Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken Recipe for Quick, Flavorful Dinners

This Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken takes just 5 minutes to prep and delivers tender, juicy chicken packed with smoky-sweet flavor every single time. It’s my go-to slow cooker recipe for busy weeknights when I need big flavor without lifting a finger—set it, forget it, and let dinner make itself.

I’ve been obsessed with this shortcut ever since I realized how much time it saves compared to grilling or baking BBQ chicken. Traditional BBQ can mean hours of marinating and tending to a hot grill, but not this version. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, leaving you free to tackle everything else on your to-do list. And when it’s done? You’ve got perfectly sauced chicken that works for sandwiches, wraps, salads, or just on its own.

Why This Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken Is a Game-Changer

• Ready in just 4 hours compared to grilling, which can take 6+ hours including marinating.
• Hands-off cooking means you can spend your time doing anything but standing over the stove.
• The slow cooker locks in moisture, so your chicken comes out tender and shreddable every time.
• One sauce mix handles flavoring—no basting required.

If you’re juggling a busy schedule or prepping for a crowd, this shortcut totally has your back.

Equipment You’ll Need for This Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken

The magic behind this easy dinner is, of course, your trusty slow cooker. Here’s what you need:

• Slow cooker: Any standard 6-quart model works great. If you’re feeding a smaller group, a 4-quart size will do just fine too.
• Cooking spray (optional): A light coating on the inside of the crockpot makes cleanup quicker.
• Mixing bowl: For blending your BBQ sauce mixture.
• Meat shredder claws or two sturdy forks: If you’ll be shredding the chicken.

Pro tip: If your slow cooker has a “sear” or “browning” feature, you can lightly brown the chicken first for an extra layer of flavor. It’s not necessary, but it’s a nice touch if you have time.

Simple Ingredients for Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken

You’ll only need a handful of pantry staples to whip up this recipe:

• Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the base of this dish. You could also use chicken thighs if you prefer dark meat.
• BBQ sauce: My favorite is Sweet Baby Ray’s, but any good-quality BBQ sauce works perfectly. Go smoky, spicy, or tangy based on what you love.
• Brown sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness and helps balance the acidity of the sauce.
• Worcestershire sauce: A flavor bomb that brings depth and that perfect umami kick.

No Italian dressing in your pantry? You can swap it for a tablespoon of vinegar and olive oil with a dash of dried Italian herbs.

Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours (completely hands-off!)
• Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes
• Servings: 4-6
• Difficulty: Easy

Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken Ingredients

• 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 1/4 cup Italian dressing
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• Salt to taste

How To Make Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken

1. Season the chicken breasts lightly with salt and place them in the slow cooker in a single layer.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine BBQ sauce, Italian dressing, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir until smooth.
3. Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the chicken, ensuring it’s fully coated.
4. Cover and cook on HIGH for 3-4 hours, depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts.
5. When the chicken is fully cooked and tender, shred it using two forks. If you’re keeping it unshredded, simply serve as-is.
6. If shredded, return the chicken to the slow cooker and let it sit in the sauce on LOW for 10-15 minutes to soak up extra flavor.

Serve however you like—our favorite way is piled onto buttery buns and topped with crunchy coleslaw for unbeatable homemade BBQ chicken sandwiches.

Jake’s Tips for the Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken

• Double the batch: Since it reheats beautifully, make extra and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
• Make it spicier: Add a splash of hot sauce or a pinch of chili flakes to the sauce mix if you like a kick.
• Store with sauce: If you have leftovers, store the chicken in its sauce to keep it moist.
• Turn it into freezer meals: Portion the shredded chicken into freezer bags for easy meal prep.
• Skip pre-cooking: No need to sear or brown the chicken first. It’ll stay moist thanks to the slow cooking process.

Easy Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken Variations

• Honey BBQ: Swap half the BBQ sauce for honey for a sweeter, sticky finish.
• Garlic Lover’s BBQ: Add a teaspoon of minced garlic to the sauce mix.
• Buffalo BBQ: Stir in 1/4 cup of buffalo sauce for a tangy twist.
• Vegetarian Swap: Use jackfruit in place of chicken for a plant-based pulled BBQ option.

Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken in this slow cooker BBQ chicken recipe?

Yes, but increase the cook time by about 1 hour for frozen chicken. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temp of 165°F before serving.

What’s the best way to shred the chicken?

I like using two forks for shredding, but meat shredder claws can make the process even faster!

Can I make this easy BBQ chicken in a crockpot ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can cook it fully, shred it, and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.

How do I reheat crockpot pulled BBQ chicken?

Reheat it in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of BBQ sauce to keep it saucy and moist.

What sides pair best with homemade BBQ chicken sandwiches?

Some of my favorites include coleslaw, mac and cheese, potato salad, or a fresh green salad.

This Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken proves that you don’t need hours at the grill to enjoy smoky, saucy BBQ chicken at home. What’s your favorite way to serve it? Share your ideas in the comments below!