Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken transforms humble ingredients into a tender, saucy masterpiece that’s like a backyard cookout in a pot. Picture juicy chicken thighs bathing in a DIY sauce of ketchup, brown sugar, garlic, smoked paprika and apple cider vinegar, simmering for hours until flavors dance. As it cooks, your home fills with smoky-sweet aromas that invite daydreams of summer barbecues. This set-it-and-forget-it wonder lets you relax until dinner time, then shred the chicken into melty, saucy bliss. Serve it piled high on buns, crunchy slaw or creamy mashed potatoes—this crowd-pleaser never fails to spark smiles and happy appetites.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken
- Effortless preparation—just toss in the ingredients and let the slow cooker do the magic!
- Juicy, tender chicken that falls off the bone, making every bite a delight.
- Customizable flavors—choose your favorite BBQ sauce for a personal touch.
- Perfect for meal prep—make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week.
- Family-friendly and kid-approved, making dinner time a breeze!
Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Start by laying your chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker. Make sure they’re evenly spaced for even cooking.
- Step 2: In a bowl, mix BBQ sauce, chicken broth, sliced onion, minced garlic, brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. In a separate bowl, combine all the ingredients. Stir them together until well mixed. This will be the flavorful sauce that makes your chicken sing!
- Step 3: Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken. Carefully pour the sauce over the chicken breasts. Make sure they’re well coated for maximum flavor.
- Step 4: Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender. Put the lid on your slow cooker and set it to low or high, depending on your time. Let it work its magic until the chicken is tender and juicy.
- Step 5: Shred the chicken with two forks and stir well to coat with sauce. Once cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken right in the slow cooker. Mix it well with the sauce for that perfect BBQ flavor.
- Step 6: Serve on buns or over rice, garnished with chopped parsley if desired. Finally, serve your delicious BBQ chicken on buns or over a bed of rice. Sprinkle some chopped parsley on top for a fresh touch. Enjoy!
Notes
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 |
| Fat | 5g |
| Protein | 30g |
| Carbs | 20g |
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients for a flavorful Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken!
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts – the main protein for the dish
- 1 cup BBQ sauce – for that smoky, tangy flavor
- 1/2 cup chicken broth – to keep the chicken moist
- 1 small onion (sliced) – adds sweetness and depth
- 2 cloves garlic (minced) – enhances flavor
- 1 tbsp brown sugar – balances the acidity
- 1 tsp smoked paprika – brings a smoky essence
- Salt and pepper to taste – to season perfectly
How to Make Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken
Get ready for a delicious meal! This Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken is easy to make and perfect for any occasion. With a prep time of just 15 minutes and a cooking time of 6-7 hours on low (or 3-4 hours on high), you can set it and forget it. Let’s dive into the steps!
Step 1: Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
Start by laying your chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker. Make sure they’re evenly spaced for even cooking.
Step 2: In a bowl, mix BBQ sauce, chicken broth, sliced onion, minced garlic, brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
In a separate bowl, combine all the ingredients. Stir them together until well mixed. This will be the flavorful sauce that makes your chicken sing!
Step 3: Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken.
Carefully pour the sauce over the chicken breasts. Make sure they’re well coated for maximum flavor.
Step 4: Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender.
Put the lid on your slow cooker and set it to low or high, depending on your time. Let it work its magic until the chicken is tender and juicy.
Step 5: Shred the chicken with two forks and stir well to coat with sauce.
Once cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken right in the slow cooker. Mix it well with the sauce for that perfect BBQ flavor.
Step 6: Serve on buns or over rice, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Finally, serve your delicious BBQ chicken on buns or over a bed of rice. Sprinkle some chopped parsley on top for a fresh touch. Enjoy!
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Main Course |
| Cuisine | American |
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 360 minutes |
| Total Time | 375 minutes |
| Dietary | High Protein |
| Serves | 4 |
| Best Served | On buns or over rice |
Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken
- Choose skinless chicken breasts for a leaner option.
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
- Use low-sodium BBQ sauce to control salt levels.
- Add chopped onions and bell peppers for a veggie boost.
- Shred the chicken and mix it with sauce before serving for even coverage.
How to Serve this Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken
- Serve on toasted hamburger buns for a delicious BBQ sandwich.
- Pair with coleslaw for a crunchy, refreshing contrast.
- Top a baked potato with BBQ chicken and a sprinkle of cheese.
- Serve over rice or quinoa for a hearty meal.
- Use as a filling for tacos, topped with avocado and salsa.
- Enjoy with a side of grilled corn on the cob for a summer vibe.
- Mix into a salad with greens, cherry tomatoes, and ranch dressing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing and enjoying your Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken later is easy!
Storing Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Leftovers
- Let the chicken cool to room temperature.
- Transfer to an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken
- Portion the chicken into freezer-safe bags or containers.
- Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn.
- Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken
- Thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen.
- Reheat in a slow cooker on low until warmed through.
- Alternatively, use a microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.
- For best texture, reheat on the stovetop over low heat.
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FAQs
Here’s a helpful FAQ about this recipe:
1. How do you BBQ chicken in a slow cooker?
To BBQ chicken in a slow cooker, start by seasoning your chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Place them in the slow cooker and pour your favorite barbecue sauce over the top. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender and fully cooked. Shred the chicken with two forks and mix it with the sauce before serving for a delicious BBQ flavor.
2. Can you just put raw chicken in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can put raw chicken directly into a slow cooker. Just make sure to season it well and add some liquid, like broth or barbecue sauce, to keep it moist during cooking. Cooking raw chicken in the slow cooker is safe and will yield tender, juicy results as long as you follow the recommended cooking times.
3. How to make barbecue pulled chicken in a slow cooker?
To make barbecue pulled chicken, place raw chicken breasts or thighs in the slow cooker and cover them with barbecue sauce. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Once cooked, shred the chicken with two forks and mix it with the sauce. Serve it on buns or over rice for a delicious meal.
4. Can you put barbecue sauce in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Adding barbecue sauce to a slow cooker is a great way to infuse flavor into your dishes. Just pour the sauce over your meat or vegetables before cooking. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a rich and tasty dish. Just be mindful of the amount of sauce you use to avoid making the dish too watery.
Final Thoughts
There you have it—delicious Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken that’s as easy as pie! Picture the aroma filling your home and the smiles around the table. It’s a dish that brings everyone together, and the best part? You barely lifted a finger! So grab your ingredients, set that slow cooker, and get ready for a meal that’s sure to impress!