Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken

If you are looking for a quick and easy dinner recipe in your crock pot look no further. This Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken is juicy and bursting with flavor from the BBQ sauce and hint of smoke. Perfect as a sandwich, taco and taquito filling!

Every week I try to plan out a meal plan because it takes one stress out of my life, just like this easy Crock Pot BBQ chicken does! When I know I’m coming home with a game plan for dinner, I’m so much more relaxed. Otherwise I’m trying to figure out what’s in my cupboards or freezer and it stresses me out!

I try to have at least one Crock Pot recipe on the menu each week because then I don’t even have to do anything when I get home. A few of our favorites are Crock Pot lasagna, Crock Pot swedish meatballs and Crock Pot hearty chili mac! Another favorite is our easy Slow Cooker chili.

But I especially love this slow cooker BBQ chicken during the summer when we are at the lake. I just throw in all the ingredients in the morning and it makes a great lunch, so we can be out enjoying the lake and not worry about lunch. It’s always there when we need it!

Why You’ll Love this Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken

• It’s great for those crazy nights after school and work when you have more activities to rush off too!
• You only need four ingredients to make barbecue chicken. Simple, tasty and so great when you’re out of ideas for dinner!
• One batch of this recipe makes 8 servings and you can easily double or triple it if you need to!

Ingredients for Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts – You can also use boneless skinless chicken thighs if you prefer.
• Water – You’ll want to make sure there is enough liquid in slow cooker so that the chicken doesn’t stick or burn.
• Liquid smoke – Add a nice smokey flavor to this slow cooker bbq pulled chicken with a splash of liquid smoke.
• BBQ sauce – Grab a bottle of your favorite barbecue sauce to use in this recipe. You can also make homemade BBQ sauce to use in slow cooker bbq chicken.

How to Make Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken

Place the chicken breasts into the slow cooker, then pour water and liquid smoke over chicken. Cook on low 4-6 hours.

Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred. Drain liquid from the slow cooker, reserving a ½ cup. Place shredded chicken and the reserved liquid back in slow cooker along with BBQ sauce and mix. Heat on high until warmed through.

That’s it! It doesn’t get any easier than this. We love using this in sandwiches or topping baked potatoes with it!

How to Store Leftover BBQ Chicken

Allow any leftovers of this crockpot BBQ chicken recipe to cool completely and then transfer to an airtight container.

FRIDGE: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

FREEZER: Leftover pulled bbq chicken will freeze well for up to 3 months. Allow to thaw before reheating.

To reheat, place in the microwave or on stove top until warmed through!

How do you thicken BBQ chicken in crock pot?

If you’d like to thicken your BBQ sauce simply mix one part cornstarch with two parts cold water to form a slurry. I recommend using 1 tbsp cornstarch and 2 tbsp water. Once combined, mix the slurry into the crock pot with the BBQ Sauce. Let the mixture simmer at least 15 minutes or until it’s thickened.

Can you put frozen chicken in crock pot?

It is not recommended to put frozen chicken, or any frozen meat, in the crock pot because the internal temperature of the meat does not rise fast enough to prevent it from sitting in the danger zone too long. If it sits in the “danger zone” of 40 degrees and 140 degrees too long, bacteria can grow more rapidly.

With that being said, other sources say that it’s safe as long as the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit at some point during the cooking time.

What to Serve with Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken

We love serving this bbq pulled chicken with fruit salad, corn on the cob, broccoli salad, green beans and more! The options are really endless. Another great option is a simply bag of steamed vegetables! Or go with a classic like potato salad.

Stuff the saucy chicken into a bun for a quick and easy bbq chicken sandwich! Add cheese like pepper jack or top it with coleslaw to mix things up. You can also use this is in wraps, as topping to make bbq chicken pizza, on top of baked potatoes or bbq chicken nachos and more!

This bbq slow cooker chicken is a game changer for dinner time. Serve it up any way you want!

More Slow Cooker Chicken Recipes

• These Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs are so yummy and are a great dinner recipe.
• Need a new appetizer? Then check out this Slow Cooker Bacon BBQ Chicken Dip.
• Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie is an easy twist on a cozy classic — you’re going to love it!
• Make some Crockpot Chicken Tacos for an easy taco Tuesday. It’s so amazing!