Juicy chicken smothered in barbecue sauce, this Crockpot BBQ Chicken is one of the easiest and most delicious recipes I’ve ever made! I’ve amped up the BBQ flavor by adding brown sugar, garlic and cider vinegar, giving the sauce a deeper, richer flavor that’ll keep you coming back for more. I serve as chicken breasts for an easy weeknight dinner, or as pulled chicken that is super versatile.
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What’s in a Crockpot BBQ Chicken Breast?
I love that you only need a handful of basic ingredients to make this easy BBQ chicken in the Crockpot. As a busy mom of 2, I can set it and forget it, and end the day with juicy, melt-in-your-mouth chicken breasts ready for dinner in no time.
- Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best. This recipe makes enough for 4 people, but if your slow cooker in big enough, you can add more chicken. Just make sure not to overcrowd it!
- Barbecue Sauce: Use your favorite BBQ sauce to get the best flavor. Make it sweet, spicy, or tangy!
- Apple Cider Vinegar: This adds a tanginess to the sauce, and smooths all the flavors out for the perfect balance.
- Brown Sugar: The deep molasses adds a bit of sweetness.
- Garlic: Minced garlic adds more savoriness–feel free to add more if you’re a garlic lover.
- Black Pepper: Just a bit of pepper adds a richer, deeper spice that blends in nicely.
Notes from the Test Kitchen
We love this recipe lots of ways. I often use as a full breast for a simple dinner, or use for perfect BBQ chicken sandwiches. Alternatively, it’s great to shred and use for tacos, nachos, bbq bowls, sliders, and more.
This is a tasty, juicy, and amazing way to use chicken. It’s super simple and also works well for meal prep!
Variations on Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken
You can use any kind of BBQ sauce in this recipe, so feel free to use your favorite. Korean BBQ sauce has a super fun flavor to try! My favorite brand is Sweet Baby Rays.
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How to Store
Store leftover crockpot BBQ chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
How to Freeze
Freeze leftover BBQ chicken breasts in an airtight container or resealable bag for up to 3 months. Allow to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Serving Suggestions
These chicken breasts make a delicious weeknight dinner along with Air Fried baked potatoes, crockpot glazed carrots, Air Fryer broccoli, and cornbread muffins.
Or serve it with any of your favorite BBQ side dishes, like creamy coleslaw, potato salad, crockpot mac and cheese, or corn on the cob.
If you use it as pulled chicken, serve it on sandwiches (use Hawaiian rolls for sliders) with extra barbecue sauce, pickles, and onions. It also makes a great filling for tacos or enchiladas.
Crockpot BBQ Chicken Recipe
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Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1½ cups barbecue sauce
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Recommended Equipment
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of a 6-quart crockpot.2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, and black pepper.1½ cups barbecue sauce, 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 2 cloves garlic, ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- Pour the BBQ sauce mixture over the chicken breasts.
- Close the slow cooker and cook on low for 3-4 hours.
- Enjoy as is, garnished with parsley, or shred and use for sandwiches.Chopped fresh parsley
Last step! Don’t forget to show me a pic of what you made! Upload an image or tag me @thecookierookie on Instagram!
Becky’s tips
Nutrition Information
How to Make Crockpot BBQ Chicken Step by Step
Make the Sauce: Place 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of a 6-quart crockpot. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together 1½ cups of barbecue sauce, 3 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, 2 minced cloves of garlic, and ½ teaspoon ground black pepper.
Coat the Chicken: Pour the BBQ sauce mixture over the chicken breasts.
Cook the Chicken: Close the slow cooker and cook on low for 3-4 hours.
Serve the Chicken: Enjoy as is, garnished with parsley, or shred and use for sandwiches.
