This slow cooker BBQ chicken is juicy, tender, and packed with smoky-sweet flavor. With just a few simple ingredients, you can set it and forget it—no extra steps or fuss. Perfect for easy weeknight meals, meal prep, or feeding a crowd, this shredded BBQ chicken is a game-changer!
Why This is the Best Slow Cooker Recipe for Busy Weeknights
- Effortless Prep – Just dump the ingredients in the slow cooker and let it do the work!
- Perfect for Meal Prep – Make a big batch and use it for multiple meals throughout the week.
- So Many Ways to Serve – Sandwiches, tacos, bowls, salads…the possibilities are endless!
- Family-Approved – A guaranteed hit for both kids and adults.
Ingredients You Need
- Chicken breasts – 2 lbs boneless, skinless
- Spice rub: a mixture of onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Maple syrup – Natural sweetness with a hint of caramel flavor. Brown sugar works too.
- Tomato sauce – Creates a smooth, rich base
- Apple cider vinegar – Adds tanginess to balance the sweetness
- Spicy brown mustard – A touch of heat and complexity
- Tomato paste – Thickens the sauce for a bold, concentrated flavor
How to Make Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken
Delicious Ways to Serve Crock Pot BBQ Chicken
🥪 Classic Chicken Sandwich – Serve on brioche buns with coleslaw and pickles for the ultimate BBQ sandwich.
🌮 BBQ Chicken Tacos – Stuff into tortillas with avocado, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.
🥔 Loaded Baked Potato – Spoon shredded chicken over a baked potato with cheese, sour cream, and green onions.
🍕 BBQ Chicken Pizza – Spread over pizza dough with mozzarella and red onions.
🥗 Salad or Grain Bowl – Serve over greens, quinoa, or rice for a healthier option.
Recipe FAQs
Yes! You can swap chicken breasts for boneless skinless chicken thighs, but may take slightly longer to cook.
No, you cannot put frozen chicken in the slow cooker as it can be a food safety risk. However, if you need a quick recipe from frozen chicken, you can use the Instant Pot and cook it on high pressure for 15 minutes with a 10 minute natural release.
I love making my own with simple pantry staples, but you can also use your favorite store bought sauce! Sweet, smoky, or spicy—all work great. Try honey BBQ for extra sweetness (my kid’s favorite) or spicy BBQ for a kick.
Make-Ahead & Freezer Tips
Freezer – Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Fridge – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
BBQ Sauce (see notes for store bought)
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Mix together the spice rub in a small bowl.
1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
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Pat the chicken breast dry and rub spices evenly on the chicken to coat fully.
2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
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Add the BBQ sauce ingredients to the slow cooker and stir to combine. Place the seasoned chicken in the sauce, nestling it down so it’s fully covered.
3 tablespoons maple syrup, 1 (15oz) can tomato sauce, 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar, 3 teaspoons Dijon mustard, 1 Tablespoon tomato paste, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 Tablespoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
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Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3 hours. Start checking the chicken for doneness at 6 hours. It should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Larger chicken breasts will take longer to cook.
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Use two forks to shred the chicken while it’s still in the crock pot. Serve immediately over roasted sweet potatoes, on a bun or on a BBQ chicken salad.
To Freeze– Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Store Bought BBQ Sauce. You can use 1 1/2 cups sugar free BBQ sauce instead of homemade. Primal Kitchen is my favorite brand.
Serving: 4ounces | Calories: 216kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 33g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 97mg | Sodium: 810mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 828IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 29mg | Iron: 1mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Recipe by: Molly Thompson of What Molly Made | Photography by Eat Love Eat
