Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken: Easy & Juicy Recipe
nder, juicy chicken breasts slow-cooked in a sweet and tangy BBQ sauce, then shredded until perfectly saucy. An easy dump-and-go Crockpot dinner for sandwiches, tacos, bowls, or meal prep.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, excess fat trimmed
- 1¼ cups BBQ sauce
- ½ cup Italian dressing
- ¼ cup light brown sugar reduced or omitted if you prefer less sweetness
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Lightly coat the inside of your slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray or use a slow cooker liner.
- Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Arrange them in the bottom of the Crockpot.
- In a bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, Italian dressing, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce until combined.
- Pour the BBQ sauce mixture evenly over the chicken and cover with the lid.
- 2½–3 hours on HIGH or 5–6 hours on LOW
- Cook on HIGH for approximately 2½–3 hours or LOW for 5–6 hours.
- Check the thickest part of the chicken with an instant-read thermometer. It should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Once cooked, shred the chicken directly in the Crockpot using two forks.
- Toss the shredded chicken thoroughly with the BBQ sauce and cooking juices. Let it sit briefly in the warm sauce before serving.
- Serve on toasted buns for BBQ chicken sandwiches, or use the chicken in tacos, rice bowls, baked potatoes, salads, nachos, or wraps.
Notes
- Check the chicken near the earliest recommended cooking time to help prevent dry, overcooked chicken breasts.
- If your BBQ sauce is already very sweet, reduce or omit the brown sugar.
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be substituted for chicken breasts.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freeze leftover shredded BBQ chicken in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months.
- Keep some sauce with the shredded chicken when storing it to help retain moisture.