This Easy Crockpot BBQ Chicken is super simple and oh-so-tasty! Just throw in chicken breasts, your favorite barbecue sauce, and let the slow cooker do its magic.
The chicken turns out juicy and full of flavor, making it perfect for sandwiches or served with rice. I love coming home to that delicious smell—it’s like a hug from the kitchen!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe since they cook evenly and easily shred. If you prefer dark meat, you can use chicken thighs instead—just adjust the cooking time slightly for tenderness.
Barbecue Sauce: Using your favorite barbecue sauce adds a personal touch to this dish. If you want a lighter alternative, look for a low-sugar or homemade version. You can also try different flavors like honey barbecue or spicy barbecue sauce for a unique twist.
Chicken Broth or Water: Chicken broth enriches the flavor, but you can substitute it with vegetable broth or even just plain water if that’s what you have. This won’t change the overall taste much!
Spices: If you’re out of garlic powder or onion powder, feel free to use fresh minced garlic or shallots instead. Also, you can play with spices; cumin or chili powder could add an exciting flavor profile!
How Do I Make Sure My Chicken Stays Moist and Flavorful?
To keep your chicken moist and packed with flavor, follow a few key steps:
- Don’t skip the added liquid—using chicken broth or water helps prevent the chicken from drying out.
- Shred the chicken after it’s fully cooked to allow it to soak up the sauce. Returning it to the crockpot for an additional cook time helps it absorb even more flavor.
- Be mindful of cooking times. Cooking on low for longer yields more tender chicken than cooking on high, which can dry it out.
Following these tips will help guarantee a deliciously moist BBQ chicken every time!
Easy Crockpot BBQ Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 to 3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1 tablespoon brown sugar for extra sweetness
- Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
How Much Time Will You Need?
This easy recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time, plus 6 to 7 hours of cooking on low or 3 to 4 hours on high in the crockpot. So, it’s perfect for a busy day where you can let the slow cooker work its magic while you go about your day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of your crockpot. Try to arrange them in a single layer to ensure they cook evenly, which helps them stay juicy!
2. Mix the Sauce:
In a separate bowl, mix together the barbecue sauce, chicken broth (or water), garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and brown sugar if you’re using it. This blend will give the chicken tons of flavor!
3. Combine and Cook:
Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the chicken in the crockpot, making sure all the chicken is coated. Then, cover the crockpot. Cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
4. Shred the Chicken:
When the cooking time is up, take the chicken out of the crockpot and shred it using two forks. This is super easy when the chicken is cooked well!
5. Combine with Sauce:
Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir it into the remaining sauce to coat it well. Let it cook for an additional 15-20 minutes to soak up more flavors.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Now your BBQ chicken is ready to enjoy! You can serve it by itself, over rice, or on buns for tasty sandwiches. If you’d like, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley or cilantro on top for a pop of color and freshness!
Enjoy your flavorful and easy slow-cooker BBQ chicken!
FAQ About Easy Crockpot BBQ Chicken
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts! Just increase the cooking time by about 1 to 2 hours on low or 30 minutes on high. It’s important to ensure they are cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Can I Make This BBQ Chicken Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can cook the chicken ahead of time, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave before serving. The flavors will be even better as it sits!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the shredded BBQ chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
What Can I Serve with BBQ Chicken?
This BBQ chicken is versatile! Serve it on sandwich buns for delicious pulled BBQ sandwiches, over rice, or with a side of coleslaw. It’s also great as a topping for baked potatoes or mixed with pasta for a hearty meal!
