Tips For Recipe Success
Even though this slow cooker BBQ chicken recipe is really quite simple, here are a few tips for best results.
- For super quick shredded chicken, add the chicken to a large bowl and use an electric mixer to shred it.
- This pulled chicken recipe feeds about 8 adults. If you dont need that much chicken, you can easily cut this recipe in half.
- Slow cooker BBQ chicken is perfect for meal prep ahead of time! I love having it on hand in the fridge because its so versatile and makes weeknight meals a cinch.
- If you are looking for a good crockpot, I love mine. Its the 6-quart Hamilton Beach Stay-or-Go Crockpot. It has clips to hold the lid on, so if I want to bring it along to a friends house or a potluck, its easy to travel with.
- If you prefer to cook the chicken on low, simply set your slow cooker on low heat and cook for 6 to 7 hours.
This Is Going To Be The Easiest Crockpot Bbq Chicken You Have Ever Made
Im not joking this really is going to be the easiest BBQ chicken you have ever made. Since I first tested this recipe, it has made its way into our meal rotation almost weekly. It is just that good!
Now, dont get me wrongnothing beats BBQ chicken straight off the grill. BUT, the flavors of this recipe cant be beat and you dont have to sweat over a hot grill.
Give it a try next week and I bet you will be converted to the crockpot-side
Crockpot Bbq Chicken Recipe
The slow cooker has done it again, creating an easy, almost effortless meal that fills your home with the aroma of smoky backyard barbecue while you go about your business, not having to babysit the barbecue or worry about whats for dinner? Because barbecue is for dinner. Juicy, tender, fall-apart, homemade barbecue sauce-smothered chicken, to be exact.
Its hard to imagine a more beloved all American meal than bbq chicken. Its perfect for so many reasons and for so many occasions because its just so irresistibly easy to let the crockpot do all the work and everyone loves bbq chicken! So naturally, finding a favorite slow cooker bbq pulled chicken is definitely a must. I hope this version of shredded bbq chicken becomes your new favorite!
As in all barbecue chicken recipes, they are only as good as the barbecue sauce. So in order to make this the best Crockpot shredded bbq chicken, I scaled down my favorite homemade barbecue sauce that I first created for my Slow Cooker BBQ Ribs.
Its an intoxicating blend of ketchup, molasses, brown sugar and my secret ingredient, blackberry preserves, which balances out the acidity with subtle sweetness and the best part is all you do is whisk the ingredients together!
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Recipes Faqs And Variations
How can I make this recipe spicy?
If you want to add a spicy kick to this recipe, consider adding a few dashes of chipotle chili powder, paprika, or cayenne pepper. Continue adding until youve reached your desired level of spice.
Can I cook this recipe on a high setting?
Short answer, yes. However, you can 100% overcook the chicken. Because of the lower fat content of chicken breasts, there is the possibility of them drying out even if you check them often or early. Its best to cook this recipe on low for the best results.
Is it possible to use skinless chicken thighs?
Yes. And the good part is nothing needs to change with the recipe!
Is there a specific bbq sauce I should use?
Of course, you can never go wrong with Sweet Baby Rays however, you can use what youre most comfortable with. You can even have a go at making your own homemade bbq sauce. You can even use a spicy barbecue sauce.
What are the best ways to store the leftovers?
If you just so happen to have them, pour the leftovers into an airtight storage container . It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just be sure to use a freezer-safe container. Reheat them on the stove over medium-low heat when youre ready to enjoy them.
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Making Bbq Chicken Ahead Of Time
While this recipe certain doesnt take much time to throw together, but you can make it entirely ahead of time.
Reheat the shredded chicken gently on the stovetop or in the slow cooker on low until hot throughout. You may want to add a splash of water, chicken broth, or additional bbq sauce as it reheats.
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Boneless Chicken Breasts And Thighs:
- Boneless chicken breasts and thighs cook relatively quickly in the slow cooker, and are great if you are making BBQ pulled chicken because you dont have to worry about removing the bones.
- Boneless chicken breasts can cook in 2-3 hours on low, depending on how hot your slow cooker is, but a full slow cooker will take a little longer to cook so allow up to 4 hours in this case.
- Ive found that boneless chicken thighs cook in about the same amount of time as breasts, so feel free to mix and match so everyone gets what they want.
Can You Overcook Chicken In A Slow Cooker
Yes, chicken that’s cooked for too long in the Crock Pot will become dry and tough. Since every slow cooker runs at a slightly different temperature, it’s important to keep an eye on your meat the first time you prepare this recipe. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
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How To Make Your Own Bbq Sauce
Making your own Barbecue Sauce at home is super simple. I love making this crockpot barbecue chicken recipe with my Bourbon Barbecue Sauce. This barbecue sauce has the perfect amount of heat and sweetness with a bit of tang. I like to double the recipe and store leftovers in the fridge for up to a month or freeze them for up to 6 months. To make this barbecue sauce:
- Start by heating oil in a medium saucepan. Next, add onion and saute until tender and golden brown. Add in garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Next stir in ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, bourbon , brown sugar, salt, pepper, and chili powder. Simmer for 15 minutes or longer to let the flavors develop!
What To Serve With This Slow Cooker Bbq Chicken
I love serving this Barbecue Chicken on a Brioche Bun. Its also really good with coleslaw on top! Here are some easy side dish recipes that would go great with this pulled chicken:
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.
- Freeze in an airtight container or zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Thaw completely before reheating.
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How To Make Crockpot Bbq Chicken
Our favorite way to down this Crockpot BBQ Shredded Chicken is piled high on rolls , with my coleslaw from my Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes, but they would also be delicious in wraps, sandwiches, salads, soups, taquitos, tacos, burritos, on pizza and even over rice.
Soooo many ways to eat this chicken which means soooo many easy, beloved meals for you! Thank you, back pocket Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken. Thank you.
Slow Cooker Barbecue Chicken Ingredients
Chicken Breast: youll need around a pound a half of boneless, skinless chicken breast for this recipe.
BBQ Sauce: any barbecue sauce that you like will work for this recipe! you can go sweet, spicy, or more mesquite and I include some tips below.
Apple Juice:this adds just a little extra moistness and flavor to the chicken.
Apple Cider Vinegar: this adds a little of that classic bbq tang to the chicken and also helps to keep the meat tender.
Spices: youll need a little onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika.
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The Best Crockpot Bbq Chicken
Directions:Printable ingredients list and directions at bottom of the page.
Serve on buns, over rice, in wraps, on a salad or eat a plateful as is! Our favorite way is on fresh rolls, topped with coleslaw.
Want even MORE crockpot ideas? Make sure to check out my 30 EASY CROCKPOT MEALS!
Serving Ideas For Shredded Bbq Chicken:
- Sandwiches When it comes to shredded chicken, you cant go wrong with making a classic chicken sandwich. While you can go for regular buns, these are best served on Kaiser buns. Great topped with colelsaw and dill pickles.
- Wraps The tender pulled chicken can also be served inside of wraps with a side of cheesy jalapeno corn or a nice helping of coleslaw.
- Salad If you really want to take this meal outside the box, consider adding a nice helping on top of a bowl of salad drizzled with a bit of zesty dressing.
- BBQ Pizza or Quesadillas If you end up with leftovers from the suggestions mentioned above, have a go at making a mini shredded bbq chicken pizza or a few quesadillas. Mozzarella cheese and cilantro are a must when making BBQ pizza or quesadillas.
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Slow Cooker Bbq Chicken
This is the time of year when I start to avoid turning on the oven at all costs. So whats for dinner when its too hot to cook? Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken! You can have this tasty chicken in the slow cooker doing its own thing while youre enjoying a lazy summer day. Plus, unlike a hot oven, the slow cooker wont make your AC work overtime. )
This slow cooker BBQ chicken is almost too easy to be true. Just add some seasonings to boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cover them with your favorite BBQ sauce, and press go. A few hours later, the chicken is tender, tangy, so saucy, and delicious!
Variations On This Slow Cooker Bbq Chicken:
- Like I mentioned above, you can stick with your favorite store bought bbq sauce if youre short on time. We all do it sometimes. No one here will judge!
- Add spice! Stir a bit of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or sriracha sauce to your sauce for extra kick.
- This sauce would be awesome over smoked sausages and peppers, a turkey breast, meatballs, meatloaf you name it. Feel free to experiment a little with your protein once youve tried the recipe as it is!
- If you like your sauce a little less sweet or more tangy, feel free to tweak the sauce to your tastes. Nothing in the sauce needs to be cooked before tasting, so feel free to adjust before you dump it on your chicken.
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Why We Love It
Its no secret I love bbq chicken! In the warm weather I love to grill up some bbq chicken drumsticks, but my favorite way to cook chicken thighs? In the crock pot!
Because when you slow cook your chicken thighs using this method, theyre:
- So easy to make
- Fall-apart tender and super moist
- Full of rich bbq flavor
Best of all, you only need four ingredients, and it can be customized to your dietary preferences! That means whether youre following Whole30, Keto, or any other way of eating, you can make this recipe work for you.
How To Make Slow Cooker Bbq Chicken
Step One: Add the chicken breast, barbecue sauce, apple juice, apple cider vinegar, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt and pepper to your crockpot. Stir to combine.
Step Two: Cook on high for 2-3 hours or until the chicken breast is cooked through, tender, and easy to shred. Use two forks to shred the meat in the barbecue sauce.
Step Three: Stir the chicken and barbecue sauce again to ensure the chicken is well coated. Serve your preferred way and enjoy!
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How To Serve Bbq Chicken
Josh likes to serve the shredded and juicy BBQ chicken in buns or slider rolls with cabbage or slaw. He also likes to add pineapple slices and pickled jalapeño slices. He says you have to try it this way, he was inspired by his favorite BBQ chicken pizza.
You can also use this BBQ chicken to make tacos, salads, pizza, wraps, quesadillas, or serve it over rice. It is a great easy weeknight meal, the crockpot does all of the work. It is also a great recipe for feeding a crowd. Its always a hit at parties and for game days!
More Tips For Crockpot Bbq Chicken
- Dont overcook. I know it can be tempting to leave the chicken in for a long time as you would think it would end up more tender, but thats not always the case. You really want to be sure you hit the sweet spot between just enough and dry and unappetizing.
- Keep the seasoning simple. You dont want to end up with a weeks worth of single-purpose chicken , so by keeping the seasoning on this slow cooker shredded chicken basic, you can use it in a multitude of ways. It doesnt scream Mexican! or Italian! or curry!.
- BBQ pulled chicken is great as a sandwich with a homemade slaw and pickles! You can also eat pulled chicken in a meal prep bowl, in a wrap, or as a taco.
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How To Make Slow Cooker Bbq Chicken Step By Step Photos
Combine 2 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp salt, and ½ tsp pepper in a small bowl. Sprinkle the seasoning mix over both sides of two boneless, skinless chicken breasts .
Place the chicken in the bottom of the slow cooker and pour one 18oz. bottle of BBQ sauce over the chicken, making sure its fully covered.
Place the lid on the slow cooker on cook on high for 2.5 hours or low for 4-5 hours.
Use two forks to shred the chicken. If the chicken doesnt pull apart easily, you can let it cook a little longer.
Give the chicken a good stir to make sure its all well coated in BBQ sauce, then its ready to serve!
Now I need a plate full of BBQ Chicken Nachos.
Whats The Best Chicken For Crockpot Bbq Chicken
Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Its best to avoid dealing with skin and bones to make this crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken recipe simple.
Chicken thighs will have a little more fat and more moisture. Chicken breasts are leaner, but also dont pack quite the same amount of flavor as thighs.
You can use one or the other or a combination. Chicken breasts are great because they always turn out incredibly moist and its easy to add flavor.
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How To Make This Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Pasta Recipe:
When you are ready to begin this recipe, make sure that your chicken is already cooked, as the amount for this slow cooker recipe does not take into account the time to cook the chicken necessarily.
After you have all of your ingredients prepared, get out your slow cooker and place the diced tomatoes, drained can of corn, drained and rinsed black beans, mild enchilada sauce, diced green chilies, chicken broth, shredded chicken, chili powder, cumin, fresh cilantro, and cut cream cheese in the bottom.
After everything is in the slow cooker, turn it on either high heat for 3-4 hours or low heat for 6-8 hours. Essentially until all the ingredients are warm and the cream cheese is melted.
Then, remove the lid from the slow cooker and pour in the orzo pasta and mix it all together.
Now, place the lid back on the slow cooker and turn it to high heat for 15-30 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked all the way through.
If you notice there isnt much liquid in the slow cooker, add 2-3 tablespoons of chicken broth at a time to make sure there is enough liquid to cook the orzo pasta.
Once the pasta is cooked all the way, give everything a good stir, and then scoop the enchilada pasta into bowls and then top it with some of your favorite enchilada toppings.