This Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken is an easy weeknight dinner recipe. You only need chicken breast, BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, a few spices, and 10 minutes to throw it in the slow cooker. Serve it on a bun with coleslaw or pickles, and a side of chips for a dinner everyone will love.
Ingredients
Notes & Substitutions
- Chicken Breasts - Cook about 2 ½ pounds of boneless skinless chicken breast; if you use more or less, it might slightly affect your cook time.
- BBQ Sauce - Use your favorite. I like to use Sweet Baby Ray's Barbecue Sauce.
- Worcestershire Sauce - Again, it helps to bring out the BBQ flavor and keep the chicken savory, but it's optional. You can also swap it out with soy sauce if you don't have any.
- Smoked Paprika - Helps to add a slight smoky flavor to the chicken. You could use regular paprika, but you'll miss out on the smokiness.
Full ingredient list with quantities in the recipe card below
How to Make Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken
Fill the Slow Cooker
Add all the ingredients to the slow cooker. Turn to coat the chicken in the sauce.
Cook
Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2 hours. I like to cook on low for juicier chicken.
Shred
Transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board. Using two forks, shred each breast. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
4 Ways To Serve BBQ Shredded Chicken
- BBQ Chicken Sandwich: I like eating shredded chicken on a bun with pickles and having chips as a side.
- Tacos: I've also made these into BBQ chicken tacos topped with coleslaw and jalapeños.
- Baked Potato: You can also add it to a baked potato with cheddar cheese and green onions.
- BBQ Mac and Cheese: This is the ultimate comfort food for me. Pile a scoop of this on top of a Mac and Cheese for a cozy, comforting meal.
- Add Spice - Use a spicy BBQ sauce. I love this 10-Minute Sweet & Spicy Chipotle BBQ Sauce!
- Different Kinds of Meat- I also have a recipe for a Pulled Pork version that I love.
Tips
Don't use frozen chicken: Always thaw first for even, safe cooking.
Every slow cooker is different: I like to err on the side of caution and check the chicken at the lowest suggested time. If it isn't shredding easily, it needs a little longer. Always check with a meat thermometer that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F before serving.
Don't overcook it: Even on low, cooking past 5 hours can dry the chicken out. Check it early!
Questions
How can I add some spice to this?
The easiest way is to add ½ to 1 teaspoon of cayenne powder to the slow cooker, but I love using this 10-Minute Sweet & Spicy Chipotle BBQ Sauce!
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftover BBQ chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave with a splash of water or extra BBQ sauce to keep it moist.
You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge.
Sides for Pulled BBQ Chicken
- Potato Wedges - These Seasoned Yukon Gold Potato Wedges are my favorite, and only take 30 minutes to make.
- Corn on the Cob - A summer classic that pairs perfectly with BBQ flavors.
- Baked Beans - Rich and smoky, they feel right at home next to BBQ chicken.
- Mac & Cheese - Creamy and indulgent, a crowd-pleaser for kids and adults alike.
- Fresh Fruit - The perfect option in the spring or summer.
Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
Instructions
- Add the bbq sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, and garlic powder to the slow cooker. Mix until combined.
- Add the chicken breasts to the slow cooker and turn to coat in the sauce.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2 hours. I like to cook on low for juicer chicken.
- Transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board. Using two forks, shred each breast into bite-sized pieces.
- Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir well to coat in the sauce.
Notes
Nutrition
The nutritional information provided is an estimate and may vary based on the ingredients used.
Did you make this recipe? Let me know!