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Crockpot BBQ Chicken

Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 10 minutes
Servings 6 servings

Equipment

  • Crockpot/slow cooker
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Mixing bowl (optional)
  • Forks or tongs for shredding chicken

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for juicier meat)
  • 1 cup of your favorite barbecue sauce homemade or store-bought
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar optional, for added sweetness
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika for extra smoky flavor
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the chicken: Season your chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
  • Add to crockpot: Place the chicken into the slow cooker. Pour chicken broth over the top.
  • Add sauce: Pour in the barbecue sauce and stir to coat the chicken evenly.
  • Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4–6 hours or on high for 2–3 hours until chicken is tender and easily shreds.
  • Shred and mix: Using two forks, shred the chicken directly in the crockpot. Stir everything together so the chicken soaks up the sauce.
  • Serve and enjoy: Serve hot on buns, over rice, or alongside your favorite sides.

Notes

Tips for the Best BBQ Chicken

  • For extra smoky flavor, add a splash of liquid smoke.
  • Want a thicker sauce? Remove the chicken after shredding and simmer the sauce in the crockpot with the lid off for 20 minutes before adding the chicken back in.
  • Double the batch for meal prep—it freezes beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Overcooking: Chicken breast dries out if left too long, so check around the 4-hour mark.
  • Using too much sauce at the start: Save a little barbecue sauce for mixing in after cooking to keep it extra saucy and fresh.
  • Skipping the seasoning: Don’t rely solely on BBQ sauce—spices add depth of flavor.