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Crockpot BBQ Chicken: The Ultimate Guide to a Flavorful, Easy Dinner


  • Author: Elsa
  • Total Time: 6 hours max
  • Yield: 46 servings 1x

Description

This Crockpot BBQ Chicken is a simple and flavorful dish featuring tender shredded chicken simmered in tangy and sweet barbecue sauce. Great for sandwiches, bowls, or tacos, it’s a true slow cooker classic with minimal prep.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves (or thighs)
  • 1 (18 oz) bottle of BBQ sauce (your preferred brand/style)
  • ¼ cup distilled white vinegar
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • Optional Add-ins:
  • ½ sliced onion
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Crockpot: Spray the inside of your Crockpot with nonstick spray.
  2. Add Chicken: Place chicken in a single layer at the bottom of the slow cooker.
  3. Mix the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (plus any optional add-ins if using).
  4. Combine: Pour the sauce over the chicken, ensuring full coverage.
  5. Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours until chicken is tender and cooked through.
  6. Shred: Shred the chicken in the pot using two forks.
  7. Optional Thickening: Let the sauce simmer uncovered for 10–15 minutes to reduce, or stir in a cornstarch slurry if desired.

Notes

Great served over toasted buns, rice, or in tacos. For extra flavor, add smoked paprika or Worcestershire sauce. For a thicker sauce, reduce with lid off or stir in cornstarch mixed with water.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5–6 hours (low) or 3–4 hours (high)
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Slow Cooker
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 portion (about 1/6 of recipe)
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 26g
  • Sodium: 680mg
  • Fat: 6g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
  • Trans Fat: undefined
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: undefined

Keywords: crockpot BBQ chicken, slow cooker chicken, BBQ pulled chicken, easy BBQ chicken recipe, shredded chicken sandwich