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Crockpot BBQ Chicken

The most tender and flavorful slow cooker BBQ pulled chicken made with just 5 minutes of prep. Perfect for sandwiches, tacos, nachos, pizza, rice bowls, and meal prep.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 5 minutes
Servings: 8 portions
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Southern
Calories: 285

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts fat trimmed off
  • 1.25 cup barbecue sauce Sweet Baby Ray's Honey BBQ recommended
  • 0.5 cup Italian dressing fat-free works great
  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 0.25 cup light brown sugar reduce to 1/8 cup or omit for less sweetness
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp salt or to taste
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper or to taste

Equipment

  • Large crockpot / slow cooker
  • Medium mixing bowl
  • whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • meat thermometer

Method
 

  1. Liberally spray the inside of a large crockpot with non-stick cooking spray, or use a disposable slow cooker liner for easy cleanup.
  2. Pat the trimmed chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Place them flat in the bottom of the crockpot in a single layer.
  3. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce, Italian dressing, light brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce until fully combined and smooth.
  4. Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the seasoned chicken breasts, making sure every piece is well coated. Place the lid on the crockpot.
  5. Cook on HIGH for 2.5 to 3 hours or on LOW for 5 to 6 hours. Begin checking at the low end of the time range to avoid overcooking.
  6. Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer. Chicken must reach 165 degrees F before serving.
  7. Use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the crockpot so every strand absorbs the BBQ sauce. Serve immediately or keep on the warm setting for up to 1 hour.

Notes

Chicken thighs or a mix of breasts and thighs produce a juicier result. Always check temperature at the low end of the time range to prevent drying out. Shred directly in the crockpot to maximize sauce absorption. Freezes well for up to 3 months.
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