Ever had one of those days where your brain feels like it’s buffering and dinner is the last thing on your mind? That’s when this Crockpot BBQ Chicken steps in like the hero it is. This recipe is part of the easy crockpot recipes collection I swear by when life’s busy and you still want something homemade. I’m talking juicy shredded chicken smothered in sweet, tangy BBQ sauce—practically effortless but tastes like you fussed for hours. It’s perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd on game day, and it checks all the boxes: quick and easy recipes, easy chicken dinner recipes, and even works great with leftover rotisserie chicken (because yes, I’ve cheated before and it still slaps). Need something you can start in the morning and forget till dinner? Boom. This one’s for you. And don’t get me started on the sandwich possibilities—grab a toasted bun, pile on the chicken, maybe a scoop of slaw, and you’ve got yourself a bite worth bragging about. Whether you’re into sweet easy recipes or just after easy recipes for dinner that feel like a warm hug, this slow cooker beauty is calling your name.

Table of Contents
- 1) Key Takeaways
- 2) Easy Crockpot BBQ Chicken Recipe
- 3) Ingredients for Crockpot BBQ Chicken
- 4) How to Make Crockpot BBQ Chicken
- 5) Tips for Making Crockpot BBQ Chicken
- 6) Making Crockpot BBQ Chicken Ahead of Time
- 7) Storing Leftover Crockpot BBQ Chicken
- 8) Try these crockpot recipes next!
- 9) Crockpot BBQ Chicken
- 10) Nutrition
1) Key Takeaways
- This recipe takes just 10 minutes of prep time
- Works well with fresh or leftover rotisserie chicken
- Great for sandwiches, wraps, bowls, or tacos
- Perfect fit for easy crockpot recipes and weeknight dinners
2) Easy Crockpot BBQ Chicken Recipe
If you’ve got a slow cooker and a pack of chicken breasts, you’re halfway there. This recipe is what I call my “set it and survive the day” kind of meal. It’s juicy, flavorful, and loaded with BBQ goodness that tastes like you worked harder than you actually did.
Honestly, the best part is that this dish belongs in the hall of fame for easy crockpot recipes. Toss everything in before work, go live your life, and come home to a kitchen that smells like you’ve got your life together.
And trust me, once you pull that fork through the tender shreds of sweet and smoky chicken, you’ll forget you ever considered takeout. It fits right into quick and easy recipes, but still feels like comfort food. That’s my kind of balance.

3) Ingredients for Crockpot BBQ Chicken
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Go for about two pounds. They cook down beautifully and soak up flavor like a sponge in BBQ heaven.
BBQ Sauce: One cup of your favorite. I like mine a bit smoky with a hint of sweet, but you do you. If it sticks to ribs, it’ll work here.
Brown Sugar: A tablespoon adds depth and that hint of caramel that makes the sauce feel a little more “from scratch.”
Apple Cider Vinegar: Don’t skip this. It brightens the sauce and balances the sweet with just enough zip.
Garlic Powder: Just half a teaspoon gives you warmth without fussing with chopping garlic.
Onion Powder: Another half teaspoon. It deepens the flavor without overwhelming the sauce.
Salt and Pepper: Add to taste at the end, after everything’s melded. Trust your instincts here.
Sandwich Buns: You’ll want these for serving. Toast them if you’re feeling fancy—or just hungry.

4) How to Make Crockpot BBQ Chicken
Step 1. Place your chicken breasts in the slow cooker. You don’t need to cut them or season them—just plop them in.
Step 2. In a small bowl, stir together the BBQ sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, and onion powder. That’s your secret weapon.
Step 3. Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken. Try to coat it well, but don’t stress—it’ll all mix together as it cooks.
Step 4. Cover and cook on LOW for 5 to 6 hours or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours. Don’t lift the lid. Let it do its thing.
Step 5. Once the chicken is tender, use two forks to shred it right there in the pot. Give it a good stir so it soaks up all the sauce.
Step 6. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
Step 7. Serve warm on buns, in wraps, or over a baked potato. You’ve earned it.

5) Tips for Making Crockpot BBQ Chicken
Use fresh or thawed chicken. Frozen will work in a pinch but throws off the timing. Stick with thawed for predictable results.
Use a good quality BBQ sauce. This isn’t the time to go bargain-bin unless that’s your go-to. A richer sauce makes the final dish feel special.
Want a shortcut? Sub in shredded rotisserie chicken and cook everything together for just an hour. It still lands you in the easy crockpot recipes category, and no one has to know your secret.
6) Making Crockpot BBQ Chicken Ahead of Time
This recipe’s a gem for meal prep. You can cook the chicken fully, shred it, and stash it in the fridge for four to five days. It reheats like a dream and works with rice bowls, tacos, or sandwiches.
If you’re planning a gathering, make this the night before. Store it in an airtight container and warm it gently in a pot or microwave with a splash of water or BBQ sauce to keep it juicy.
Busy week ahead? Freeze portions in freezer-safe bags and reheat as needed. It’s nice knowing dinner’s just one defrost away. That’s the heart of easy crockpot recipes—low work, big payoff.
7) Storing Leftover Crockpot BBQ Chicken
Got leftovers? You’re winning. Store them in the fridge in a sealed container. They’ll hold up for about four days, though they rarely last that long in my house.
For longer storage, freeze portions in individual containers or zip-top bags. Lay them flat in the freezer for easy stacking.
To reheat, toss in a pan with a splash of water or sauce. Low and slow works best—microwave in bursts if you’re short on time. It’ll taste just as good, if not better, than day one.
8) Try these crockpot recipes next!
9) Crockpot BBQ Chicken

Crockpot BBQ Chicken – easy crockpot recipes for dinner nights
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Buns or sandwich rolls, for serving
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts in your crockpot.
- In a small bowl, stir together BBQ sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Pour the mixture over the chicken, ensuring it’s well coated.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.
- Shred the chicken with two forks directly in the pot. Give it a good stir to mix with all the saucy goodness.
- Taste and add salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve hot on toasted buns or however your BBQ-loving heart desires.
10) Nutrition
Serving Size: 1 sandwich | Calories: 336 | Sugar: 16g | Sodium: 780mg | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Carbohydrates: 26g | Fiber: 1g | Protein: 42g | Cholesterol: 105mg

Leave a Comment