The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken (Easy Pulled Chicken Recipe)

If you’re looking for a foolproof, delicious, and effortless way to make BBQ chicken, this Crockpot BBQ Chicken recipe is for you! Whether you’re planning a weeknight dinner, meal prep, or feeding a crowd, this dish is packed with bold flavors, juicy texture, and the perfect balance of sweet and tangy goodness.

The best part? It’s ridiculously easy! Just toss the ingredients into your slow cooker, let it work its magic, and enjoy tender, mouthwatering pulled BBQ chicken that pairs perfectly with sandwiches, salads, tacos, and more. So, let’s dive into this simple and satisfying recipe!

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Why You’ll Love This Easy Crockpot BBQ Chicken

Hey there! One of my absolute favorite easy crockpot meals that I’ve been making for my family for years is Crockpot BBQ Chicken. It’s tender, juicy, packed with flavor, and incredibly simple to make.

This recipe uses just a handful of pantry-friendly ingredients, and the slow cooker does all the workjust toss everything in and let it cook to perfection. Plus, whether you’re serving it on buns, over rice, or in tacos, this pulled BBQ chicken is a game-changer!

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (trimmed of fat)
1 1/4 cup barbecue sauce (we love Sweet Baby Ray’s)
1/2 cup Italian dressing (adds incredible flavor!)
1/4 cup light brown sugar (optional, for sweetness)
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp garlic powder
1 tbsp onion powder
Salt and pepper, to taste

How to Make the Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken

1: Prep Your Chicken

First, liberally spray the inside of your slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray or use a crockpot liner for easy cleanup. Then, season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder, and place them in the bottom of your slow cooker.

2: Mix the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce, Italian dressing, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar until well combined. Pour this flavorful mixture evenly over the chicken.

3: Cook Low & Slow

Place the lid on your crockpot and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours or on HIGH for 2.5-3 hours. The chicken should be fork-tender and reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

4: Shred & Serve

Once fully cooked, shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker using two forks. Let it sit for a few minutes to soak up all the delicious BBQ sauce before serving.

Tips for the Best Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken

1. Use a Programmable Slow Cooker

If you have a programmable slow cooker, set it to switch to WARM mode once the cooking time is up. This prevents the chicken from overcooking and drying out.

2. Crockpot Liners for Easy Cleanup

Save time scrubbing by using disposable crockpot liners—you’ll thank me later!

3. Use Sweet Baby Ray’s for the Best Flavor

I highly recommend using Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce—it’s sweet, tangy, and pairs perfectly with the Italian dressing.

Delicious Ways to Serve Crockpot BBQ Chicken

This slow cooker BBQ chicken is incredibly versatile. Here are some tasty ways to enjoy it:

On a bun for the best BBQ pulled chicken sandwiches.
On a tortilla with cheese and lettuce for BBQ chicken tacos.
On a pizza with red onions and mozzarella for a BBQ chicken pizza.
Over a baked potato for a hearty meal.
On top of a salad for a healthy BBQ chicken salad.
With tortilla chips for loaded BBQ chicken nachos.

How to Make the Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken

Serving Suggestions

This slow cooker BBQ chicken is incredibly versatile. Here are some tasty ways to enjoy it:

On a bun for the best BBQ pulled chicken sandwiches.
On a tortilla with cheese and lettuce for BBQ chicken tacos.
On a pizza with red onions and mozzarella for a BBQ chicken pizza.
Over a baked potato for a hearty meal.
On top of a salad for a healthy BBQ chicken salad.
With tortilla chips for loaded BBQ chicken nachos.
Over a bed of rice with sautéed veggies for a delicious BBQ chicken bowl.

What Sides Go Well with Crockpot BBQ Chicken?

Pair this dish with these classic BBQ sides:

Coleslaw
Baked beans
Corn on the cob
Sweet potato fries
Potato chips

FAQs for The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken

How do you make the best barbecue chicken in a crockpot?

To make the best crockpot BBQ chicken, start by seasoning boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.

Is it better to cook chicken on high or low in the crockpot?

For the most tender and juicy BBQ chicken, it’s best to cook on low for 5-6 hours. Cooking on low allows the chicken to absorb more flavors and remain moist. However, if you’re short on time, you can cook on high for 2.5-3 hours, but the texture may be slightly firmer.

Should you put barbecue sauce on chicken before or after cooking?

In this recipe, you mix the BBQ sauce with other ingredients and pour it over the chicken before cooking. This allows the flavors to infuse into the chicken as it cooks. However, if you like extra sauce, you can add more BBQ sauce at the end or while serving.

Can I use frozen chicken in the crockpot?

It’s best to use thawed chicken to ensure even cooking and food safety. If using frozen chicken, extend the cooking time by 1-2 hours on low and check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F before shredding.

How do you shred chicken easily after cooking?

Once the chicken is fully cooked, you can shred it directly in the crockpot using two forks. Another quick method is using a hand mixer or stand mixer on low speed to shred the chicken in seconds.

Can I make this BBQ chicken recipe healthier?

Yes! To make a healthier version:
Use low-sugar or homemade barbecue sauce.
Reduce or omit the brown sugar.
Opt for skinless, boneless chicken breasts for lean protein.
Serve over salad or cauliflower rice instead of buns.

How to Store & Reheat Crockpot BBQ Chicken

To Store:

Place leftover shredded BBQ chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days.

To Freeze:

Freeze the pulled chicken in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

To Reheat:

Reheat individual portions in the microwave, or warm it all up in a pot on the stovetop over medium heat.

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Final Thoughts

This easy crockpot BBQ chicken is a must-try! It’s flavorful, effortless, and perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping. If you give it a try, let me know in the comments or pin this recipe on Pinterest for later