Crockpot BBQ chicken is 5 minutes of work for a week of easy meals. Chicken cooks in a tangy mix of BBQ sauce, brown sugar, cider vinegar and smoky spices, then shreds right in the pot.
Pile it on buns with coleslaw, stuff it into baked potatoes, or spoon it over rice.
Why You Will Love This Crockpot BBQ Chicken
- 5-minute prep. Stir the sauce, add the chicken, done.
- Better sauce. Vinegar and spices make bottled sauce taste homemade.
- So versatile. Sandwiches, sliders, pizza, bowls.
- Freezer friendly. Freeze shredded chicken in the sauce.
Ingredients for Crockpot BBQ Chicken
- Chicken: 2 1/2 lb (1.1 kg) boneless skinless thighs or breasts.
- BBQ sauce: 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) of your favorite.
- Flavor boosters: Brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic and onion powder.
How to Make Crockpot BBQ Chicken
Step 1: Mix the sauce
Stir the BBQ sauce, brown sugar, vinegar and spices together in the slow cooker.
Step 2: Add the chicken
Add the chicken and turn to coat.
Step 3: Slow cook
Cover and cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours (breasts) or 5 to 6 hours (thighs), or HIGH for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, until 165°F (74°C).
Step 4: Shred
Shred in the crock and stir into the sauce. Rest on WARM for 10 minutes to soak up the sauce.
Tips for the Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken
- Thighs are juicier. They handle long cooking better.
- Thicken the sauce. Cook uncovered on HIGH for 20 minutes after shredding.
- Toast the buns. Toasted buns hold up to the saucy chicken.
- Add crunch. Top sandwiches with coleslaw and pickles.
What to Serve with Crockpot BBQ Chicken
Serve on buns with coleslaw, in crockpot baked potatoes, or over rice with corn on the cob.
Easy Variations
- Honey BBQ. Replace the brown sugar with honey.
- Spicy. Add 1 tbsp hot sauce.
- Hawaiian. Add a can of drained pineapple chunks.
How to Store and Reheat
Refrigerate up to 4 days or freeze in the sauce up to 3 months.
Equipment I Used
- 4 to 6-quart slow cooker: the right size for this recipe. Fill it between half and two-thirds full for even cooking.
- Wooden cutting board with handle: for slicing and serving right at the table.
- 3-piece ceramic serving bowl set: takes food straight from the crock to the table.
- Stainless steel measuring cups and spoons: for sauces and spice blends.
Planning a busy week? The Slow Cooking for Busy Days guide covers time-saving slow cooker recipes and meal planning.
Crockpot BBQ Chicken
Ingredients
Method
- Stir the BBQ sauce, brown sugar, vinegar and spices together in the slow cooker.
- Add the chicken and turn to coat.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours (breasts) or 5 to 6 hours (thighs), or HIGH for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, until 165°F (74°C).
- Shred in the crock and stir into the sauce. Rest on WARM for 10 minutes to soak up the sauce.
Notes
Crockpot BBQ Chicken FAQ
Can you put raw chicken in a crockpot with BBQ sauce?
Yes. Raw, thawed chicken cooks in the sauce until it reaches 165°F.
How long does BBQ chicken take in the crockpot?
About 4 to 5 hours on LOW for breasts, 5 to 6 hours for thighs, or 2 1/2 to 3 hours on HIGH.
Should BBQ chicken be covered in sauce?
No. The chicken releases juice, so 1 1/2 cups of sauce is plenty.
Can I use frozen chicken?
No. Thaw it first for food safety.
