This Easy Crockpot BBQ Chicken is a tasty dish that cooks itself! Just throw some chicken and your favorite BBQ sauce in a crockpot, and let it work its magic all day long.
The chicken turns out tender and juicy; you’ll want to put it on everything! I love serving it on buns with coleslaw—you can’t go wrong with that combo!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a leaner option, or thighs for more flavor and juiciness. If you’re out of chicken, shredded rotisserie chicken can also work—just add the sauce and heat it through!
BBQ Sauce: Pick a brand you love, or make your own using ketchup, vinegar, and spices. If you’re looking for a healthier option, there are sugar-free BBQ sauces available too. I personally enjoy a tangy sauce for balance with the chicken’s richness.
Chicken Broth or Water: Chicken broth adds depth to the dish, but if you’re out, water works perfectly fine. You could even use vegetable broth if desired for a subtle flavor twist.
Spices: The garlic and onion powders enhance taste; however, feel free to add other spices like chili powder or even a splash of hot sauce if you enjoy heat!
What’s the Best Way to Shred Chicken in the Crockpot?
Shredding the chicken in the crockpot is simple and keeps all the yummy flavors locked in. Here’s how to do it:
- After the cooking time is up, use two forks to pull apart the chicken right in the crockpot.
- Start by inserting one fork to anchor the chicken, then use the second fork to pull the meat apart. It should shred easily!
- Make sure to stir the shredded chicken into the sauce so every bite gets that delicious flavor.
- Let it cook for an extra 15-30 minutes on low to soak in the sauce even more.
This method ensures your chicken is perfectly tender and full of BBQ goodness!
Easy Crockpot BBQ Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for smoky flavor)
For the Sauce:
- 1 1/2 cups BBQ sauce (choose your favorite brand or homemade)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This easy recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, plus 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high for cooking. It’s perfect for busy days when you want dinner ready without a lot of hands-on time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Chicken:
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts (or thighs) with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. This will give your chicken a tasty boost right from the beginning!
2. Prepare the Crockpot:
Now, place the seasoned chicken in your crockpot. Make sure it’s laid out evenly so it cooks properly.
3. Add the Sauce:
Pour the BBQ sauce and chicken broth (or water) over the chicken. It’s important to cover the chicken well so it can soak up all those delicious flavors.
4. Start Cooking:
Cover your crockpot with the lid and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Your chicken will be fully cooked and tender when it’s done!
5. Shred the Chicken:
Once the cooking time is up, it’s time to shred the chicken! Use two forks to pull the chicken apart right in the crockpot. The chicken should shred easily and will mix beautifully with the BBQ sauce.
6. Allow It to Meld:
After shredding, let it cook on low for another 15-30 minutes. This step helps all those great flavors come together.
7. Garnish and Serve:
If you’d like, sprinkle some fresh parsley or cilantro on top for a pop of color. Now your BBQ chicken is ready to serve! Enjoy it on buns, over rice, or with your favorite side dishes.
This recipe results in tender, juicy BBQ chicken packed with flavor and is perfect for easy weeknight dinners or meal prep!
FAQ for Easy Crockpot BBQ Chicken
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s best to thaw it first for even cooking. Thaw your chicken overnight in the fridge or quickly in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water. If you start with frozen chicken, increase the cooking time by an hour on low or 30 minutes on high.
What BBQ Sauce Should I Use?
Pick a BBQ sauce that you love! Whether it’s sweet, tangy, or spicy, it will influence the final flavor. You can also make your own by combining ketchup, vinegar, and spices for a personalized touch.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can prepare the chicken and sauce mixture a day in advance and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, just pour it into the crockpot and set it to your desired cooking time.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftover BBQ chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months! To reheat, simply warm it up in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
