Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It requires just a few ingredients and only minutes to prep.

• The slow cooker does all the work, making it incredibly easy.

• The chicken turns out tender, juicy, and packed with smoky-sweet BBQ flavor.

• It’s extremely versatile — great in sandwiches, tacos, over rice, or on a salad.

• Leftovers store and reheat beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep.

Ingredients

• 3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 1 1/2 cups barbecue sauce (your favorite)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar

• 1/2 medium onion, grated (with juices)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. In your slow cooker, stir together barbecue sauce, olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and grated onion.

2. Add the chicken breasts and turn to coat thoroughly with the sauce.

3. Cover and cook on high for 2-3 hours or on low for 6-7 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and easily shredded with a fork.

4. Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks.

5. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir well to combine with the sauce.

6. Serve warm on buns, over rice, in wraps, or however you like.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6 to 8

• Prep Time: 5 minutes

• Cook Time: 6-7 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high

• Total Time: 6 to 7 hours (low) or 2 to 3 hours (high)

Variations

• Spicy BBQ Chicken: Add a teaspoon of chili powder or hot sauce for extra kick.

• Smoky Version: Use smoked paprika or a smoky BBQ sauce for deeper flavor.

• Honey BBQ Chicken: Stir in 1/4 cup of honey for a sweeter, sticky glaze.

• Pineapple Twist: Add 1/2 cup of crushed pineapple to the sauce for a tropical, tangy twist.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

• Freezing: Freeze cooled BBQ chicken in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

• Reheating: Warm in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of extra BBQ sauce or water to keep it moist.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work great and tend to be even juicier.

Do I have to shred the chicken?

No, you can serve the chicken whole or sliced if you prefer. Shredding just helps the meat absorb more of the flavorful sauce.

Can I use frozen chicken?

It’s best to thaw chicken before adding it to the slow cooker for food safety and even cooking.

What’s the best BBQ sauce to use?

Use your favorite BBQ sauce — smoky, sweet, spicy, or a combination depending on your taste.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can cook and shred the chicken in advance, then reheat it when ready to serve.

How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?

Don’t overcook it and make sure there’s enough sauce in the slow cooker to keep everything moist.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just make sure your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate the extra volume.

What should I serve with BBQ chicken?

Try serving it with coleslaw, baked beans, potato salad, cornbread, or grilled vegetables.

Can I use homemade BBQ sauce?

Absolutely. If you have a favorite homemade BBQ sauce, go ahead and use it for a personal touch.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be — just make sure your BBQ sauce and Worcestershire sauce are certified gluten-free.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken is a reliable, flavorful, and easy dish that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. With only a handful of ingredients and flexible serving options, it’s perfect for busy days, family dinners, and everything in between. Tender, juicy, and dripping with BBQ flavor — what more could you want?

Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken

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• Author: Ava
• Total Time: Up to 7 hours
• Yield: 8servings
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken is a deliciously easy, no-fuss meal made with juicy chicken breasts slow-cooked in a sweet and tangy barbecue sauce. Perfect for meal prep, sandwiches, wraps, or served over rice, this crockpot BBQ chicken is a crowd-pleasing favorite for weeknights, parties, or game day. With just a few pantry staples, you can enjoy tender, shredded chicken packed with bold BBQ flavor.

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Ingredients

3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1½ cups barbecue sauce (your favorite)

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

2 tablespoons brown sugar

½ medium onion, grated (with juices)

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Instructions

1. In a slow cooker, mix together barbecue sauce, olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and grated onion.

2. Add chicken breasts and coat well with the sauce.

3. Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 2–3 hours, until chicken is tender and easy to shred.

4. Remove chicken, shred with two forks, and return to the slow cooker. Stir to coat with sauce.

5. Serve warm in sandwiches, wraps, over rice, or as desired.

Notes

• For a spicier version, add chili powder, cayenne, or hot sauce.

• Use chicken thighs for a juicier result.

• For a smoky flavor, use smoked paprika or a smoky BBQ sauce.

• Add pineapple or honey for a sweet twist.

• Perfect for batch cooking — it freezes and reheats well.

• Prep Time: 5min
• Cook Time: 6–7 hours
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooker
• Cuisine: American