Busy days? Always! If you need a simple, no-fuss dinner, crockpot BBQ chicken is one of those recipes you’ll come back to again and again. It’s made with just a handful of ingredients, cooks low and slow, and turns into tender, flavorful shredded chicken that’s perfect for sandwiches, sliders, and more.
Whether you’re feeding your family after a long day or prepping ahead for the week, this is one of those “set it and forget it” meals that works amazingly well.
Why This Recipe Works
- Hands-off cooking: everything gets dumped into the slow cooker so it can do the work.
- Great for meal prep: use it all week in different meals. I'll tell you how to mix it up!
- Budget-friendly: this recipe uses simple ingredients you probably already have.
- Family favorite: has that sweet, smoky BBQ flavor everyone loves
No crockpot? No problem! Try making shredded bbq chicken in the Instant Pot.
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🛒 Ingredients
This is one of those recipes where simple really is best.
- Chicken: The recipe calls for boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Thighs are also delicious and my recommendation if you'll be cooking for a longer time.
- BBQ sauce - there's really no wrong answer here. Use your favorite.
- Chicken broth - keeps the chicken tender and juicy.
- Brown sugar - for a little sweetness and that classic slow cooker bbq flavor we love.
- Apple cider vinegar - a recipe game changer, it keeps the sauce from being too sweet.
Tip: Freeze leftover chicken broth in souper cubes so nothing goes to waste.
See recipe card below for specific quantities and a full ingredient list.
If you love easy slow cooker meals, my slow cooker pulled pork is another go-to for feeding a crowd.
🥣 How to Make Crockpot BBQ Chicken
This comes together in just a few minutes of prep. That’s a nice way of saying this is a true “dump and go” crockpot recipe. 😉
- Step 1: Add ingredients to slow cooker. Place chicken in the bottom of your crockpot. Pour BBQ sauce and chicken broth over the top, then sprinkle in the seasonings.
I used a 4. 5 quart round slow cooker.
- Step 2: Cook low and slow. Cover and cook on low for 5–6 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
The chicken should be tender and easy to shred.
- Step 3: Shred the chicken. Remove the chicken and shred using two forks or use your mixer to make it super quick!
- Step 4: Return to sauce. Add the shredded chicken back into the crockpot and stir to coat in the sauce.
How to Shred Chicken Quickly
Once your chicken is cooked and tender, shredding it is quick and easy.
- Two forks: The classic method - pull the chicken apart while it’s still warm. It works well, just takes a little more time. And patience. (I have very little)
- Hand mixer (my go-to): Place the warm chicken in a large bowl and use a hand mixer or stand mixer on low. In about 30 seconds, you’ll have perfectly shredded chicken with almost no effort.
This is one of my favorite kitchen shortcuts, especially when you’re making a big batch or feeding a crowd.
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Ways to Use Crockpot BBQ Chicken
You can turn this recipe into so many easy meals. This is one of those “make once, use all week” recipes, perfect for planting, calving, harvest...you get the idea.
Think field meals for days!!!
- Sandwiches on hamburger buns
- Stuffed baked potatoes
- BBQ chicken nachos
- Wraps or quesadillas
- Over rice or mashed potatoes
One of my favorite ways to use this is in BBQ chicken sliders on Hawaiian rolls - they're perfect for busy nights or feeding a crowd. (I’ll link that recipe here once it’s live!)
Tips for success
- Don’t skip the vinegar! It balances the sweetness and gives that classic BBQ flavor.
- Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness, especially if you'll be cooking on the longer side.
- Add more sauce at the end if you like it extra saucy. My family does. 😀
- Shred while it's warm . Much like breaking down rotisserie chicken, it's much easier to do then.
Make Ahead and Storage
Reheat: Warm in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth or extra BBQ sauce. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer Meal: BBQ shredded chicken makes a great freezer meal. Just cook it, place in an airtight container, removing as much air as possible, and freeze for up to 3 months.
When you're ready to use it, thaw and enjoy!
What to Serve with BBQ Chicken
If you’re serving this for dinner or feeding a crowd, here are some easy sides that go perfectly with BBQ chicken:
- Potato chips or fries
- Coleslaw
- Baked beans
- Pasta salad
- Corn on the cob
FAQ
Yes, but for best results and food safety, thaw it first. If cooking from frozen, increase cook time and make sure it reaches 165°F internally. An even better idea is to make your frozen chicken in the Instant Pot.
You can! Just warm it in the crockpot with the sauce and seasonings until heated through.
There's no right answer here, so use whatever your family loves. Sweet, smoky, or even a sugar-free version all work here. We like Ray's no sugar added sauces.
If you make this recipe, I’d love to know what you think! Leave a ⭐ star rating and review below. It helps other readers and makes my day! 😉
More Easy Meals for a Crowd
If you're serving a bunch, these recipes are perfect for you!
Recipe
Crock Pot BBQ Shredded Chicken
Send me this recipe!
I'll email it to you, so you can come back to it later!
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 3 large)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup BBQ sauce plus more for serving
- 1 Tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 Tablespoon brown sugar
Instructions
- Place 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
- Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon salt, 2 teaspoons onion powder and 1 teaspoon paprika.
- Pour in ½ cup chicken broth, 1 cup BBQ sauce, 1 Tablespoon apple cider vinegar, and 1 Tablespoon brown sugar.
- Cover and cook: Low for 5–6 hours or High for 3–4 hours
- Remove lid and shred chicken with two forks directly in the slow cooker.
- Stir to coat in the sauce. Add more BBQ sauce if desired.
- Let cook on low for an additional 20–30 minutes to thicken and soak up flavor.
Notes
Nutrition
This Farm Girl Cooks is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. Calories and other nutritional values vary depending on which brands were used.
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