Slow-cooker BBQ chicken is an easy, hands-off dinner. Toss chicken and BBQ sauce in the crockpot and come home to tender, flavorful meat, perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or pizza. It's a great recipe for potlucks, summer parties, and special occasions where you need to feed a crowd!

Slow cooker BBQ chicken in a crockpot liner.

Carmyn's Notes

This easy slow cooker BBQ chicken is one of my favorite easy dinners to make during the week. It comes together quickly and makes the perfect filling for delicious BBQ chicken sandwiches.

I love serving it on fresh sourdough hamburger buns topped with creamy coleslaw and a side mac and cheese or potato salad.

I like to use my homemade bbq sauce because it's healthier than store-bought and really simple to make with a few pantry ingredients.

All you have to do is toss everything in the crock pot, turn it on, head out for the day, and by the time you're home, dinner is done. It’s such a relief to have one less thing to worry about in the evening!

Enjoy! xx

Ingredients & Substitutions

Slow cooker BBQ chicken ingredients on the table.

Chicken: We’re using boneless, skinless chicken breasts, but you can also use chicken tenderloins or boneless, skinless chicken thighs.
Barbecue Sauce: We highly suggest making our quick and easy homemade barbecue sauce, but you can also use your favorite store-bought brand.
Seasonings: A little salt and black pepper are all you need. If you want a spicy kick, add a bit of cayenne pepper.
Slow Cooker: You'll need a 6 to 7-quart slow cooker.

How to Make Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken

Raw chicken breast covered in BBQ sauce in a slow cooker.

Step 1

Add the chicken breasts to the slow cooker. Pour the barbecue sauce over the chicken breasts.

Cooked chicken breast covered in BBQ sauce in a slow cooker.

Step 2

Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours.

Shredded chicken breasts with BBQ sauce in a crockpot.

Step 3

Once the chicken breasts are cooked, shred them with two forks. Stir the sauce and the shredded chicken together and season to taste with salt and pepper.

Note: The liquid in the pot may appear to be too much, but it will thicken as you mix the chicken and sauce.

BBQ chicken sandwich on a plate with french fries.

Step 4

Serve on hamburger buns topped with coleslaw, wrapped in tortillas, or BBQ pizza.

How to Store

How to Store: Once completely cooled, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days.
How to Freeze: First, allow the BBQ chicken to cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container or a zip-top freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to three months.
Reheat: From the refrigerator, put the BBQ chicken in a pan on the stove over low heat. Stir occasionally until it's warmed through. If frozen, transfer the chicken from the freezer to the fridge and let it thaw overnight. Warm it on the stove over low heat or put it in the microwave until heated through.

More Lunch and Dinner Recipes

Carrot Ginger Soup

Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad

Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

Creamy Chicken Potato Soup

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