This slow cooker BBQ chicken is incredible! Slow-cooked in our homemade BBQ sauce, the chicken breasts become juicy and tender. After cooking, we take them out, shred them, and then add them back into the slow cooker to soak up all that delicious BBQ sauce. We truly can’t get enough of this Crockpot BBQ shredded chicken, and once you try it, you’ll understand why. Not only is it incredibly flavorful, but it’s also easy to make with minimal effort for maximum flavor. This dish is fantastic for sandwiches, salads, or even as a main course with your favorite sides. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a casual gathering, this BBQ chicken is sure to be a hit!

Why You Will Love This BBQ Chicken

It’s incredibly easy to make in the slow cooker!
The slow cooker does most of the work for you.
This recipe comes together with just three ingredients!
The chicken turns out juicy and flavorful.
We used our homemade smoky BBQ sauce in this recipe for the most incredible flavor!
This BBQ chicken is delicious and can be used in so many ways!
It’s a great easy lunch or dinner that’s also perfect for picnics and potlucks.

What Is Slow Cooker Barbecue Chicken?

Slow cooker barbecue chicken is an effortless dish made by cooking chicken with barbecue sauce in the Crockpot. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together. Also, it results in juicy chicken with incredible barbecue flavor.

Ingredients Needed

You only need three simple ingredients for Crockpot BBQ chicken.

Chicken: Use boneless skinless chicken breast for this recipe.
Onion: Dice a white or sweet onion.
BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite BBQ sauce or our homemade smoky BBQ sauce!

How To Make Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken

Step 1: Season the chicken on both sides with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Add the seasoned chicken to the slow cooker. Then, add the diced onion and BBQ sauce.

Step 3: Lightly mix or make sure the chicken is submerged in the sauce.

Step 4: Place the lid on the slow cooker. Then, slow cook the BBQ chicken.

Step 5: Transfer the fully cooked chicken to a cutting board. After that, shred it with two forks.

Step 6: Add the shredded chicken to the slow cooker. Then, mix the shredded chicken in the slow cooker to incorporate it with the sauce.

Step 7: Let the chicken simmer on low before serving and enjoy!

How Long To Slow Cook BBQ Chicken

Slow cook BBQ chicken for 3-4 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high. We recommend cooking it on low so it is juicy and doesn’t dry out. Ensure the chicken is fully cooked and has reached an internal temperature of 165°F before shredding and serving it.

Serving Suggestions

There are so many ways to serve this BBQ chicken. Here are some of our favorite ways:

Sandwiches: Make BBQ chicken sandwiches with hamburger buns and our healthy coleslaw!
Bowls: Serve some shredded barbecue chicken over cooked rice in a bowl with roasted veggies.
Salads: Add some of this shredded BBQ chicken to salads.
Quesadillas: Make a barbecue chicken quesadilla with your favorite tortillas and cheese.
Tacos: Make tacos using this BBQ chicken. Add other toppings such as cheese, cilantro, and sliced avocado.
Pizza Topping: Add shredded barbecue chicken as a flavorful pizza topping.
Nachos: Make BBQ chicken nachos with your favorite chips.
Potatoes: Serve this slow cooker BBQ chicken with baked potatoes or sweet potatoes.
Sides: Serve this BBQ chicken with side dishes such as mac and cheese, corn on the cob, potato salad, our lightened-up cauliflower ‘potato’ salad, or roasted potatoes.

Expert Tips

Ways To Shred Chicken: You can shred the cooked chicken on a cutting board using two forks. Or, place it in a stand mixer on low to shred it. Also, you could use a hand mixer on low.
Ensure It’s Cooked: Ensure the chicken is fully cooked and has reached an internal temperature of 165°F before shredding and serving it.
Simmer The Shredded Chicken: After shredding the chicken, place it in the slow cooker and mix it in the sauce. Then, let it simmer for at least 10 more minutes to absorb all the flavors of the BBQ sauce.

Storage Instructions

Store leftovers of this slow cooker BBQ chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. When ready to serve, reheat them in the microwave, oven, or a saucepan on the stove.

Variations

Make It Sugar-Free: To make this recipe sugar-free, use your favorite sugar-free BBQ sauce or a sugar-free sweetener when making our homemade BBQ sauce.
What Onion To Use: You can use a white or sweet onion for this recipe.
Make More: Add 1.5 to 2.5 pounds of boneless skinless chicken breast to your slow cooker for this recipe. You can adjust how much you add based on how much BBQ chicken you want to make.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is The Best Sauce For Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken?

If you have a favorite BBQ sauce, use that for this recipe. However, we are a little biased as we are obsessed with the flavor of our homemade smoky barbecue sauce. It tastes just like classic BBQ sauce with an incredible smoky flavor. It’s made with simple ingredients such as tomato sauce, red wine vinegar, brown sugar or a sugar replacement, and spices such as smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.

Can I Freeze BBQ Chicken?

Yes, you can freeze this shredded BBQ chicken! First, let it cool. Then, store it in an airtight freezer-safe bag or container. You can freeze it for 1-2 months.

Is This Recipe Gluten-Free?

You can make this recipe gluten-free by using a gluten-free barbecue sauce. Most BBQ sauces are not gluten-free, so make sure the one you use is. You can make our homemade BBQ sauce gluten-free using a gluten-free Worcestershire sauce.

More Slow Cooker Recipes To Try Next!

If you try this recipe please be sure to leave us a comment and star rating ★★★★★ letting us know how it turns out for you.