bbq chicken crock pot recipe
The Best bbq chicken crock pot recipe
I have made this crock pot bbq chicken more times than I can count, and it earned that spot honestly. You put chicken and a few pantry ingredients in the slow cooker, turn it on, and walk away. A few hours later you open the lid and the chicken falls apart with a fork. That is the whole process. I mix my own sauce instead of dumping in a bottle, mostly because I already have everything in the cabinet and partly because it tastes better than anything I have bought at the store.
My kids ask for this one by name. Two of them are picky in the way that most kids are picky, and they still clean their plates when I pile this chicken on a bun with a little extra sauce on the side. My husband eats it over rice with pickled onions, and I usually make a batch of coleslaw to go with it. It works just as well for a weeknight dinner as it does for a cookout or a game day spread where people serve themselves. I have brought it to potlucks and come home with an empty dish every time.
The reason I keep making it comes down to what goes into it. Chicken breast is lean protein, and when I make the sauce myself I decide how much sugar and salt is in there. Bottled barbecue sauce is fine in a pinch, but a lot of it is sweeter than I want this to be. Here I can dial the sweetness back, skip anything I cannot pronounce, and still end up with chicken that tastes like it simmered all day. It is real food that happens to be easy, and that combination is hard to beat.
Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken
Tender chicken breasts slow-simmered in a sweet-tangy barbecue sauce until they shred with a fork. Pile it on buns, spoon it over rice, or use it for sandwiches and tacos all week.
🥘Ingredients
For the Chicken
For the BBQ Sauce
👨🍳Directions
🔧Equipment
📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)
📝Notes
Watch Video Of How Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Works
This crock pot BBQ chicken is simple, feeds a crowd, and works for any occasion from a weeknight dinner to a family gathering. I keep the ingredients on hand so I can throw it together without a lot of planning, and everyone at the table finds something to love about it.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken
1. Can I use frozen chicken breasts in the slow cooker?
It is safer to thaw the chicken first. Frozen chicken spends too long in the temperature range where bacteria multiply, and it also throws off cook times, so the outside can overcook while the center is still raw. If you are short on time, thaw the breasts in cold water and pat them dry before adding them to the crock.
2. How long should BBQ chicken cook on low versus high?
Plan on three to four hours on low for boneless, skinless breasts, or two to two and a half hours on high. Bone-in pieces and thighs need closer to five to six hours on low. The chicken is done when it shreds easily with two forks and reaches 165°F at the thickest part.
3. Why did my crock pot BBQ chicken turn out dry?
Overcooking is the usual culprit. Chicken breast goes from tender to chalky quickly once it hits temperature, so start checking at the early end of the range. Skipping the sauce also causes dryness, since the liquid creates steam and keeps the meat moist. Shred the chicken straight into the leftover juices rather than draining them off.
4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time or freeze the leftovers?
Yes to both. The shredded chicken keeps in the refrigerator for three to four days in a sealed container. To freeze, portion it with some of the sauce into freezer bags and press flat, then store for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and rewarm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of extra sauce.
5. What are the best ways to serve BBQ crock pot chicken?
Pile it onto brioche buns with coleslaw, spoon it over baked potatoes, or use it as a topping for nachos and loaded fries. It also works well in quesadillas, on top of a green salad, or stirred through mac and cheese. Keep extra sauce on the side for anyone who likes a saucier sandwich.
