Name: Crock Pot BBQ Chicken
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 7 h
Total time: 7 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lbs chicken breast; 1 (18 oz) bottle barbecue sauce; 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar; 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional); 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; Salt and pepper to taste

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

Crock Pot BBQ Chicken is one of those set-it-and-forget-it meals I always count on when I want big flavor without any fuss. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, turning simple ingredients into tender, juicy, smoky-sweet barbecue chicken that practically falls apart. It’s perfect for sandwiches, tacos, rice bowls, or just served on its own with a couple of classic sides.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how incredibly easy this recipe is. Just toss everything in the crock pot and come back hours later to a kitchen filled with the mouthwatering smell of barbecue. The chicken soaks up the tangy, sweet, and smoky flavors of the sauce and vinegar, making it ultra-flavorful. Plus, it’s super versatile—I serve it different ways throughout the week.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 lbs chicken breast
1 (18 oz) bottle barbecue sauce
3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

I place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the crock pot.
In a bowl, I mix together the barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
I pour the sauce mixture over the chicken, making sure it’s fully coated.
I cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and shreddable.
Once done, I shred the chicken with two forks right in the pot and stir it back into the sauce. I let it sit for a few more minutes to soak up the flavor.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6–8 people and takes about 6–7 hours on low or 3–4 hours on high in the crock pot. Prep time is just 5 minutes, which makes it one of the easiest meals I can throw together.

Variations

If I want a smoky twist, I add a few dashes of liquid smoke or smoked paprika. For a spicier version, I stir in some hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes. Sometimes I use boneless chicken thighs for a richer flavor. When I’m feeling creative, I mix in a little pineapple juice or peach preserves for a fruity balance.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, I warm it in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in short bursts, stirring in between. It also freezes beautifully—I portion it out into freezer bags and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, but I make sure the chicken is fully thawed before placing it in the crock pot for safe and even cooking.

What’s the best barbecue sauce to use?

I go with my favorite store-bought BBQ sauce, but this recipe works with any kind—sweet, smoky, spicy, or tangy.

Can I use chicken thighs instead?

Absolutely. Chicken thighs are juicier and work really well in the crock pot. I just trim any excess fat before cooking.

How do I serve this BBQ chicken?

I serve it on buns, over rice, inside baked potatoes, or with a simple coleslaw. It’s great for sliders at parties too.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, as long as my crock pot can hold it. I just make sure the chicken is fully covered in sauce and adjust the cooking time as needed.

Conclusion

Crock Pot BBQ Chicken is my go-to when I want something comforting, flavorful, and effortless. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy enough for a weeknight and tasty enough for a weekend get-together. I always keep this one in rotation—it never disappoints.