protein) with very little prep time.
I realize that this recipe is quite a basic, dish BUT basic can be delicious—and EASY!
5 Star Review
“I have just had this for the second night in a row and it’s fabulous. My husband loves it too – so he will be asking for it again!”
— Beth —
Embrace the basic.
Let’s make some crockpot BBQ chicken (which tastes fantastic served over Air Fryer Sweet Potato!).
It will become one of the best recipes to have in your collection, I promise!
How to Use Crockpot BBQ Chicken
As I discovered the week that I made it, this recipe’s uses are limited only by your imagination (or how hungry you are).
Here are 10 ways to use your pulled BBQ chicken:
- Pile it on a bun to make BBQ chicken sandwiches.
- Toss it over a salad (it’s perfect for this BBQ Chicken Salad).
- Stuff it inside a tortilla to make BBQ-style slow cooker pulled chicken tacos.
- Swap it for the leftover pulled pork in this Pulled Pork Quesadilla.
- Take note from these Healthy Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potatoes and try it over a baked sweet potato or regular baked potato. (My cookbook has a shortcut version).
- Layer it on chips for slow cooker BBQ chicken nachos.
- Following the thinking above: BBQ chicken over these crispy Baked French Fries or Sweet Potato Wedges. YAS.
- Three words: BBQ. Chicken. Flatbread.
- Try slow cooker BBQ chicken and rice.
- Make a bbq chicken pizza.
- Eat it directly out of the slow cooker. Just do it.
How to Make Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken
This crockpot BBQ chicken recipe uses three simple ingredients for maximum flavor.
It’s the kind of back pocket dinner (like these Crockpot Ribs) that you and your family will want to make on repeat.
The Ingredients
- Chicken. Every bite of the tender, juicy pulled BBQ chicken is coated in the sweet and sticky sauce, making it truly scrumptious and taste great! I used boneless, skinless chicken breast to keep things light, but you could use chicken thighs or legs instead (see “Recipe Variations” below for tips).
Tip!
Know Your Chicken Size/Weight
- This recipe is based on two pounds of chicken, which for me was 3 medium/large breasts, but you can scale it up or down as needed.
- The average weight of 2 medium chicken breasts is 1 pound, but this can vary based on the size of your breasts.
- Smaller boneless, skinless chicken breasts weigh about 6 ounces each, medium chicken breasts weigh 8-10 ounces, and larger breasts can be 12 ounces or more. If your chicken is smaller, make sure to check it early.
- BBQ Sauce. The BBQ sauce keeps the chicken moist during cooking, and its flavor will appeal to everyone at your table.
- Cornstarch. A cornstarch slurry thickens the sauce. Whisked in a bowl together cornstarch and water.
The Directions
- Place the chicken in the slow cooker. Pour the sauce on top. Slow cook chicken breasts on high for 1 1/2 to 2 hours or low for 4 to 5 hours.
- Remove the chicken to a plate, then stir the slurry into the crockpot and thicken the sauce.
- Shred the chicken and back into the slow cooker. Add some green onion to make it pretty. Serve as desired. ENJOY!
TIP!
Cooking Chicken on High vs Low in a Crockpot
Yes, it is possible to overcook chicken in a slow cooker, especially boneless, skinless chicken breasts, so keep an eye on it.
- As a rule of thumb, I almost always cook boneless skinless chicken breasts on LOW for the best results. I find boneless chicken breasts, cooked on HIGH, tend to become dry, even if you check it early.
- However, legs and thighs can be cooked on HIGH with greater success due to their higher fat content.
- Whichever setting you choose, how long you should cook chicken in a crockpot will really depend upon your specific slow cooker. My slow cooker (I have this programmable one) tends to run pretty hot and cook things more quickly.
- For perfectly cooked, juicy chicken use an instant read thermometer like this. They are inexpensive and will say you from overcooking meat, fish, and more.
- Chicken is considered safe to eat at 165 degrees F. I typically pull mine out a few degrees early, as the temperature will continue to rise as it rests.
Recipe Variations
Prefer dark meat? Don’t own a slow cooker but have an Instant Pot?
Here are some of my favorite alternative ways to prepare this Southern pulled chicken slow cooker recipe.
To Use Chicken Thighs
- For crockpot BBQ chicken thighs, follow the recipe just as written but adjust the slow cooking times.
- Two pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs should cook in 3 to 4 hours on HIGH or 5 to 6 hours on LOW.
- To the fans of slow cooker chicken thighs: Try this Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken or this Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken recipe next.
To Use Chicken Legs
- I suggest removing the skin first. Since this recipe is made in a slow cooker, the skin won’t have the nice, crisp texture that you’d get from making them in the oven.
- Cook the crockpot BBQ chicken legs on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours or on LOW for 5 to 6 hours.
- Thicken the sauce as directed, but leave the chicken legs whole. Return to the sauce to rewarm when ready to serve.
To Make in the Instant Pot
Note that the sauce will not be as thick as with the slow cooker method, due to needing to add chicken broth to prevent the burn warning.
- Add 1 cup of chicken stock to the bottom of the Instant Pot (this prevents a “burn” warning).
- Add the chicken. Pour the sauce on top (do not stir). Cook the chicken for 8 minutes of high pressure, then vent immediately.
- Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate. Turn the Instant Pot to SAUTE mode and stir in the cornstarch slurry.
- Cook the sauce, stirring often, until thickened. Shred the chicken and return it to the Instant Pot. Toss to coat and serve.
(I haven’t tried crockpot BBQ chicken wings, but if you decide to experiment with them, I’d love to hear how it goes! Alternatively, you may try these Air Fryer Chicken Wings).
Storage Tips
- To Store. Store leftover BBQ shredded chicken in an airtight storage container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- To Reheat. Gently rewarm leftovers in a Dutch oven on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave.
- To Freeze. BBQ chicken can be stored in an airtight freezer-safe storage container in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Meal Prep Tip
I like to prepare this chicken on Sunday for dinner and then divvy up the leftovers into smaller, individual portions to use for lunches all week long.
What to serve with crockpot bbq chicken
Recommended Tools to Make this Recipe
- Whisk. Perfect for stirring the sauce without making a mess.
- Saucepan. An ideal way to quickly thicken the sauce if you’d like to speed things along.
- Storage Containers. Perfect for make-ahead lunches, divvy up leftover crockpot bbq chicken into preportioned lunch containers.
Programmable Slow Cooker
A kitchen tool I can’t live without. Use this 6-quart crockpot to make any of these healthy slow cooker recipes. It has a locking lid and many programmable features.
Crockpot BBQ chicken, you may be basic but you are beautiful!
Frequently Asked Questions
While some sources may tell you to go ahead, putting frozen chicken in a slow cooker isn’t something I recommend. Because crackpots heat food slowly, frozen chicken will spend too long in the “danger zone” for bacteria growth before it reaches a food-safe temperature.
No. Raw chicken can safely be added to a crockpot so there is no need to precook it. Just make sure your chicken is fully thawed before adding it to the slow cooker.
Yes! To make BBQ chicken in an Instant Pot, follow the instructions in the “Recipe Variations” section of the blog post. (This Instant Pot Chicken guide has even more details about making chicken in a pressure cooker).
Crockpot BBQ Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups Homemade BBQ Sauce or your favorite store-bought sauce (the homemade sauce only takes about 15 minutes to make and is totally worth it!)
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (see post for directions on using thighs or legs)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water to make a slurry
- Serving suggestions: whole wheat or pretzel buns or whole wheat tortillas, cheddar cheese, chopped green onion, baked sweet potatoes
Instructions
- If you are making your own, prepare a Homemade BBQ Sauce.
- Lightly coat a 5-quart or larger slow cooker with nonstick spray. Arrange the chicken in a single layer on the bottom of the slow cooker. Top with sauce, spooning the sauce all over the top. If you made a batch of the Homemade BBQ Sauce, reserve the rest for serving.
- Cover the slow cooker, and cook for 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 hours on high or 4 to 5 hours on low, until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. Remove the chicken to a cutting board and shred with two forks, either on a cutting board or directly in the slow cooker.
- Thicken the sauce in the slow cooker. Add the slurry to the slow cooker with the remaining sauce. Whisk to combine, cover the slow cooker, and set to high. Let cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens, about 30 minutes (see the note section below for a quicker stovetop method to thicken the sauce).
- Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and toss to coat. Serve chicken warm on buns for sandwiches, inside quesadillas, or (our favorite) on top of a baked sweet potato with a sprinkle of green onion. Add additional BBQ sauce as desired.
Notes
- TO STORE. Store leftover BBQ shredded chicken in an airtight storage container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- TO REHEAT. Gently rewarm leftovers in a Dutch oven on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave.
- TO FREEZE. BBQ chicken can be stored in an airtight, freezer-safe storage container in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- You can thicken the sauce more quickly by transferring it from the slow cooker to a medium saucepan. Whisk in the slurry, and then cook on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring often until the sauce thickens, 5 to 10 minutes. (If your slow cooker insert is stovetop safe, you can remove it from the slow cooker and place it directly on the burner, but do not do this unless you are POSITIVE your insert is stovetop safe or it may crack).
- For directions on using chicken thighs, chicken legs, or cooking this recipe in an Instant Pot, please reference the blog post above.
- Feel free to double this recipe to feed a larger group. You may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- All slow cookers differ in temperature, so adjust the cooking time according to your experience. Cooking time may vary based on the make and model of your slow cooker.
Nutrition
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Crockpot chicken isn’t limited only to BBQ. Here are other ways to enjoy slow cooker chicken:
Can I get the correct timing for doing this same recipe in an Istant Pot? You did say to reference this in your instructions, but Icould not find a place to do this.
Thanks for your help.
Hi Suzanne! It’s in the blog post if you scroll up, just above the recipe. The directions are a bit long to retype here, so take a look and let me know if you have any questions once you review!
Do you know if this could be made in the Instant Pot and if so, how long to cook for? I was thinking of making 1 1/2× the recipe for a group this weekend. Wasn’t sure if I need to adjust times in a slow cooker. Trying to decide which method would be best for me as we will be out a good part of the day. Thank you.
Hi Nora! If you scroll up to the blog post above the recipe, I actually have a section detailing this out. I haven’t tried it myself yet, but have some suggestions. Let me know if you have any questions once you take a look.
Thanks Erin. Not sure how I missed that paragraph.Will try it out tomorrow ?
I hope you love it Nora!!
I tried this recipe this past Sunday, and absolutely loved it! I did the method of thickening the sauce in a pan on the stove, and it worked perfectly! I added my BBQ chicken to a fresh garden salad, and drizzled just a tiny bit of ranch on top and it was so filling and flavorful! Definitely the best recipe I’ve made in a while. This is a new go-to for me!
HOORAY Taylor, I’m so happy to hear this is a new favorite! Thanks so much for giving it a try and taking the time to share this awesome review!
This recipe is so easy and so good! We used the chicken for sandwiches. Will make again!!!
So happy to hear how much you enjoyed this Shannon! Thanks so much for trying the recipe and sharing this wonderful review!
So happy you reposted this recipe in your crockpot roundup! I made it awhile ago and loved it, and it was even better this time around. 10/10!
Hooray! I’m happy to hear it’s a favorite recipe. Thanks, Savannah!
So quick and easy yet delicious at the same time. Healthy alternative to pulled pork. Definitely a “keeper”.
WHOO HOOO! Thank you Jed!!
What is slurry?
Hi Donna! Slurry is what is made when you stir together cornstarch and water as noted in the ingredient list. I hope you enjoy the recipe!
This recipe R.O.C.K.S. and so does your homemade BBQ sauce!
I made the BBQ chicken to put in the freezer for my husband to have an easy meal when I’m out of town; but after tasting it……….he wanted to eat it for lunch THIS week. So now I have more in the slow cooker. That says it all! Thanks so much Erin for sharing your recipes. They’re always good! :-)
You just MADE my day, Donna! Thank you so much for leaving this incredibly kind review! I’m so happy these were a hit for you and your husband!
Hi Erin, can you refresh my memory about using frozen chicken fur instant pot fur this recipe? Thanks, it sounds wonderful.
Hi Janet! I do not recommend using frozen chicken for this recipe, as it can spend too long at room temperature and become unsafe to eat. I suggest letting your chicken thaw completely before starting the recipe. I hope this helps!
Erin,
I want to make this tonight but I only have 4 “thin sliced” chicken breasts. Should I adjust the cook time? Or will it work the same?
Hortensia, I’m not sure how thin your chicken is, but you’ll definitely want to cook it less. Once it reaches 160, pull it out, cover it, and then let it rest. That should carry it over to the safe temp of 165 F (or just cook it all the way to 165!).
I have just had this for the second night in a row and it’s fabulous. My husband loves it too – so he will be asking for it again! I served it on rolls with a side of coleslaw. I made the BBQ sauce as well and it’s totally worth it. I made it with chicken thighs as that’s what I prefer. Wonderful!
I’m so happy that you enjoyed the recipe, Beth! Thank you for sharing this kind review!
An easy delish bbq chicken we made sandwiches!!
Followed directions exactly and made the homemade bbq sauce as well!
A great fun dinner with many possibilities of how to serve! Works to take to someone for a dinner as well!
A huge hit!!!!
Thank you Erin
Hi Val! So glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for this kind review!
This was my first try at using a slow cooker and it worked out perfectly! I made homemade air buns to serve it on (because I forgot to buy buns) and my family loved it!
Hi Amanda! So glad you enjoyed the chicken! Thank you for this kind review!
Hi Erin, I am going to serve shredded BBQ chicken sandwiches for Christmas Eve. I don’t cook meat often and I would like to have for ready before guests arrive. I can’t decide. Julie Would it be best to use this recipe or cook the chicken using your IP recipe and then warm it in a crock pot with the homemade BBQ sauce? Thank you for your recommendation.
Hi Julie! Honestly I think you can do either or. Hope you enjoy it!