Crockpot BBQ Chicken is a fantastic meal that combines the rich flavors of barbecue with the ease of slow cooking. This recipe is great for busy families or anyone who wants to enjoy a delicious dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. With minimal prep time, you can set your ingredients in the crockpot and let it do all the work. Whether you’re serving it at a gathering, enjoying it on a weeknight, or looking for a dish to bring to a potluck, crockpot BBQ chicken is sure to impress.

Why Make This Recipe

There are many reasons to make Crockpot BBQ Chicken. Firstly, it’s incredibly simple. You simply add the ingredients to the crockpot and let it cook. This means you can go about your day while your meal cooks itself. Secondly, the flavors are outstanding. The chicken absorbs the BBQ sauce over hours of cooking, resulting in tender, flavorful meat that is perfect for sandwiches or tacos. Additionally, it is a versatile dish—you can serve it in many ways, from on a bun to with a side of baked sweet potatoes. Finally, it’s a crowd-pleaser, making it ideal for gatherings or family dinners.

How to Make Crockpot BBQ Chicken

Making Crockpot BBQ Chicken is easy and straightforward. Just follow these simple steps to bring this delicious dish to your table.

Ingredients:

1 ½ cups Homemade BBQ Sauce or your favorite store-bought sauce
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water to make a slurry
Serving suggestions: whole wheat or pretzel buns, cheddar cheese, chopped green onion, baked sweet potatoes

Directions:

Place chicken breasts in the crockpot and pour BBQ sauce over them.

Start by laying the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your crockpot. Then, generously pour the BBQ sauce over the chicken, ensuring that each piece is well-coated.
Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until chicken is tender.

Set your crockpot to the low heat setting if you’re cooking for the entire day, or use high for a quicker cook time. The chicken is done when it’s tender and easily shreds with a fork.
Remove chicken from the crockpot and shred using two forks.

Once the chicken is cooked, take it out of the crockpot and use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. Be careful as it will be hot!
Return shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir in the cornstarch slurry.

Place the shredded chicken back into the crockpot and pour in the cornstarch slurry. This will help thicken the sauce and make it stick to the chicken.
Cook on high for an additional 30 minutes until sauce thickens.

Allow the mixture to cook on high for another 30 minutes. This will give time for the sauce to thicken up and enhance the flavor of the chicken.
Serve on buns or tortillas with desired toppings.

Your crockpot BBQ chicken is now ready to be served! You can pile it onto whole wheat or pretzel buns, add some cheddar cheese, chopped green onion, or enjoy it alongside baked sweet potatoes.

How to Serve Crockpot BBQ Chicken

Crockpot BBQ Chicken can be served in numerous ways, making it a versatile option for any meal. Here are some popular serving ideas:

On Buns: Load the shredded BBQ chicken onto whole wheat or pretzel buns with toppings like coleslaw or pickles for a delicious sandwich.
In Tacos or Tortillas: Spoon the BBQ chicken into tortillas and top with diced tomatoes, avocado, and a squeeze of lime juice for a fresh twist.
Over Rice or Quinoa: Serve the chicken over a bed of rice or quinoa for a hearty meal that includes grains.
With Baked Sweet Potatoes: Pair the BBQ chicken with baked sweet potatoes for a comforting and nutritious option.

How to Store Crockpot BBQ Chicken

To store your leftover crockpot BBQ chicken, follow these simple steps:

Refrigeration: Allow the chicken to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It can last in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: If you want to store it for a longer period, you can freeze the BBQ chicken. Place it in a freezer-safe container or a resealable plastic bag, ensuring you remove as much air as possible. It can last in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy again, you can reheat the chicken in the microwave, on the stove, or in the crockpot on low until warmed through.

Tips to Make Crockpot BBQ Chicken

Use Quality Sauce: The base flavor comes from the BBQ sauce, so choose one that you love. Homemade sauce can enhance the dish immensely.
Adjust the Spice: If you like a little heat, add some chili powder, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce to the BBQ sauce before cooking.
Don’t Skip the Slurry: The cornstarch slurry helps to thicken the barbecue sauce, giving it a better texture on the chicken.
Cook to Perfection: Make sure the chicken is cooked long enough to become tender. If it’s too firm, it might not shred well.

Variations

While the traditional recipe is fantastic, you can make some variations based on your preference:

Add Vegetables: Toss in some bell peppers or onions into the crockpot for added flavor and nutrition.
Mix Up the Sauce: Experiment with different BBQ sauces, like honey BBQ, spicy BBQ, or even teriyaki for a unique twist.
Use Thighs Instead of Breasts: Chicken thighs are juicier and can add more flavor to the dish.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes! You can use frozen chicken breasts in the crockpot. However, you should cook them on high for 4-5 hours instead of low.

2. What can I do with leftover BBQ chicken?
Leftover BBQ chicken can be used in many dishes. Consider making BBQ chicken nachos, salads, or even BBQ chicken pizza.

3. How do I know when the chicken is done?
The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. It should also shred easily with a fork.

4. Can I make this recipe without a crockpot?
Yes, you can make BBQ chicken on the stove or in the oven. If using the stove, cook on low and stir occasionally, or bake it at 350°F for about 25-30 minutes until fully cooked.

Crockpot BBQ Chicken is the perfect way to put together a delightful meal that satisfies the whole family. With its straightforward preparation and delicious taste, it is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy!