Description
This Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken recipe is a simple, hands-off way to create tender, flavorful shredded chicken. Slow-cooked in a sweet and tangy barbecue sauce mixture, it’s perfect for sandwiches, tacos, salads, or served over rice. With minimal prep and easy ingredients, it’s an ideal recipe for busy weeknights or meal prepping.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, fat trimmed off
Sauce
- 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 evenly with salt, black pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder, then place them in 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 fully combined.
- Combine: Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the seasoned chicken breasts in the crockpot and cover with the lid.
- Cook: Set the crockpot to high for 2.5-3 hours or low for 5-6 hours. Cook until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Check doneness: Use a meat thermometer to confirm that the internal temperature of the chicken has reached 165°F (74°C).
- Shred the chicken: Remove the chicken from the crockpot and shred it using two forks, or shred it directly in the crockpot to allow the shredded chicken to absorb more sauce and flavor.
- Serve: Serve the shredded BBQ chicken hot on buns for sandwiches, or over rice, in tacos, salads, or however you prefer. Enjoy!
Notes
- For a less sweet version, reduce the brown sugar to 1/8 cup or omit completely.
- Using disposable crockpot liners can significantly simplify cleanup.
- Shredding the chicken directly in the crockpot allows it to soak up more sauce and flavor.
- This recipe can be easily doubled or halved depending on your needs.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature.
- Leftover shredded chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
