If you’re on the lookout for a meal that combines effortless preparation with mouthwatering flavor, you have to try The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken Recipe. This recipe turns simple ingredients into tender, saucy chicken that’s bursting with smoky, tangy barbecue goodness after slow cooking to perfection. Whether you’re making a quick weeknight dinner or feeding a crowd, this dish is downright irresistible and sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but play such important roles in creating a balanced flavor and perfect texture. The chicken provides lean protein, while the barbecue sauce and Italian dressing add layers of tang and sweetness. Brown sugar and Worcestershire sauce deepen the flavor profile, and the spices bring it all together beautifully.
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Trimmed of fat to keep the dish lean and tender.
- 1 1/4 cup barbecue sauce: I love using Sweet Baby Ray’s Honey BBQ for its rich, sweet tang.
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing: Preferably fat-free; it adds a zesty, herby dimension.
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce: Gives a subtle umami boost that rounds out the sweetness.
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar: Adds just the right hint of caramelized sweetness; you can reduce or omit based on your taste.
- 1 tbsp garlic powder: For that punch of savory depth without overpowering.
- 1 tbsp onion powder: Brings a mild sweetness and hearty base flavor.
- Salt and black pepper: To taste; essential for seasoning the chicken perfectly.
How to Make The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crockpot
Start by lightly spraying your crockpot with non-stick cooking spray or lining it with disposable liners for easy cleanup—this simple prep step makes all the difference when it’s time to wash up.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Generously season your trimmed chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. This seasoning base is crucial for building flavor right from the start. Then, place the chicken evenly across the bottom of the crockpot.
Step 3: Mix the Sauce Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce, Italian dressing, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar until smooth and well combined. This sauce is where the magic happens—sweet, tangy, and just the right bit savory for that classic BBQ taste.
Step 4: Combine and Cook
Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the seasoned chicken in your crockpot, then cover the lid. For cooking, set the slow cooker to high for about 2.5 to 3 hours, or low for 5 to 6 hours if you prefer. The slow heat tenderizes the chicken, infusing it deeply with the sauce’s flavors.
Step 5: Check Doneness and Shred
Once you reach the minimum cooking time, check the chicken’s internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it hits 165°F (74°C). Then, shred the chicken using two forks—either right in the crockpot to soak up all those luscious juices, or remove it first and then mix it back into the sauce for ultimate sauciness.
How to Serve The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes elevate this dish nicely—think chopped fresh parsley, sliced green onions, or even a tangy coleslaw topping for that crunchy contrast. These simple additions make the meal visually inviting and add wonderful fresh notes.
Side Dishes
This chicken pairs beautifully with classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes, buttery corn on the cob, or a crisp garden salad. You can’t go wrong with rice or even baked beans to soak up the extra sauce goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this shredded BBQ chicken on toasted buns for mouthwatering sandwiches, stuffed in soft tortillas for BBQ chicken tacos, or spooned over a fresh green salad for a lighter option. It’s incredibly versatile and perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover BBQ chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinner the next day.
Freezing
This recipe freezes wonderfully. Portion the shredded chicken into freezer-safe bags or containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for an easy meal your future self will thank you for.
Reheating
Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat to retain moisture and avoid drying out the chicken. Adding a splash of water or extra barbecue sauce can help keep things juicy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs add even more tenderness and flavor. Just adjust the cooking time slightly as thighs sometimes take a bit longer to cook through.
Is it necessary to use Italian dressing?
While Italian dressing adds a bright, herby tang that complements the BBQ sauce, you can substitute it with ranch or vinaigrette if preferred. Just keep the flavor profile balanced to maintain that signature taste.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Yes! Add a few dashes of hot sauce, some cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeños to the sauce mixture for a spicy kick that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the BBQ sauce.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The chicken should be tender and easy to shred with forks at that point, ensuring it’s safe and perfectly cooked.
What can I do with leftover sauce?
Don’t let that extra sauce go to waste! Use it as a glaze for grilled meats, a dip for fries, or even a flavorful salad dressing base to make the most of every drop.
Final Thoughts
The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken Recipe is one of those fail-proof dishes that makes busy days easier and hungry families happier. It’s simple, flexible, and packs a huge flavor punch that will keep you coming back for more. Once you try it, this recipe will quickly become your go-to for delicious, hands-off BBQ chicken anytime.
Print
The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes to 6 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes to 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken recipe offers tender, flavorful chicken slow-cooked to perfection with a tangy and sweet barbecue sauce blend. Ideal for sandwiches, tacos, salads, or served over rice, this easy slow cooker meal requires minimal prep and delivers delicious results every time.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, with fat trimmed off
Sauce & Seasoning
- 1 1/4 cup barbecue sauce (such as Sweet Baby Ray’s Honey BBQ)
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing (preferably fat-free)
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar (can reduce to 1/8 cup or omit for less sweetness)
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the crockpot: Lightly spray the inside of a large crockpot or slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray, or use disposable liners for easier cleanup.
- Season chicken: Season the trimmed boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Place the seasoned chicken at the bottom of the crockpot.
- Mix sauce ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together barbecue sauce, Italian dressing, light brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth and combined.
- Combine: Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the seasoned chicken breasts. Cover the crockpot with its lid.
- Cook: Set the crockpot to high for 2.5 to 3 hours or low for 5 to 6 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Check doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken’s internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C).
- Shred the chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken and shred it using two forks, or shred it directly in the crockpot to allow the chicken to absorb more sauce for extra flavor.
- Serve: Serve the shredded BBQ chicken hot on buns for sandwiches, over rice, in tacos, on salads, or as desired. Enjoy your meal!
Notes
- For less sweetness, reduce the brown sugar to 1/8 cup or omit entirely.
- Shake or stir the sauce mixture before serving if it has separated in the crockpot.
- You can add sliced onions or bell peppers for extra flavor and texture.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freeze cooked shredded chicken for up to 3 months for meal prep convenience.
