This tender slow cooker BBQ chicken is perfect for those days when you want a simple, hands-off meal. With just 2 ingredients and less than 5 minutes of prep, this recipe is incredibly easy. Serve it with your favorite smoky BBQ sauce, soft buns, and coleslaw for an effortless indoor BBQ meal.
Ingredients
- Chicken Breasts: This recipe uses chicken breasts, which become incredibly tender when cooked in the slow cooker. You can also substitute chicken thighs if you prefer.
- BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite BBQ sauce for the best flavor. Smoky BBQ sauces work particularly well, but you can also use a tangy or sweet BBQ sauce depending on your preference.
Expert Tips
Use a High-Quality BBQ Sauce: Since the chicken is cooked in the sauce, choose a BBQ sauce you really enjoy. Smoky, sweet, or spicy varieties will all work, so pick one that suits your taste.
Low and Slow for Tender Chicken: For the most tender, juicy chicken, cook on low heat for 3-4 hours. If you’re in a hurry, you can cook on high for 1.5-2 hours, but low and slow always gives the best texture.
Double the Recipe for Leftovers: This BBQ chicken freezes well, so feel free to double the recipe and save some for later. Just store the leftovers in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months.
Step by Step Instructions
1) In the slow cooker, add the BBQ sauce.
2) Place the chicken breasts into the slow cooker, flipping them gently to ensure each breast is fully coated with the BBQ sauce.
3) Cover the slow cooker with the lid. Cook on high for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or on low for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked through.
4) Stir the shredded chicken into the remaining BBQ sauce in the slow cooker until well mixed.
5) Serve the BBQ chicken on soft buns with coleslaw, or enjoy as desired.
Storage and Leftovers
Allow the BBQ chicken to cool completely before storing. You can refrigerate the chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, freeze the chicken in a freezer-safe airtight container or zip-lock bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat the frozen chicken, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator.
To reheat, warm the chicken on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add extra BBQ sauce or a splash of water if needed to keep it moist. Alternatively, you can reheat in the microwave in 30-60 second intervals, stirring in between each interval until the chicken is hot throughout.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs in place of chicken breasts. Be sure to use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) to ensure the thighs are fully cooked.
What’s the best BBQ sauce to use?
Use your favorite BBQ sauce for this recipe. Smoky BBQ sauces work great, but you can use sweet, spicy, or tangy BBQ sauces based on your taste preference.
Can I add other ingredients to the slow cooker?
You can add a BBQ chicken rub to the chicken before cooking for extra flavor. For a garlicky twist, try mixing minced garlic into the BBQ sauce before adding it to the slow cooker.
What should I serve BBQ chicken with?
BBQ chicken pairs well with a variety of sides. Serve it with soft buns and coleslaw for a classic BBQ sandwich, or alongside corn on the cob, potato salad, pit beans, or roasted vegetables.
What Size Crockpot Should I Use?
It’s important to use the right size Crockpot when slow cooking. A Crockpot that’s too small may cause undercooking, while one that’s too large could lead to overcooking. For this recipe, I used a 3.5L (approximately 3.5 to 4 quart) Crockpot, which worked perfectly. If you have a different size Crockpot, follow these guidelines to adjust the ingredient quantities:
- 2L (2 quart) Slow Cooker: Use 0.50 to 0.75 of the ingredient quantities.
- 3.5L (4 quart) Slow Cooker: Use the full ingredient quantities (1 ratio).
- 5L (6 quart) Slow Cooker: Use 1.25 to 1.5 times the ingredient quantities.
After the cooking time finishes, be sure to check the internal temperature of the chicken using a food thermometer. The chicken should reach 75°C (165°F) at the thickest part to ensure it’s fully cooked.
Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken (2 Ingredients)
Equipment
- Slow Cooker
Ingredients
- 4 Chicken breasts
- 14 ounce BBQ sauce (about 1 ¾ cups)
Serving Suggestions (Optionally)
- 6 Buns
- 6 ounce Coleslaw
Instructions
- In the slow cooker, add the BBQ sauce.
- Place the chicken breasts into the slow cooker, flipping them gently to ensure each breast is fully coated with the BBQ sauce.
- Cover the slow cooker with the lid. Cook on high for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or on low for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked through.
- To avoid scratching the slow cooker, remove one chicken breast at a time and place it in a bowl. Use two forks to shred the chicken, then return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker. Repeat this step with the remaining chicken breasts.
- Stir the shredded chicken into the remaining BBQ sauce in the slow cooker until well mixed.
- Serve the BBQ chicken on soft buns with coleslaw, or enjoy as desired.
Notes
Nutrition
More Recipes You May Like:
If you’re looking for more tasty sandwich recipes, try this bbq pulled pork or these vegan sloppy joes. They’re both delicious!