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    Home / Dinners / Crockpot BBQ Chicken

    Crockpot BBQ Chicken

    Published: Jan 10, 2025 Modified: Jan 10, 2025 by Jillian This post may contain affiliate link. This blog generates income via ads

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    This Crockpot BBQ Chicken is so easy to make and a perfect weeknight dinner idea for those busy nights. This simple recipe is loaded with flavor and it's one the whole family will love. We keep this recipe on repeat in my house.

    Shredded BBQ chicken in a white bowl with a fork laid next to the bowl and some chicken in a bun to the side.

    When you're a busy mom of 4 slow cookers are the best! Crockpot BBQ shredded chicken is super flavorful and so simple! This meal was also so easy because you throw everything into the crockpot then my favorite saying is, "Set it and forget it!" 

    The sweet, smoky, and tangy taste of the BBQ sauce, was perfection. The pulled chicken is also super versatile. I used multi-grain rolls and toasted them before topping them with the cooked BBQ chicken and some mozzarella cheese. Feel free to eat the chicken on a brioche roll or even straight out of a bowl.

    Looking for more easy crockpot recipes then you should try my Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Sliders and my Slow Cooker Crack Chicken Chili.

    Table of contents

    • Ingredients for crockpot BBQ chicken
    • Directions for slow cooker BBQ chicken
    • Substitutions and Variations
    • Cookware
    • How can the kids help
    • Tips and FAQ's
    • Other crockpot recipes you will also LOVE

    Ingredients for crockpot BBQ chicken

    Here is a picture of the ingredients you will need to make this recipe.

    A photo of all the ingredients needed to make this recipe with labels included.
    • chicken breasts - fat trimmed before lying on the bottom of the crockpot.
    • onion powder - this seasoning adds a sweet and savory flavor to the dish.
    • garlic powder - adds a garlic flavor to the dish without having to add minced garlic.
    • thyme - brings a slightly citrusy and herbaceous note, which compliments the BBQ sauce.
    • light brown sugar - the sweetness helps to even out the ingredients making a more well-rounded flavor.
    • Worcestershire sauce - adds depth and richness to the BBQ sauce.
    • multi-grain rolls - optional if you decide to eat the chicken like a sandwich
    • shredded mozzarella - optional topping, I usually always use reduced fat or 2%.
    • BBQ sauce of your choice - some of my faves are Tessemae's BBQ Sauce or Annie's Organic BBQ Sauce

    Directions for slow cooker BBQ chicken

    Step-by-step directions on how to make easy BBQ crockpot chicken.

    Step 1 - Turn on the crockpot to high and lay chicken breasts on the bottom and top with salt and pepper.

    Step 2 - Add onion powder, garlic powder, thyme, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper in a medium-sized mixing bowl.

    Steps one and two of the cooking process to make this recipe.

    Step 3 - Pour mixed ingredients over the chicken and set crockpot for 4 ½ hours.

    Step 4 - Once the timer is done shred the chicken with 2 forks.

    Steps 3 and 4 of the cooking process to make this recipe.

    Step 5 - To serve, have a sandwich on some toasted multi-grain rolls spread BBQ chicken top with some cheese, or have some straight out of a bowl 😉

    Substitutions and Variations

    Here are some suggestions you can use in place of the ingredients listed.

    Garlic Powder - if you prefer you can always use minced garlic here instead of the seasoning.

    Light Brown Sugar - you can also use white sugar, coconut sugar, maple syrup, or honey.

    Worcestershire Sauce - you could replace this ingredient with soy sauce if needed, but the final result will taste a bit saltier.

    Cheese - I love cheese and so I added that as my topping to my final product, but here are a few other variations you can use as toppings instead if you want dairy-free options.

    • pickles
    • bacon
    • fried onion straws
    • mac and cheese
    • baked beans
    • corn chips

    Cookware

    This recipe is made in the crockpot so of course you will need one of those. Here are a few that I would recommend.

    • Crockpot - this is a large option for big families. This is 16 in depth, by 11 in width, and 10 in height.
    • Ninja - a quality brand that never disappoints.
    • Cuisinart - a smaller size option.

    How can the kids help

    I always express how much I enjoy cooking with my kids. I do strongly believe if they help make the dish they will be more inclined to eat the dish. Here are some ways you can include your kiddos in cooking this recipe.

    • Have your kids help you add all the ingredients to the mixing bowl to make the sauce.
    • Your kids can also help you mix the sauce. Even my one-year-old can do this.
    • With assistance have them help pour the sauce on top of the chicken.
    • Once the chicken has cooked teach them how to shred it using 2 forks.

    Tips and FAQ's

    How to store and reheat slow cooker BBQ chicken.


    Store your chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can easily reheat your dish in the microwave.

    What is a good side dish to serve with BBQ chicken?


    I love a good mac and cheese to make it a really southern dish. You can also serve potato salad or a pasta salad goes well. I also have a great recipe for Cauliflower Mac and Cheese that would be amazing with this dish.

    Can you freeze crockpot BBQ chicken?


    Yes! Once it's completely cool, place it in a freezer bag and seal it up. Then place in the freezer. This can be kept in the freezer for up to 6 months.

    Shredded BBQ chicken in a white bowl on a white table.

    Other crockpot recipes you will also LOVE

    • birds eye view of crockpot buffalo chicken siders on a plate with celery sticks and some crumbled blue cheese
      Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Sliders
    • homemade crockpot applesauce in a wooden bowl on a wooden table
      Homemade Crockpot Applesauce
    • A close up of crack chicken chili in a wooden bowl with a spoon slotted into the side.
      Slow Cooker Crack Chicken Chili
    • ground turkey lentil soup in a white bowl topped with fresh parsley on a wooden board
      Slow Cooker Ground Turkey Lentil Soup

    If you give this recipe a try don't forget to rate the recipe below! Always love hearing what you all think. You can also Stay in touch with me through social media on @Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook. Don't forget to tag me when you try one of my healthy recipes!

    Shredded BBQ chicken in a whole wheat bun on a white plate.

    Crockpot BBQ Chicken

    This Crockpot BBQ Chicken is so easy to make and a perfect weeknight dinner idea for those busy nights. This simple recipe is loaded with flavor and it's one the whole family will love. We keep this recipe on repeat in my house.
    No ratings yet
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Main Course, party appetizer
    Cuisine: American
    Diet: Low Calorie
    Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 4 hours hours 30 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 4 hours hours 35 minutes minutes
    Servings: 6 people
    Calories: 186kcal
    Author: Jillian Schneider

    Equipment

    • Crock Pot
    • slow cooker
    • mixing bowl

    Ingredients

    • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast fat trimmed
    • 1 tsp onion powder
    • 1 tsp garlic powder
    • ⅛ tsp ground black pepper
    • ⅛ tsp salt
    • ½ tsp thyme
    • ¼ cup light brown sugar or coconut sugar
    • ¼ cup worcestershire sauce
    • multi-grain rolls
    • ½ cup reduced fat shredded mozzarella
    • 2 cups BBQ sauce

    Instructions

    • Step 1 - Turn on the crockpot to high and lay chicken breasts on the bottom and top with salt and pepper.
    • Step 2 - Add onion powder, garlic powder, thyme, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper in a medium-sized mixing bowl.
    • Step 3 - Pour mixed ingredients over the chicken and set crockpot for 4 ½ hours.
    • Step 4 - Once the timer is done shred the chicken with 2 forks.
    • Step 5 - To serve, have a sandwich on some toasted multi-grain rolls spread BBQ chicken top with some cheese, or have some straight out of a bowl 😉

    Notes

    How to store and reheat this dish?
    Store your chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can easily reheat your dish in the microwave.
    What is a good side dish to serve with this meal?
    I love a good mac and cheese to make it a really southern dish. You can also serve potato salad or a pasta salad goes well. I also have a great recipe for Cauliflower Mac and Cheese that would be amazing with this dish.
    Can you freeze this dish?
    Yes! Once it's completely cool, place it in a freezer bag and seal it up. Then place in the freezer. This can be kept in the freezer for up to 6 months.
    How can the kids help?
    • Have your kids help you add all the ingredients to the mixing bowl to make the sauce.
    • Your kids can also help you mix the sauce. Even my one-year-old can do this.
    • With assistance have them help pour the sauce on top of the chicken.
    • Once the chicken has cooked teach them how to shred it using 2 forks.
     
     

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1cup | Calories: 186kcal | Carbohydrates: 45g | Protein: 0.7g | Fat: 0.3g | Sodium: 719mg | Potassium: 7mg | Fiber: 0.9g | Sugar: 38g | Vitamin A: 1IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 3mg | Iron: 7mg
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @JilliansHealthfulEats or tag #jillianshealthfuleats!
    The author of the recipe with a little blonde girl making muffins.

    Jillian is the creator of Jillian's Healthful Eats. She is the one who cooks all the meals, develops all the recipes, takes all the photographs, and washes all the dishes! She is a very busy wife and mother of 4 who enjoys cooking with her children and instilling in them her love for health and nutrition!

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