This crockpot BBQ chicken is chicken breasts coated in a homemade spice rub and barbecue sauce, then simmered in the slow cooker until tender. Shred your chicken, then serve it on sandwich buns, over a salad or on top of pizza or pasta!
When I’m looking for a super easy dinner idea, I often turn to some of our slow cooker favorites such as chicken tortellini soup, barbacoa beef and this crockpot BBQ chicken.
On days when I know I’m going to be really busy, I make crockpot BBQ chicken. It has just a handful of ingredients, can be eaten in so many different ways, and it’s a total crowd pleaser.
How do you make crockpot BBQ chicken?
This recipe starts with boneless skinless chicken breasts, which are coated in spice rub, then placed in a slow cooker along with some chicken broth. Cook the chicken until it’s super tender. Discard any liquid from the pot, then shred the chicken with two forks and toss it in barbecue sauce. Serve, and enjoy!
Tips for the perfect barbecue chicken
- I typically use chicken breasts for this recipe because I always have them on hand. You can also use chicken thighs. This cooking technique works great with beef and pork if you’re looking for a little different flavor.
- I strongly recommend that you use my homemade BBQ spice rub for this recipe. That being said, if you don’t have time to make your own rub, your favorite store bought version will also work just fine.
- Use your favorite brand of BBQ sauce, or if you have the time, make your own!
- This pulled chicken can easily be doubled or tripled to feed a large crowd. The chicken stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, and can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Can you put frozen chicken in the crockpot?
You can use frozen chicken breasts in this recipe in a pinch. If you’re starting with frozen chicken, be sure to cook it on high rather than low heat so that it comes up to the appropriate temperature at a faster rate; this will eliminate any risk of food safety concerns.
How to serve crockpot BBQ chicken
This chicken is a super versatile meal that can be served in so many different ways!
- Sandwiches: Toast a bun, then add a scoop of BBQ chicken. You can add other toppings such as cheese, lettuce, tomato, bacon or even coleslaw.
- Main Course: Place a serving of chicken over mashed potatoes. Drizzle with extra sauce and serve with corn on the cob and biscuits.
- Pasta: Toss BBQ chicken into pasta along with bacon, tomatoes, cheese and green onions.
- Salad: Make a BBQ chicken salad for a lighter dinner option.
- Soup: Stir leftover chicken into chili, either homemade or store bought.
- Pizza: Top a prepared pizza crust with BBQ sauce, shredded mozzarella cheese, chicken and red onions. Bake, then add a sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro or green onions.
Once you try this easy crockpot chicken, you’ll find yourself making it all the time! With just a handful of ingredients, this chicken is quick to put together and is always a hit with adults and children alike.
More fabulous slow cooker recipes
- Slow Cooker Chicken Drumsticks
- Crockpot Chili
- Sweet and Sour Meatballs (Slow Cooker)
- Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin
- Ham and Bean Soup (Slow Cooker)
Crockpot BBQ Chicken
Crockpot BBQ Chicken
Ingredients
Instructions
- Coat the interior of a 4, 5 or 6 quart crockpot with cooking spray.
- Coat the chicken breasts in the BBQ rub.
- Place the chicken in the slow cooker.
- Pour the chicken broth into the slow cooker. Cover and cook for 6-8 hours on low, or until chicken is very tender.
- Drain off the liquid. Shred the chicken with two forks. Stir in the BBQ sauce, then serve.
Cindi McFadden says
Can you cook this on high and if so how long?
Sara says
Yes for half the amount of time!
Indira says
Hi! Could I cut the cook time in half and cook it on high instead?
Sara says
Yes that’s fine!
Jess says
Love! Love! Love!! This one is a keeper! I used your BBQ rub recipe also and it’s great! I added extra seasoning, instead of a 1/4, I used about a 1/2 cup and it was a hit! Soooo good! I used it on nachos and the rest of the family made sandwiches. Thank you!!!!!
Karen says
A new family favorite. It was so easy to make and delicious!
Jim says
Does anyone know of a good store bought bbq sauce that goes well with homemade rub
Robby says
Lillie’s Q Carolina barbecue sauce is what I use with this delicious chicken recipe.
Marilyn says
This is so good having it again, even made the bbq sauce and it’s delicious also!!
Robby says
I have made this several times now. I have to thank you for this absolutely wonderful and easy recipe. The homemade rub is super flavorful. The chicken is so tender and shreds beautifully. I use store bought bbq sauce with natural, good ingredients. I will use it without the bbq sauce also for a different way of using this shredded chicken. Superb!
Tiffany La Forge-Grau says
This is such an awesome chicken recipe. Slap those on some buns and call it good!
Jessica says
Ohh!! So easy! Love this. It’ll make prep so much easier!
Beth says
This came out so great! The chicken was cooked perfectly!
Jacque Hastert says
I love the homemade run and sauce. They bring so much flavor to the chicken and I bet makes the house smell amazing!
Cathy says
Love how insanely easy this is! Our new favorite!
Erin says
This crockpot BBQ chicken couldn’t look any more perfect!
Kimberly says
This looks perfect – I’ve already got everything on hand and am going to throw it in the crockpot this weekend!
Krissy Allori says
I love to make this on the weekend and then save it to have in different recipes through the week. Cooking the meat is half the battle most times.
Kelly Anthony says
I love that I can make several different meals with this crockpot chicken. I’m especially looking forward to making pizza with this delicious chicken recipe.
Jayne says
Love this recipe. A classic. Perfect timing for the Super Bowl. My guests are going to love this one. Thanks.
Julie says
This is the way I love to cook…set it and forget it! Thanks for sharing!
Suzy says
This is the perfect way to cook up chicken breast! It came out so juicy and tender!