Try my Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken for the most delicious, tender, flavorful, easy slow cooker BBQ pulled chicken sandwiches you’ll ever eat!
Hey everyone! One of my absolute favorite easy crockpot meals that I’ve been making for my family for years and years is Crockpot BBQ Chicken.
Today I’m so excited to share my simple and delicious recipe for The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken (AKA Pulled Chicken), and it really is SO easy to make!
My recipe uses simple ingredients for a flavorful and delicious homemade BBQ sauce you’ll love!
Even better, this crockpot BBQ chicken is super versatile, freezer-friendly, and is perfect for eating on sandwiches, on pizza, in a wrap or taco, or with a fork by itself.
It’s delicious, simple, and oh so easy to just throw and go in the crockpot!
The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken
One of the reasons I love this crockpot BBQ chicken so much is the fact that you only need just a handful of ingredients, a Crockpot, and a few kitchen tools.
Just throw it in the crockpot and let the cooking magic happen.
No fancy equipment needed. No crazy ingredients. This BBQ pulled chicken is just simple and delicious!
Oh, and addition to being great for a quick and easy dinner throughout the week or on the weekend, it’s also great for parties, potlucks, and making for a crowd.
Barbecue Sauce (our family loves Sweet Baby Ray’s Honey BBQ, but any kind will do)
Italian Dressing (I use fat-free)
Worchestershire Sauce
Light Brown Sugar
Garlic Powder
Onion Powder
Salt
Pepper
RECOMMENDED KITCHEN TOOLS
Easy Crockpot BBQ Chicken FAQ’s
What’s the best chicken for crockpot BBQ chicken?
I prefer using boneless skinless chicken breasts, but you can also use boneless chicken thighs or a combo of the two!
What’s the best way to shred chicken?
The chicken in this recipe will be extremely tender when finished cooking and it’s SO easy to just shred it with a couple of large forks.
You can also use an electric mixer which is quick and easy!
Can you freeze pulled BBQ chicken?
Yes, crockpot BBQ chicken is extremely freezer-friendly and we almost always have leftovers. You can freeze leftover pulled chicken for up to 3 months in an airtight container or freezer bag.
Can you overcook chicken in a slow cooker?
Unfortunately, yes! It’s especially easy to do with boneless skinless chicken breasts.
How can I avoid overcooking crockpot chicken?
To avoid dry, tough chicken, I recommend cooking your chicken at the lowest recommended time first, and checking it with this instant thermometer.
Chicken should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
You can always cook it a little longer if it needs it.
Can I use a different barbecue sauce?
Yes, you can use whatever barbecue sauce is your favorite, just know that it will slightly change the flavor.
We use Sweet Baby Ray’s Honey BBQ for a more sweet flavor, but you can also use a sweet and spicy BBQ sauce for an extra kick!
What sides go well with Crockpot BBQ Chicken?
Shredded Crockpot BBQ Chicken is such a classic all-American food and we love eating it with the following:
On a tortilla with cheese and lettuce for yummy BBQ pulled chicken tacos
On top of a baked potato or sweet potato for BBQ chicken baked potatoes
On top of tortilla chips for BBQ chicken nachos
Over a bed of rice with sautéed veggies for BBQ chicken rice and veggies
How To Make Crockpot BBQ Chicken (AKA Pulled Chicken) – Step by Step
First liberally spray the inside of a large crockpot or slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray.
Next, season your trimmed boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder, and place in the bottom of your crockpot.
In a medium size mixing bowl, add barbecue sauce, Italian dressing, light brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Whisk until combined.
Pour mixture evenly over chicken breasts, place the lid on the crockpot, and cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 5-6 hours.
Use this meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked to 165 degrees internal temperature.
Once fully cooked, you can either serve whole or use two forks to shred chicken.
I like to shred it right in the crockpot to soak up all the extra chicken marinade and BBQ sauce.
Serve on buns for delicious BBQ pulled chicken sandwiches or serve on pizza, salad, tacos, nachos, over rice, or by itself.
Crockpot BBQ Chicken Storage Tips
To Store: Leftover shredded crockpot BBQ chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
To Freeze: Place leftover shredded crockpot BBQ Chicken in an airtight freezer-safe container or Ziploc bag and freeze for up to 3 months. If desired, you can freeze smaller portions for quick and easy lunches/dinners. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and then re-heat via stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until warm.
To Re-heat: Chicken can be reheated in individual servings in the microwave or you can heat it all at once in a pot on the stove over medium heat.
First liberally spray the inside of a large crockpot or slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray.
Next, season your trimmed boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder, and place in the bottom of your crockpot.
In a medium size mixing bowl, add barbecue sauce, Italian dressing, light brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Whisk until combined.
Pour mixture evenly over chicken breasts, place the lid on the crockpot, and cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 5-6 hours.
Use this meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked to 165 degrees internal temperature.
Once fully cooked, you can either serve whole or use two forks to shred chicken. I like to shred it right in the crockpot to soak up all the extra chicken marinade and BBQ sauce.
Serve on buns for delicious BBQ pulled chicken sandwiches or serve on pizza, salad, tacos, nachos, over rice, or by itself. Enjoy!
Notes
To Store: Leftover shredded crockpot BBQ chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
To Freeze: Place leftover shredded crockpot BBQ Chicken in an airtight freezer-safe container or Ziploc bag and freeze for up to 3 months. If desired, you can freeze smaller portions for quick and easy lunches/dinners. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and then re-heat via stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until warm.
To Re-heat: Chicken can be reheated in individual servings in the microwave or you can heat it all at once in a pot on the stove over medium heat.
