Description
Looking for a low-effort, flavor-packed meal that fits right into your weeknight dinner plans? This Crockpot BBQ Chicken is a tender, saucy, and incredibly easy recipe that delivers big barbecue flavor without any grilling. Perfect for meal prep, sandwich filling, or a crowd-pleasing main dish. It’s a top pick among quick dinner ideas, healthy meal prep options, and family-friendly easy recipes.
Ingredients
2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
1 ½ cups BBQ sauce
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika (smoked or sweet)
1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional)
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. Trim the chicken and place it at the bottom of the crockpot. Frozen chicken can be used without thawing.
2. In a bowl, mix together BBQ sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, brown sugar (if using), apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken, ensuring every piece is well coated.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until chicken is tender.
5. Shred the chicken using two forks directly in the crockpot.
6. Let it simmer on warm for another 10-15 minutes before serving to absorb all the sauce.
Notes
Use thighs for maximum juiciness — they hold up better for longer cook times than breasts.
Always taste your BBQ sauce before adding — balance out sweetness or tang as needed.
Double the batch and freeze half — it’s perfect for last-minute dinners or lunch wraps.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-7 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 275
- Sugar: 14
- Sodium: 680
- Fat: 8
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Unsaturated Fat: 5
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 18
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 30
- Cholesterol: 90
Keywords: Crockpot chicken, BBQ chicken, easy dinner, shredded chicken, meal prep, family meal