Classic Easy Crockpot BBQ Chicken
This classic crockpot BBQ chicken recipe is incredibly easy to make and perfect for a weeknight meal. The chicken cooks slowly in a flavorful BBQ sauce until it's fall-apart tender, making it ideal for sandwiches, salads, or main dishes.
Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Medium bowl
- Forks
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2-3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (thighs can also be used)
- 1 18-ounce bottle your favorite BBQ sauce
- 1-2 teaspoons liquid smoke
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
Instructions
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom of your slow cooker; pound if very thick for even cooking.
- Combine BBQ sauce, liquid smoke, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and optional Worcestershire sauce in a bowl and stir well.
- Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the chicken breasts, ensuring most of the chicken is covered.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shreds.
- Shred the cooked chicken directly in the slow cooker with two forks, allowing it to soak up the sauce, then stir to coat every piece.
- Keep the shredded BBQ chicken on the warm setting until you are ready to serve.
Notes
For best results, do not overcrowd the slow cooker. If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can remove the chicken and simmer the sauce on the stovetop for a few minutes before returning the shredded chicken.