introduction
This BBQ Crockpot Chicken is easy and uses few steps. It cooks slow and stays juicy. You can serve it on rice, bread, or a bowl. Try it with a light side like BBQ chicken cottage cheese bowl for a simple meal.
why make this recipe
Make this recipe when you need a fast dinner with little work. The crockpot does most of the cooking. The sauce gives a sweet and smoky taste. It is great for busy days, meal prep, or family dinners. If you like slow cooker chicken ideas, also check a simple take on pasta like slow cooker chicken spaghetti for another easy meal.
how to make BBQ Crockpot Chicken
This method keeps chicken tender and full of BBQ flavor. You cook low and slow, then shred or slice the chicken. You can add sauce at the end or mix it while it cooks. For a richer gravy or sauce, you can follow a similar slow-cook plan used in crockpot chicken and gravy.
Ingredients :
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (halal-compliant)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- to taste Salt and pepper
Directions :
Preparation
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
- Rub chicken with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Pour a little barbecue sauce into the crockpot and spread it on the bottom.
Cooking
- Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the crockpot.
- Pour the rest of the barbecue sauce over the chicken.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until chicken is cooked through and easy to shred.
- If you want pulled chicken, remove the chicken and shred with two forks, then return it to the sauce and stir.
Serving
- Serve hot on buns, over rice, or with a side of vegetables.
- Spoon extra sauce on top for more flavor.

how to serve BBQ Crockpot Chicken
Serve the chicken on soft buns as sandwiches with coleslaw. You can also place it on rice, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. Add pickles or sliced onions for a bright bite. A side of steamed vegetables keeps the meal light.
how to store BBQ Crockpot Chicken
Let the chicken cool to room temperature. Put it in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
tips to make BBQ Crockpot Chicken
- Use chicken breasts of similar size so they cook evenly.
- Do not lift the lid while cooking; it slows the process.
- If sauce is too thin, remove chicken and simmer sauce on high for 10–15 minutes to thicken, then return chicken.
- For more flavor, sear the chicken quickly in a pan before adding to the crockpot (optional).
variation (if any)
- Use boneless skinless thighs instead of breasts for more fat and flavor.
- Add a spoon of honey or brown sugar for a sweeter sauce.
- Mix in a little hot sauce or cayenne for a spicy kick.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
A: It is best to thaw chicken first. Frozen chicken takes longer and may not cook evenly in a crockpot.
Q: Do I need to add water?
A: No. The barbecue sauce and chicken release enough liquid. Add a tablespoon of chicken broth only if you want more sauce.
Q: How do I make it less sweet?
A: Use a tangier or low-sugar barbecue sauce. Add a little vinegar or lemon juice to balance sweetness.
Q: Can I cook this on high?
A: Yes. Cook on high for 2–3 hours instead of 4–6 hours on low. Check for doneness.
Conclusion
For another pulled chicken method and ideas, see this detailed recipe on Pulled Chicken (Crock Pot BBQ Chicken) – Sugar Spun Run.
Print
BBQ Crockpot Chicken
- Total Time: 255 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A simple and juicy BBQ Crockpot Chicken recipe that cooks low and slow, perfect for busy nights or meal prep.
Ingredients
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (halal-compliant)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- to taste salt and pepper
Instructions
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
- Rub chicken with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Pour a little barbecue sauce into the crockpot and spread it on the bottom.
- Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the crockpot.
- Pour the rest of the barbecue sauce over the chicken.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until chicken is cooked through and easy to shred.
- If you want pulled chicken, remove the chicken and shred with two forks, then return it to the sauce and stir.
- Serve hot on buns, over rice, or with a side of vegetables.
- Spoon extra sauce on top for more flavor.
Notes
For thicker sauce, simmer on high for 10-15 minutes after shredding the chicken.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 240 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: crockpot, BBQ chicken, slow cooker, easy dinner, meal prep