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Home » Slow Cooker » Crockpot BBQ Chicken

Published: January 16, 2020 Last Modified: January 16, 2020 By Sara 28 Comments

Crockpot BBQ Chicken

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Crockpot BBQ Chicken Recipe | Barbecue Chicken #chicken #bbq #slowcooker #crockpot #dinner #dinneratthezoo

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.

Crockpot BBQ Chicken Recipe | Barbecue Chicken #chicken #bbq #slowcooker #crockpot #dinner #dinneratthezoo Crockpot BBQ Chicken Recipe | Barbecue Chicken #chicken #bbq #slowcooker #crockpot #dinner #dinneratthezoo

Crockpot BBQ chicken on a bun served with french fries.

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!

Chicken breasts coated in spice rub in a crockpot.

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.

A slow cooker full of seasoned chicken breasts and chicken broth.

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.

Shredded chicken with bbq sauced poured over the top.

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.

Shredded crockpot BBQ chicken in a slow cooker.

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 on a bun served with french fries.
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5 from 13 votes

Crockpot BBQ Chicken

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!
Course Main
Cuisine American
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 10 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 296.81kcal
Author Sara Welch

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1/4 cup BBQ rub homemade or store bought
  • 3/4 cup chicken broth
  • 1 1/2 cups BBQ sauce homemade or store bought
  • cooking spray

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.

Nutrition

Calories: 296.81kcal | Carbohydrates: 29.28g | Protein: 32.81g | Fat: 4.43g | Saturated Fat: 0.9g | Cholesterol: 96.77mg | Sodium: 1017.21mg | Potassium: 748.81mg | Fiber: 0.64g | Sugar: 23.77g | Vitamin A: 205.52IU | Vitamin C: 4.3mg | Calcium: 32.92mg | Iron: 1.08mg
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    Comments

    1. Lorener says

      July 19, 2021 at 10:39 am

      5 stars
      Super easy and full of flavor! Family loved it! Made sandwiches with coleslaw on top.

      Reply
    2. Cindi McFadden says

      March 23, 2021 at 6:15 am

      Can you cook this on high and if so how long?

      Reply
      • Sara says

        March 24, 2021 at 11:34 am

        Yes for half the amount of time!

        Reply
    3. Indira says

      January 5, 2021 at 2:19 pm

      Hi! Could I cut the cook time in half and cook it on high instead?

      Reply
      • Sara says

        January 5, 2021 at 9:21 pm

        Yes that’s fine!

        Reply
    4. Jess says

      September 20, 2020 at 8:14 pm

      5 stars
      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!!!!!

      Reply
    5. Karen says

      August 11, 2020 at 12:50 pm

      5 stars
      A new family favorite. It was so easy to make and delicious!

      Reply
    6. Jim says

      May 7, 2020 at 1:59 pm

      Does anyone know of a good store bought bbq sauce that goes well with homemade rub

      Reply
      • Robby says

        July 21, 2020 at 3:27 pm

        5 stars
        Lillie’s Q Carolina barbecue sauce is what I use with this delicious chicken recipe.

        Reply
    7. Marilyn says

      March 16, 2020 at 4:15 am

      This is so good having it again, even made the bbq sauce and it’s delicious also!!

      Reply
    8. Robby says

      March 15, 2020 at 8:53 am

      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!

      Reply
    9. Tiffany La Forge-Grau says

      January 23, 2020 at 2:21 pm

      5 stars
      This is such an awesome chicken recipe. Slap those on some buns and call it good!

      Reply
    10. Jessica says

      January 23, 2020 at 2:07 pm

      Ohh!! So easy! Love this. It’ll make prep so much easier!

      Reply
    11. Beth says

      January 23, 2020 at 12:58 pm

      5 stars
      This came out so great! The chicken was cooked perfectly!

      Reply
    12. Jacque Hastert says

      January 23, 2020 at 9:15 am

      5 stars
      I love the homemade run and sauce. They bring so much flavor to the chicken and I bet makes the house smell amazing!

      Reply
    13. Cathy says

      January 23, 2020 at 8:02 am

      Love how insanely easy this is! Our new favorite!

      Reply
    14. Erin says

      January 23, 2020 at 1:21 am

      This crockpot BBQ chicken couldn’t look any more perfect!

      Reply
    15. Kimberly says

      January 22, 2020 at 8:49 pm

      This looks perfect – I’ve already got everything on hand and am going to throw it in the crockpot this weekend!

      Reply
    16. Krissy Allori says

      January 22, 2020 at 2:54 pm

      5 stars
      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.

      Reply
    17. Kelly Anthony says

      January 22, 2020 at 2:38 pm

      5 stars
      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.

      Reply
    18. Jayne says

      January 22, 2020 at 2:31 pm

      5 stars
      Love this recipe. A classic. Perfect timing for the Super Bowl. My guests are going to love this one. Thanks.

      Reply
    19. Julie says

      January 22, 2020 at 2:12 pm

      5 stars
      This is the way I love to cook…set it and forget it! Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
    20. Suzy says

      January 22, 2020 at 1:26 pm

      5 stars
      This is the perfect way to cook up chicken breast! It came out so juicy and tender!

      Reply
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