Jump to recipe
Yields:
6 - 8 serving(s)
Prep Time:
5 mins
Total Time:
2 hrs 35 mins
This slow cooker BBQ chicken is convenient, versatile, and mostly hands-off, making it one of the best family meal ideas to try this summer. With minimal hands-on time, the chicken soaks up all the smoky, tangy BBQ sauce as it cooks. After several hours it falls apart with the gentle prodding of a fork, and is ready to use in tons of different ways. Add it to your list of summer slow cooker recipes for days when it's too hot to turn on the oven!
What is the best cut of meat for slow cooker BBQ chicken?
Both dark meat and white meat fans will rejoice! This recipe works perfectly with boneless, skinless chicken thighs, breasts, or a combination of the two.
What kind of BBQ sauce is best for slow cooker BBQ chicken?
You can use practically any BBQ sauce you like. That's what makes this recipe so easy! Just grab your favorite, or what's already hanging out in your fridge or pantry. Feel free to play around with spicier, smokier, or sweeter varieties.
Is it better to cook slow cooker BBQ chicken on high or low?
That entirely depends on the amount of time you have. If you have a full day ahead, set the slow cooker to low and go about your business. If you get a late start on dinner, set the chicken to high heat and expect to be serving a tasty dinner in two hours. That gives you plenty of time to mix up some coleslaw!
Can slow cooker BBQ chicken be made in advance?
Yes, this BBQ chicken can be cooked up to 3 days in advance! Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When it comes time to pile it onto buns for pulled chicken sandwiches, reheat the chicken right in the slow cooker.
How do you serve slow cooker BBQ chicken?
The options are endless! Pile it on buns with coleslaw and pickles, scoop some into a baked sweet potato, add it to tortillas for BBQ chicken tacos, or use it to top a pizza or salad.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups
BBQ sauce
- 2 Tbsp.
apple cider vinegar, plus more to taste
- 2 Tbsp.
packed light brown sugar
- 1 tsp.
paprika
- 1/2 tsp.
kosher salt, plus more to taste
- 1/2 tsp.
ground black pepper
- 1/4 tsp.
ground cayenne pepper
- 4
garlic cloves, crushed
- 1/2
medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 3 lb.
boneless, skinless thighs or breasts
Directions
- Step 1In a 6- to 8-quart slow cooker, whisk together the BBQ sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, paprika, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, garlic, and onion until well combined. Add the chicken, stirring to ensure it is fully coated with the sauce.
- Step 2Cover and cook until the chicken is tender and shreds easily, on low for 4 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours.
- Step 3Remove the chicken to a large cutting board. Remove the garlic cloves, if you like. Using 2 forks, break up the chicken into chunks (or shred it more finely, if you like). Return the chicken to the sauce and stir very well.
- Step 4Cover and cook on low for 30 minutes more. Taste and add more salt or vinegar, if you like.
Tip: Use your favorite store-bought BBQ sauce for a convenient meal or make your own!
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Fuel Game Day with Chicken Parm Sliders
3-Ingredient Buffalo Dip Will Win Game Day
30 Chicken Dinners You Can Make in a Slow Cooker
The Best One-Pot Chicken Tortellini Soup
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below