Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.6 from 130 reviews
  • Author: Jessica
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 hours
  • Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings (if used in sandwiches)
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken recipe is a hands-off, flavorful dish perfect for sandwiches or a hearty main course. Tender, juicy chicken breasts are slow-cooked in a sweet and tangy BBQ sauce infused with grated onion, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar for a rich and savory flavor. Ideal for busy weekdays or casual gatherings, this recipe yields melt-in-your-mouth BBQ chicken with minimal effort.


Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Sauce

  • 1 1/2 cups BBQ Sauce (Sweet Baby Rays Honey BBQ recommended)
  • 1/2 medium onion, grated with juice
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar


Instructions

  1. Prepare Sauce: In a 5-6 quart slow cooker, combine the BBQ sauce, grated onion with its juice, olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar. Stir well to mix all the ingredients evenly.
  2. Add Chicken: Place the chicken breasts into the slow cooker and turn them to coat thoroughly with the sauce mixture, ensuring each piece is well covered.
  3. Cook Chicken: Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 2 to 3 hours or on low for 6 to 7 hours. If using smaller chicken pieces, a smaller quantity, or a fast-running slow cooker, check earlier. The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the meat easily shreds.
  4. Shred Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken breasts onto a cutting board and shred each breast into pieces using two forks.
  5. Mix and Serve: Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir well to coat it evenly with the sauce before serving, making it perfect for sandwiches or a main dish.

Notes

  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
  • For a spicier BBQ chicken, add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the sauce mixture.
  • Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • This recipe can be doubled or halved depending on your slow cooker size.
  • Serve on buns with coleslaw for classic BBQ chicken sandwiches.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe (~5.5 oz cooked chicken with sauce)
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 650mg
  • Fat: 5g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Fiber: 0.5g
  • Protein: 38g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg