Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken
If you’re looking for a no-fuss meal with tons of flavor, you’ll love this Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken recipe! It is nearly effortless to prepare in the slow cooker and makes the perfect tender juicy chicken infused with bold and smoky flavors.
All you need is 5 simple ingredients to make this pulled chicken crock pot recipe. It requires minimal prep and hands-on time, as the slow cooker does the work for you. Chicken is cooked low and slow with barbecue sauce, garlic, a little sweetener, and tangy apple cider vinegar for mouthwatering tenderness and flavor.
Slow-cooker pulled chicken is a perfect meal prep recipe. You can cook ahead for busy weeknights or laid-back gatherings. Enjoy it as a standalone main entree, add it to your favorite dishes, or pair it with a range of sides for a potluck-style dinner. If you’re looking for more easy slow cooker recipes, try my slow cooker white bean chicken chili verde, Mississippi pot roast, or slow cooker ranch chicken.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Effortless Preparation. This crockpot BBQ pulled chicken recipe requires little to no preparation and is super easy to clean up. Just combine all the ingredients in the slow cooker, and let it work its magic; no extra dishes!
- Feeds a Crowd. This recipe feeds up to 8 people, making it ideal for gatherings, potlucks, or family dinners. You can easily double or triple the ingredients for larger groups!
- Versatile. There are many ways to enjoy shredded BBQ chicken, from filling sandwiches, wraps, or tacos, to topping salads or baked potatoes or serving with an array of side dishes.
- Low-carb. There are options to make this recipe keto BBQ chicken, suitable for anyone who is following a low-carb diet.
Recipe Ingredients
Below are the simple ingredients you will need to make this crockpot BBQ chicken recipe at home. Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of the page to see the exact amounts for each ingredient.
- BBQ sauce: Use your favorite brand or flavor variations. To keep this low-carb BBQ chicken, be sure to use a sugar-free or keto option.
- Chicken: Boneless skinless chicken breasts make this dish a lean source of protein. You can also use boneless chicken thighs if you prefer a richer and juicier option
- Sweetener: Use brown sugar monk fruit sweetener to make this recipe keto, or use honey for a traditional option.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves add the best pungent flavor. Or you can use pre-minced garlic from the grocery store for easier prep.
- Apple cider vinegar: A key ingredient to tenderize the chicken and helps to balance the sweet and tangy flavors.
How to Make Easy Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken
Below are recipe steps so you can easily make this pulled BBQ chicken crock pot recipe at home. You will also need a slow cooker or crockpot, a cutting board, and a knife.
- Combine the BBQ sauce, vinegar, sweetener, and garlic in a small mixing bowl.
- Lay the chicken breast in the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour the sauce on the chicken, making sure it is coated all over.
- Secure the lid of the crock pot and cook on low for up to 8 hours or on high for up to 4 hours.
- When the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165ºF with a meat thermometer, shred the chicken with two forks and place it back in the sauce. Stir to coat the chicken completely in the sauce. Serve as desired!
Serve
There are so many ways to enjoy this BBQ pulled chicken crock pot recipe! It makes a flavor-packed main course dish served with sides or a great addition to baked potatoes, nachos, cauliflower rice bowls, chaffles, or salads. You can also stuff the chicken in a bun for the ultimate BBQ chicken sandwiches or make mini sliders or lettuce wrap appetizers. Below are some of our favorite ways to enjoy this dish and recipes to serve with it.
- Bacon Cheddar Cauliflower Bake
- Smashed Broccoli
- Gouda and Jalapeño Twice Baked Potatoes
- Cheddar Corn Muffins
- Broccoli Salad with Bacon
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Allow the shredded chicken to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through. You can also freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Tips and Tricks
- Trim excess fat from the chicken breasts to prevent the crockpot pulled chicken sauce from becoming too greasy.
- Enhance the flavor by including additional flavor boosters to the sauce like chopped onion for natural sweetness, one tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce for an umami flavor, or smoked paprika for extra smoky heat.
- Cook on the low setting for a longer time for the best results. This will give the chicken more flavor and the perfect tender, juicy texture.
- Add toppings like chopped green onions, fresh cilantro, cheddar cheese, sour cream, thinly sliced pickles, or jalapeños for added flavor and texture.
Crockpot BBQ Chicken FAQ
Yes, this recipe is gluten free when prepared as described and you choose a gluten free BBQ sauce.
Yes, this pulled chicken in the slow cooker is a great make-ahead recipe. You can prepare it the day before by combining all the ingredients in the insert of the crock pot and storing it covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook it the next day. Because the cooking time can range from 4-8 hours depending on the setting you choose, you can also coordinate the time so the chicken will be ready when you want to serve it the same day. That is, start it in the morning and it will be done by evening!
While I recommend using boneless chicken for the most convenience, you can also use bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks if you prefer. Cooking times may vary, so use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken reaches 165ºF before serving. If the bone-in chicken comes with skin, remove it before cooking to prevent the sauce from getting greasy.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 cup BBQ Sauce, low carb if keto
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar monkfruit if keto
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
Instructions
- Combine the BBQ sauce, vinegar, sweetener and garlic.
- Lay the chicken breast in the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour the sauce over the chicken.
- Secure the lid and cook on low up to 8 hours or on high up to 4 hours.
- When the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. shred the chicken and place back in the sauce, stir to coat.
