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Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Recipe

Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken

Fall-apart tender chicken slow-cooked in a rich, smoky homemade BBQ sauce — ready with just 5 minutes of prep and a handful of pantry staples. Perfect for sandwiches, tacos, rice bowls, and meal prep all week long.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 5 minutes
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts about 3–4 breasts
  • 1 cup BBQ Sauce your favorite brand
  • 2 tbsp Brown Sugar light or dark
  • 1 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1 tsp Onion Powder
  • 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
  • ½ tsp Black Pepper
  • ½ tsp Salt skip if your BBQ sauce is already salty

Instructions
 

  • Lay the chicken breasts flat in the bottom of your slow cooker in a single, even layer.
  • In a bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt until fully combined.
  • Pour the sauce over the chicken, making sure each piece is well coated. Place the lid on top.
  • Cook on LOW for 5–6 hours or HIGH for 2½–3 hours, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and shreds easily.
  • Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred using two forks.
  • Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir it into the sauce until every piece is coated.
  • Serve warm on buns, over rice, in tacos, on baked potatoes, or with your favorite sides.

Notes

 
  • Chicken thighs work great here if you want even juicier results — they're more forgiving and harder to overcook.
  • Don't let it cook too far past the recommended time, especially on HIGH, as chicken breasts can dry out.
  • Stir the shredded chicken back into the sauce — this step keeps every bite moist and flavorful.
  • The BBQ sauce is the backbone of this recipe, so use one you genuinely enjoy.
  • Customize the heat level by adding a pinch of cayenne, chipotle powder, or a dash of hot sauce before serving.
  • Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freezer: Freeze in portioned bags for up to 3 months.
  • Reheating: Warm in a skillet with a splash of water or extra BBQ sauce, or microwave in 30-second intervals.
 

Nutrition Facts

 
  • Calories: 317
  • Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 109mg
  • Sodium: 770mg
  • Potassium: 781mg
  • Carbohydrates: 26g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 21g
  • Protein: 37g
  • Vitamin A: 171 IU
  • Vitamin C: 3mg
  • Calcium: 33mg
  • Iron: 1mg