Crock Pot BBQ Chicken

This crock pot BBQ chicken is one of my favorite set-it-and-forget-it meals. The chicken turns out incredibly tender, juicy, and coated in a tangy-sweet barbecue sauce that I can’t get enough of. It’s perfect for piling onto sandwiches, serving with rice or veggies, or enjoying straight out of the slow cooker.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I like this recipe because it’s so simple yet so satisfying. With just a few ingredients, I can have a meal that tastes like it took all day to prepare. The apple cider vinegar balances the sweetness of the barbecue sauce, giving the chicken a rich, smoky flavor. I also love how versatile it is—I can shred it for sliders, tacos, or wraps, or serve it whole with classic sides.

Ingredients

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

• chicken breast
• barbecue sauce
• apple cider vinegar

Directions

1. I place the chicken breasts in the bottom of my slow cooker.
2. In a small bowl, I mix the barbecue sauce and apple cider vinegar together.
3. I pour the sauce mixture over the chicken, making sure it’s fully coated.
4. I cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
5. Once done, I shred the chicken with two forks and mix it back into the sauce before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 6 servings. Prep takes just 5 minutes, and cooking time is 6–7 hours on low or 3–4 hours on high.

Variations

Sometimes I add sliced onions or garlic to the crock pot for extra flavor. If I want more spice, I stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce. For a smoky twist, I mix in a little smoked paprika. I also like to swap chicken thighs for breasts when I want an even juicier result.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, I warm the chicken gently on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave until hot. For longer storage, I freeze portions in freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, I can, but I prefer thawing it first for even cooking and the best texture.

What barbecue sauce works best?

I use my favorite store-bought brand or homemade BBQ sauce—both work well, depending on whether I want sweet, smoky, or spicy flavors.

Can I make this with chicken thighs?

Yes, boneless, skinless thighs work just as well and give the dish a richer flavor.

How can I serve crock pot BBQ chicken?

I like to serve it on buns as sandwiches, in wraps or tacos, or over rice, potatoes, or roasted veggies.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, I often double it for parties or meal prep. I just make sure not to overfill the slow cooker and adjust the cooking time if needed.

Conclusion

This crock pot BBQ chicken is one of the easiest, most flavorful dishes I make. With minimal prep and just three ingredients, I end up with a meal that tastes amazing and can be used in so many ways. I love how tender the chicken gets and how the sauce soaks into every bite. It’s a true crowd-pleaser that I never get tired of making.

/

Print