Name: The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American cuisine
Ingredients: 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 ½ cups barbecue sauce (your favorite brand); ⅓ cup brown sugar, packed; 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Ready for an absolutely dreamy dinner with almost zero effort? This is truly The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken: super tender, ultra-juicy chicken coated in a sticky, smoky-sweet barbecue sauce. It's the kind of comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that everyone raves about-perfect for stuffing into sandwiches, piling on salads, or serving up on game day.

What makes this BBQ chicken a must-try? The slow cooker does all the magic for you-simply dump, stir, and let it go. You get fall-apart, flavor-packed chicken with minimal prep, bold BBQ flavor, and endless ways to serve it.

This recipe is a personal favorite for busy weeks, backyard cookouts, and family potlucks. Plus, the leftovers are just as delicious (if you have any!).

The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken in a toasted bun with extra sauce

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Ridiculously Easy: Just toss everything in the crockpot-minimal prep and only one dish to clean!
Super Tender & Juicy: The slow cooker guarantees perfectly moist chicken you can shred with a fork.
Versatile & Crowd-Pleasing: Ideal for sandwiches, wraps, salads, meal-prep, or party sliders.
Big, Bold BBQ Flavor: A perfectly balanced combination of sweet, tangy, smoky, and savory notes.

Key Ingredients for The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts

The heart of this recipe! Chicken breasts become incredibly moist and tender after slow cooking and soak up all that yummy BBQ sauce. For best results, trim excess fat and use fresh or thawed chicken. You can swap in boneless, skinless thighs for extra richness-expect a bit more flavor and juiciness.

Barbecue Sauce

The star that brings bold, classic BBQ flavor. I recommend a thick, smoky-sweet sauce-your favorite store-bought brand is perfect. If you love a certain regional style (like Kansas City or Carolina), use it! For homemade, just mix ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, and spices.

Brown Sugar

Brown sugar adds that irresistible caramelized sweetness and helps the sauce cling to the chicken. Light or dark brown sugar both work, or use coconut sugar for a subtle twist. Adjust to taste if you prefer more or less sweetness.

Apple Cider Vinegar

A splash of vinegar wakes up the sauce and adds tangy brightness. Apple cider vinegar is classic, but white vinegar or even a little lemon juice can work in a pinch. Just a tablespoon does the trick.

Garlic Powder & Smoked Paprika

A little garlic powder brings savory depth, while smoked paprika adds that essential smoky flavor without a grill. If you love heat, toss in a pinch of cayenne. Onion powder is a great add-in, too!

The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken cooking process

Instructions for The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Prep the Chicken

Lay the chicken breasts in an even layer at the bottom of your slow cooker. Don't worry about any little bits of fat-they'll melt away and keep things juicy!

Make the Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Pour the sauce mixture all over the chicken, making sure everything is coated.

Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4-5 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours. The chicken is ready when it's cooked through and falls apart easily with a fork. Try not to overcook, as chicken breasts can dry out.

Shred the Chicken

Remove the cooked chicken to a large bowl or directly in the crockpot. Use two forks to shred it finely. Return the shredded chicken to the sauce in the slow cooker and give it all a good stir to soak up all that delicious BBQ flavor.

Serve & Enjoy

Serve immediately with extra sauce spooned on top, or pile it onto buns, salads, rice bowls, or baked potatoes. Don't forget your favorite toppings!

Recipe Variations

Make It Spicy

Craving a little heat? Stir in a diced jalapeño, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or a few dashes of hot sauce before slow cooking. Spicy BBQ sauce also does the trick!

Chicken Thighs for Extra Juiciness

Swap chicken breasts for boneless, skinless thighs if you want even richer, more succulent pulled chicken. They're virtually impossible to dry out and full of flavor.

Lower Sugar or Sugar-Free

Trying to cut back on sugar? Use a sugar-free barbecue sauce and skip or reduce the brown sugar-the chicken will still be deliciously saucy.

Gluten-Free Twist

Most BBQ sauces are naturally gluten-free, but double-check your brand to be sure. The rest of the recipe is already gluten-free!

Make It Vegan

Substitute two cans of drained jackfruit or your favorite plant-based "chicken" alternative. Cook as directed, then shred and mix with sauce for an easy, satisfying vegan BBQ.

Serving Suggestions

Make it a complete meal by piling this pulled BBQ chicken high on toasted brioche buns, stuffed into baked sweet potatoes, or spooned over creamy coleslaw. Serve with classic sides like corn on the cob, potato salad, pickles, or a crisp green salad. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or sliced green onions for a pop of color and flavor!

Storage and Reheating

To store leftovers, let the chicken cool completely, then transfer to airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 4 days.

For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months-just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave (covered) for 1-2 minutes, or gently on the stovetop in a saucepan with a splash of water or extra BBQ sauce, stirring until hot and saucy.

Frequently Asked Questions About The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken (FAQ)

Q: Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

A: For food safety, it's best to thaw chicken breasts fully before adding to your slow cooker. This prevents uneven cooking and ensures the chicken stays juicy.

Q: Can I double this recipe for a party or meal prep?

A: Absolutely! Just double all ingredients and use a 6- to 7-quart crockpot. Cook times may increase by 30-60 minutes. Stir and check for doneness as needed.

Q: How do I keep the chicken from drying out?

A: Don't overcook! Check chicken at the minimum recommended time. Chicken thighs are also a great swap for extra moisture.

Q: What’s the best way to serve Crockpot BBQ Chicken?

A: It's delicious on buns as BBQ sandwiches, rolled in tortillas, or served over rice, salads, or baked potatoes. Add pickles, coleslaw, or cheese for extra flavor!

There you have it-the easiest, most mouthwatering BBQ chicken you'll ever make right in your slow cooker! I hope you love it as much as my family does. If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and rating below-I can't wait to hear how it turns out for you!

★★★★★ 4.80 from 185 ratings