Crockpot BBQ chicken is an easy and delicious meal that everyone will love. It’s perfect for busy days and can be served in many ways. One great thing about this dish is how it combines flavors beautifully, making it a crowd-pleaser. If you enjoy barbecue recipes, try making these Caramelized BBQ Chicken Thighs for another tasty option.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is simple and requires minimal preparation. Using a crockpot allows you to set it and forget it, freeing up your time for other tasks. Plus, pulled chicken is versatile—you can serve it in sandwiches, tacos, or salads. Best of all, it makes excellent leftovers! You may also find The Best Southwest Chicken Egg Rolls useful.
How to Make the Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, trimmed of fat
- 1 1/4 cup barbecue sauce (we love sweet Baby Ray’s Honey BBQ)
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing (I use fat-free)
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar (can reduce to 1/8 cup or omit if less sweet)
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Directions
First, spray the inside of a large crockpot or slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray. You can also use disposable liners to make clean-up easier. Next, season your trimmed chicken breasts with salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Place the seasoned chicken in the bottom of the crockpot.
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the barbecue sauce, Italian dressing, light brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Whisk until everything is well mixed. Pour this mixture evenly over the chicken breasts, making sure they are well-coated.
Cover the crockpot and cook on high for 2.5-3 hours or low for 5-6 hours. Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees. Once cooked, you can serve the chicken whole or shred it using two forks. I prefer to shred it right in the crockpot to soak up all the extra sauce. Serve the pulled chicken on buns for tasty BBQ sandwiches or add it to hearty dishes like pizza, tacos, nachos, or over rice.
How to Serve the Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken
You can serve this pulled chicken in many ways. For a classic option, use toasted buns to make BBQ chicken sandwiches. You could also pile it onto nachos for a fun snack or toss it in a salad for added protein. Another idea is using it as a filling for tacos, paired with fresh salsa and cheese for a delightful dinner.
How to Store the Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken
Store any leftover BBQ chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should last for 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe bags or containers.
Tips to Make the Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken
- For a deeper flavor, marinate the chicken in the sauce overnight before cooking.
- Adjust the sweetness by changing the brown sugar amount, or omit it entirely if you prefer.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked thoroughly but not overdone.
Variation
Feel free to customize the spices and sauces to suit your taste. You can add smoked paprika for a smoky flavor or swap out the barbecue sauce for a different style. Another variation could include adding chopped onions or peppers to the crockpot for extra veggies.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken in the crockpot. Just increase the cooking time by an hour or so to ensure it cooks through.
2. Can I make this recipe without barbecue sauce?
Absolutely! You can try using different sauces, such as teriyaki or a homemade sauce, to change the flavor profile.
3. What sides go well with BBQ chicken?
Serve it with coleslaw, corn on the cob, or baked beans for a full BBQ meal. You might also enjoy pairing it with dishes like classic chicken pot pie for a comforting combination.
Crockpot BBQ Chicken
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, trimmed of fat
- 1 1/4 cup barbecue sauce (sweet Baby Ray’s Honey BBQ recommended)
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing (fat-free is a good option)
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar (can reduce to 1/8 cup or omit if less sweet)
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Preparation
- Spray the inside of a large crockpot or slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray or use disposable liners.
- Season the trimmed chicken breasts with salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder.
- Place the seasoned chicken in the bottom of the crockpot.
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the barbecue sauce, Italian dressing, light brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Whisk until well mixed.
- Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are well-coated.
Cooking
- Cover the crockpot and cook on high for 2.5-3 hours or low for 5-6 hours, until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees.
- Once cooked, serve the chicken whole or shred it using two forks, ideally letting it soak up the extra sauce in the crockpot.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve the pulled chicken on toasted buns for BBQ chicken sandwiches, pile it onto nachos, toss it in a salad, or use it as a filling for tacos.
