This incredibly simple Slow Cooker Barbecue Chicken recipe is a weeknight lifesaver! With minimal prep and just six basic ingredients—chicken, your favorite BBQ sauce, onion, brown sugar, honey, and garlic—it practically cooks itself.
Crockpot BBQ Chicken
I’m an absolute fan of any recipe where you toss everything into the slow cooker and let the magic happen. The end result is tender, flavor-packed shredded chicken that’s perfect for piling onto sandwiches, stuffing into tacos or quesadillas, spooning over rice bowls, or adding as a protein boost to salads.
This recipe makes a generous batch, making it ideal for meal prep. It’s so versatile that you can enjoy it all week long in different dishes — no boring leftovers here!
Another thing I love is how customizable it is. Use a smoky or spicy BBQ sauce for a bolder flavor, or go for something sweeter if that’s more your style. You can even mix in a little hot sauce or a splash of apple cider vinegar for extra kick.
Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for busy weeknights, this Crockpot BBQ Chicken is a guaranteed hit. Minimal effort and maximum flavor is my kind of dinner!
This post was originally published in July 2016 and updated in November 2025 with new photos, a video, and fresh ideas for how to serve it.
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Ingredient Photo
How to Make It
Here’s a quick look at the steps (with photos). You’ll find more detailed instructions in the recipe card below.
Put everything in the crock pot, stir and cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Remove chicken and shred using two forks.
Return chicken to the crockpot and stir.
What to Serve with Slow Cooker Barbecue Chicken
If you’re serving up BBQ chicken sandwiches, try pairing them with my Light Potato Salad, Hellmann’s Original Potato Salad, Garden Pasta Salad, or a fresh Fruit Salad for a cool and refreshing side.
If you’re leaning toward a Mexican-inspired meal, this chicken goes great with sides like Black Beans or my creamy Jalapeño Cream Cheese Corn Casserole.
For something simple, you can also serve it with store bought coleslaw, corn on the cob, or even chips and pickles — all classic barbecue favorites!
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover pulled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Reheat in the microwave or on the stove top. Add a , little extra bbq sauce or water if the chicken seems too dry.
Can I Freeze Slow Cooker Chicken?
Yes! Let the chicken cool completely, then store it in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat when you’re ready to serve it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but it’s best to thaw the chicken first so it cooks evenly and safely. If you do start with frozen chicken, be sure to add extra cooking time and check that it reaches 165°F before shredding.
Any BBQ sauce you love will work! Sweet, smoky, or spicy — this recipe is super flexible. We usually use one from a local KC restaurant, but if you’re an overachiever and have homemade bbq sauce, go for it! It adds an extra layer of flavor that makes this Slow Cooker Chicken even better.
Yes! Just make sure your slow cooker isn’t filled more than two-thirds full so the chicken cooks evenly.
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Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- ½ cup onion
- 1 clove garlic
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons honey
Instructions
- Trim the fat off of the chicken. Chop the onion and garlic.
- Spray crock pot with cooking spray or line with plastic liner.
- Put everything in the crock pot, stir and cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Remove chicken and shred using two forks. Return chicken to the crockpot and stir.
- Pile this tender chicken on buns, stuff it into tacos or quesadillas, or spoon it over rice or salad — it’s delicious any way you serve it!
Video
Notes
Nutrition
I love your heart dishes!!
Thanks! They are measuring cups that I bought on clearance at Gordman’s.