Mouth-Watering Crock Pot Chicken Barbecue Recipe

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Come one, come all! Are you ready for a mouth-watering, finger-lickin’ chicken barbecue recipe that your taste buds won’t forget? Well, you’ve come to the right place! As an avid grill-master, I am always in search of new ways to elevate my BBQ game. And this slow cooker chicken barbecue recipe is the epitome of easy and delicious. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or even a weekend get-together with friends and family.

This recipe is simple yet packed with flavor. The ingredients are ones you likely already have in your pantry – soy sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and tomato ketchup to name a few. But are you ready for the secret ingredient that takes this recipe up a notch? Sweet baby rays barbecue sauce! It’s the perfect balance of tangy and sweet that will have you licking your plate clean.

And did I mention how effortless this recipe is? Simply combine all ingredients in the slow cooker, add the boneless skinless chicken breasts on top, and let it cook while you go about your day. In just a few hours, you’ll have fall-off-the-bone chicken that’s perfect for sandwiches, salads or just eaten plain.

So whether you’re planning a hawaiian bbq party, want to make pulled chicken for tacos or sandwiches, or just craving some good ol’ fashioned barbecue chicken – this slow cooker chicken barbecue recipe has got you covered. Keep reading to learn more about this foolproof method of cooking chicken that will become your go-to recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crock Pot Chicken Barbecue
Crock Pot Chicken Barbecue

This slow cooker chicken barbecue recipe is an absolute winner, and I’ll tell you why. For starters, it’s incredibly easy to make, even for those with minimal cooking skills. Whether you’re a student living on your own for the first time or a busy professional, this recipe fits into any lifestyle.

One of the best things about this recipe is the sauce. Made from a combination of brown sugar, tomato ketchup, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, cider vinegar, garlic powder, and hot red pepper flakes, it’s a mouthwatering blend of sweet and savory flavors that’ll have your taste buds dancing.

But what sets this recipe apart from others is its versatility. You can use it to make everything from barbecue chicken wings to pulled pork sandwiches, or even slow-cooked shredded chicken tacos. The possibilities are endless.

And let’s not forget the convenience factor. All you have to do is whisk together the ingredients, place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker and pour in the sauce. Then set it and forget it for 3-6 hours (depending on your cooking preference) while you go about your day. When you come back, you’ll have juicy and tender barbecue chicken ready to be devoured.

So if you’re looking for a quick and hassle-free meal that’s also deliciously satisfying, this crockpot BBQ chicken recipe is definitely worth a try!

Ingredient List

“Juicy, tender chicken that falls off the bone”

Here’s what you’ll need for this crockpot BBQ chicken:

  • 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup barbecue sauce
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon hot red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper

Barbecue Sauce: I recommend using Sweet Baby Ray’s® barbecue sauce, or your favorite brand.

Apple Cider Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar adds tanginess and balance to the sweetness of the brown sugar.

Smoked Paprika: Smoked paprika adds a smoky flavor to the dish.

Hot Red Pepper Flakes: Add some heat if you like it spicy.

Soy Sauce & Worcestershire Sauce: These two sauces add depth of flavor and saltiness to the dish.

Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: Adds a milder, savory flavor to the dish.

You can find all of these ingredients at your local grocery store.

The Recipe How-To

“Let the slow cooker do the hard work for you”

Now, let’s get into the main event: the recipe itself. I’m going to walk you through how to make the best crockpot chicken barbecue you’ve ever tasted.

Ingredients:

  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup barbecue sauce
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/4 cup cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon hot red pepper flakes

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Begin by seasoning your chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Place the chicken in the bottom of your slow cooker.

Step 2: Mix together the Barbecue Sauce

In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together all of the remaining ingredients to form your barbecue sauce. This is where all of that delicious flavor is going to come from!

Step 3: Pour Barbecue Sauce over Chicken

Pour your barbecue sauce over the chicken in your slow cooker. Use a spoon to evenly coat each piece of chicken, making sure they are fully covered in the sauce.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Cover your slow cooker and cook your barbecue chicken on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 5-6 hours (depending on your slow cooker). Keep an eye on it towards the end – when it’s done, you should be able to easily pull apart the meat with a fork.

Step 5: Shred and Serve

Once your chicken is fully cooked and tender, remove it from the slow cooker and use two forks to shred it into pieces. Serve hot with your favorite side dishes, like coleslaw or cornbread!

Pro Tip: This recipe works great for meal prep! You can make a large batch on Sunday and have shredded chicken sandwiches, pulled pork-style BBQ tacos, or even Hawaiian BBQ chicken throughout the week. It’s especially great for adding protein to salads!

Now that you know how to make delicious crockpot BBQ pulled chicken effortlessly, try this recipe out for yourself today!

Substitutions and Variations

“The perfect meal for a lazy Sunday afternoon”

If you’re feeling adventurous and want to switch things up with this recipe, there are a few substitutions and variations you can try.

Firstly, if you don’t have boneless skinless chicken breasts on hand, you can easily swap them out for chicken legs, thighs or even wings. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure your meat is fully cooked.

For those looking to add a little heat, try incorporating some additional hot red pepper flakes or smoked paprika to the mix. This will give your barbecue chicken an extra punch of flavor that’s sure to satisfy your spicy cravings.

If sweet and tangy is more your style, consider adding some shredded pineapple or mango to the sauce along with the brown sugar and Worcestershire sauce. This will create a tropical twist on the classic barbecue flavors that are perfect for summertime cookouts.

Another variation worth trying is substituting apple cider vinegar for the regular cider vinegar in the recipe. Apple cider vinegar has a slightly sweeter taste which pairs perfectly with the brown sugar and tomato ketchup in this dish. You can also switch out olive oil for vegetable oil without affecting the overall taste of the recipe.

No matter what substitutions or variations you choose, just make sure to take it slow and easy when making these changes. Small alterations can go a long way in transforming this classic crockpot BBQ chicken recipe into something truly unique and delicious.

Serving and Pairing

“A classic barbecue flavor that will leave your taste buds dancing”

Now, we have finished preparing the Crock Pot Chicken Barbecue Recipe, let’s get ready to serve and enjoy this delicious meal. I love to serve this recipe with some warm and soft buns as they complement the barbeque flavor of the chicken perfectly. You can also pair it with some fries, coleslaw or any salad of your choice. The combination will be amazing.

Once the chicken is fully cooked, you can shred it into smaller pieces using two forks. Then, add a generous amount of the sauce over the chicken and toss to coat it fully. After that, serve it hot in a platter or individual bowls topped with extra sauce from the crockpot.

This recipe is perfect for gatherings such as birthday parties, family dinners, potlucks or any other events that requires a crowd-pleasing dish. You can also prepare this dish ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

To reheat the chicken, you can microwave it until heated through or put it back in the slow cooker for several minutes on low heat.

This versatile recipe is also great for making barbeque sandwiches or wraps by adding some lettuce, tomatoes and cheese. Or you can even use it as a topping for pizzas or loaded nachos.

Overall, serving and pairing this dish is simple and flexible – you just need to be creative and enjoy experimenting with different sides until you find your favorite combinations!

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

“Finger-lickin’ good doesn’t even begin to describe it”

As with most slow cooker recipes, this Crock Pot Chicken Barbecue Recipe can easily be made ahead of time. Simply follow the instructions in section (4) The Recipe How-To, and prepare the chicken and sauce mixture. Once prepared, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking.

If you have leftovers or want to make extra portions to store for future meals, make sure you let the chicken cool down completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. This recipe is great for meal prepping and can be stored in the fridge for up to three days or in the freezer for up to three months.

When reheating your Crock Pot Chicken Barbecue Recipe, a microwave will suffice, but be sure to reheat slowly and evenly to avoid drying out the chicken. You can also reheat it on a stove-top, in a pan with some extra barbecue sauce with medium heat until heated through.

To use this recipe for pulled chicken sandwiches or similar dishes, shred the cooked chicken with two forks while in the slow cooker on low heat for 30 minutes while mixing with barbecue sauce until ready to use.

Enjoy your delicious BBQ chicken whenever you’re ready!

Tips for Perfect Results

“The ultimate comfort food, packed with flavor”

To make sure your crock pot chicken barbecue turns out perfect, there are some important tips you need to follow. Here are my recommendations:

1. Choose the Right Cut of Chicken

When making barbecue chicken in the slow cooker, it’s important to use the right cut of chicken. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a great option because they stay moist and tender during the long cooking process.

2. Season the Chicken

To give your chicken a boost of flavor, don’t forget to season it with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper before placing it in the crock pot. This will ensure that every bite is filled with flavor.

3. Use Enough Barbecue Sauce

When it comes to making delicious slow cooker barbecue chicken, using enough barbecue sauce is key. Be sure to have at least 2 cups of barbecue sauce on hand for every 3-4 pounds of chicken.

4. Add Some Heat

For those who love a little heat in their barbecue, adding hot red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper can kick up the spiciness level of your dish.

5. Customize Your Barbecue Sauce

Don’t be afraid to experiment with your barbecue sauce by adding different ingredients like apple cider vinegar, soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce to create a unique taste that suits your preferences.

6. Layer Ingredients Carefully

When layering ingredients in the slow cooker, it’s important to place the chicken breasts at the bottom so they cook evenly and absorb all of the flavors from the barbecue sauce.

7. Don’t Overcook Your Chicken

Overcooking your chicken can result in dry and tough meat. That’s why it’s important to set your slow cooker on low for around 5-6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours when cooking boneless chicken breasts for this recipe. Additionally, you can check via a meat thermometer that the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (74°C).

Follow these tips and you’ll have perfectly juicy and flavorful crock pot chicken barbecue every time!

Bottom Line

In conclusion, I believe that anyone who loves BBQ chicken should try out this recipe. The Crock Pot Chicken Barbecue recipe is not only delicious but also easy to make. With ingredients that are readily available in your kitchen or can be easily found in the grocery store, you can whip up a BBQ chicken meal that will surely impress your family and friends.

Whether you’re having a backyard party, a family dinner or just craving some good old-fashioned BBQ, this recipe will not disappoint. It’s perfect for any occasion, and it’s so versatile that you can easily customize it to your liking by trying out different variations and substitutions.

So why settle for fast food or unhealthy takeout when you can easily make a flavorful and wholesome BBQ chicken meal in the comfort of your own home? I encourage you to try out this awesome recipe and experience firsthand why it’s one of the best crockpot BBQ chicken recipes out there. Enjoy!

Crock Pot Chicken Barbecue

Crock Pot Chicken Barbecue Recipe

This is easy, cooks while you’re gone, perfect for a busy day, or to have while guests or family come in at different times! Adapted from Your Guide to Southern U.S. Cuisine.
5 from 1 vote
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 2
Calories 407.1 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 1/2 cups tomato ketchup
  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon ground hot red pepper flakes (to taste)
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions
 

  • Combine all ingredients for the sauce in the slow cooker.
  • Add the chicken, coating it well with the sauce.
  • Cook on high 3-4 hours, or until chicken is fully cooked.
  • Shred the chicken, and place it back in the barbecue sauce in the pot; mix it all up so all the pieces are coated.
  • Serve on buns or however you like! Enjoy!
  • Note: You may keep the crock pot on low to keep the chicken warm, so guests or family can serve themselves!

YOUR OWN NOTE

Click here to add your own private notes.

Nutrition

Serving: 694gCalories: 407.1kcalCarbohydrates: 69.1gProtein: 29.4gFat: 3.7gSaturated Fat: 0.8gCholesterol: 75.5mgSodium: 2735.2mgFiber: 0.8gSugar: 62.3g
Keyword Chicken, Chicken Breast, Easy, Meat, Poultry
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

You’ll Love These Delicious BBQ Recipes

Egg in a Hole - With Smoked Salmon

Egg in a Hole – With Smoked Salmon Recipe

We’ve all had those mornings where we crave something indulgent but also satisfying. Something that is easy to make and yet still feels fancy. Look no further than the Egg…
BBQ Hobo Stew

Mouth-Watering BBQ Hobo Stew Recipe

There’s something about cooking outdoors that gives food a special flavor. Maybe it’s the smoke, maybe it’s the fresh air, or maybe it’s just the sense of adventure. Whatever it…
Shara

Shara @The Bird BBQ

Shara loves to experiment with different flavors and techniques when it comes to BBQ. She has been perfecting her craft for years and loves hosting backyard BBQs with friends & family. She often comes up with creative recipes that her guests rave about.