This Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken is one of the easiest family dinners you can make. With just chicken breast and BBQ sauce, 5 minutes of prep and no browning needed, the slow cooker does nearly all the work for you. There are so many different ways to serve it too.
The chicken cooks until tender enough to shred into juicy pulled BBQ chicken, and each serving has around 35 grams of protein. Serve it with rice for an easy dinner, pile it into buns with coleslaw, or use the shredded chicken for tacos, wraps, salads, baked potatoes, pizza and meal prep throughout the week. Such a good batch cook recipe.
On those days when everything seems to happen at once and everyone needs to be somewhere at a different time, this is the meal I am making: something I can get into the slow cooker quickly and know there are plenty of ways to serve it later.
I've been developing slow cooker recipes for years and even wrote a slow cooker cookbook, and simple recipes like this are still some of the ones I come back to most because they are easy and my family love them.
You can use your favourite shop-bought BBQ sauce to make this a true two-ingredient dinner, or use my homemade BBQ sauce if you want more control over the sweetness and salt.
Recipe update: This recipe was originally published on 5 February 2014 and was fully retested in October 2026 to check the cooking time and ingredient quantities. The original recipe still worked well, but I've expanded the instructions, tips and FAQs.
If you're looking for more easy slow cooker recipes, why not try our delicious slow cooker beef brisket, versatile slow cooker pulled beef or our comforting slow cooker mac and cheese?
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Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken
- Recipe Overview
- Ingredients and Substitutions
- How to Make Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Breasts
- How To Make Juicy Pulled BBQ Chicken
- Easy Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Variations
- Homemade BBQ Sauce
- What to Serve with Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken
- High Protein Meal Prep
- Storage and Freezing
- Dannii's Top Tips
- Troubleshooting Guide
- Frequently Asked Questions
- More Slow Cooker Chicken Recipes
- Recipe
- Feedback
Why You'll Love This Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken
- Just 2 main ingredients - All you really need is chicken breast and BBQ sauce.
- 5 minutes prep - There is no browning or pre-cooking. Put everything into the slow cooker and let it get on with it.
- High in protein - One serving contains approximately 35 grams of protein.
- Perfect for busy family dinners - Make one batch and everyone can serve it their favourite way.
- So versatile - Turn the shredded BBQ chicken into sandwiches, rice bowls, tacos, wraps, salads, nachos, pizza and more.
- Great for meal prep - It keeps well in the fridge and freezes brilliantly.
- Easy to adapt - Make it smoky, spicy, sweeter or add vegetables depending on what your family likes.
Recipe Overview
- Prep time: Just 5 minutes, with no browning or pre-cooking needed.
- Cooking time: 2-3 hours on HIGH or 5-6 hours on LOW.
- Texture: Tender chicken breast shredded into a thick, smoky BBQ sauce.
- Flavour: Sweet, smoky and savoury, with easy options for adding more heat or smokiness.
- Protein: Approximately 35 grams of protein per serving.
- Best for: Easy family dinners, meal prep, sandwiches, tacos, rice bowls and baked potatoes.
Ingredients and Substitutions
A full ingredients list, along with US Customary and Metric measurements, can be found in the recipe card at the end of this post.
- Chicken breasts - We use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, which keep this slow cooker BBQ chicken lean while packing in plenty of protein.
Chicken breasts can dry out if they are cooked for longer than necessary, so start checking them towards the earlier end of the cooking time if you know your slow cooker runs hot.
You can also make BBQ chicken in the slow cooker with boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They contain a little more fat than breast but stay particularly juicy and are very forgiving when slow cooked. - Homemade BBQ Sauce - You need 300ml (1 ¼ cups) BBQ sauce.
For the easiest version, use whatever shop-bought barbecue sauce your family already enjoys. A thicker sauce works particularly well because the chicken releases liquid as it cooks.
We usually make this with my Homemade BBQ Sauce, which is made with passata, tomato puree, garlic, honey, paprika, balsamic vinegar and Worcestershire sauce. It is easy to adjust if you prefer your barbecue sauce more smoky, spicy or less sweet.
⚠️ If you need this recipe to be gluten free, check the label on the BBQ sauce and Worcestershire sauce you use.
How to Make Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Breasts
- Add the chicken: Put the chicken breasts into the slow cooker.
Try to arrange the chicken in an even layer rather than piling all the pieces on top of each other. - Add the sauce: Pour the BBQ sauce over the chicken and turn the breasts so they are well coated.
There is no need to add stock or water. The chicken will release liquid as it cooks.
- Cook: Put the lid on the slow cooker and cook until the chicken is completely cooked through and tender enough to pull apart easily with two forks.
Our current cooking time is 2-3 hours on HIGH or 5-6 hours on LOW, although all slow cookers cook slightly differently, so check the chicken rather than relying on the clock alone.
- Shred: Shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker using two forks, then stir it through the BBQ sauce until every piece is coated.
- Check: Taste and add a little extra BBQ sauce if you want an even stronger barbecue flavour.
How To Make Juicy Pulled BBQ Chicken
Chicken breast is perfect for high-protein slow cooker BBQ chicken, but the most important thing is not to cook it longer than it needs.
The chicken is ready when it is cooked all the way through and shreds easily. If you use a food thermometer, check the thickest part of the chicken.
I also recommend leaving the lid on while it cooks. Every time you lift it, heat escapes and the slow cooker has to build that temperature back up again.
If you prefer darker meat, chicken thighs are another excellent option and tend to stay juicy even with a slightly longer cooking time.
The chicken is ready when it shreds easily and reaches an internal temperature of 74°C/165°F in the thickest part.
Easy Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Variations
Spicy BBQ chicken - Stir some chipotle paste, chilli sauce or cayenne pepper into your BBQ sauce before cooking. We love the smoky heat that chipotle gives it.
Smoky BBQ chicken - Add a little extra smoked paprika to the BBQ sauce.
Sweeter BBQ chicken - For a sweeter barbecue flavour, add a little brown sugar, honey, maple syrup or pineapple juice.
BBQ chicken with onions - Scatter a diced or sliced onion over the base of the slow cooker before adding the chicken. It softens into the sauce and adds extra flavour and texture.
BBQ chicken with vegetables - Sliced peppers work well if you want to add some vegetables without turning this into a completely different meal.
Homemade BBQ Sauce
What makes this recipe especially good is the homemade BBQ sauce. Making your own means you can adjust the sweetness, smokiness and seasoning to suit your family.
If you want to make this a really easy meal, then feel free to use store bought BBQ sauce, but you can really taste the difference in a homemade batch.
It's actually far easier than you probably think to make your own BBQ sauce. You just mix together passata, paprika, garlic, honey and vinegar and season and then let it bubble away in the slow cooker.
You can change it up by adding some brown sugar or pineapple juice to make this slow cooked BBQ chicken extra sweet, or adding some hot sauce for a kick of heat.
What to Serve with Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken
One of the reasons I make this recipe so often is that shredded BBQ chicken can become a completely different meal depending on what you serve it with.
For a simple dinner, spoon it over rice and add some vegetables or salad on the side.
For a classic BBQ chicken sandwich, pile the pulled chicken into a soft roll or brioche-style bun and top it with crunchy coleslaw and pickles. Try our creamy Greek yogurt coleslaw.
It also works brilliantly in:
- Tacos with lettuce, cheese, salsa and guacamole
- Burritos and wraps
- Rice or grain bowls
- Baked potatoes
- Sweet potatoes
- Quesadillas (pictured below)
- Nachos
- BBQ chicken pizza
- Salads
- Pasta
- Toasted sandwiches
- Flatbreads
- Loaded fries or wedges
When feeding the family, I sometimes put the BBQ chicken in the middle of the table with a few different sides and let everyone build their own dinner. It saves making several different meals while still giving everyone some choice.
For a lighter option, serve the chicken over a big salad or alongside vegetables. For something more comforting, go with buns, wedges, mac and cheese or a loaded baked potato.
High Protein Meal Prep
This is such a great recipe for high-protein meal prep because the chicken can be cooked once and used in different meals rather than eating exactly the same dinner for several days.
Make the slow cooker BBQ chicken for dinner, then portion any leftovers into containers.
The next day you could put it into a wrap or salad for lunch, then use another portion for a baked potato, rice bowl or quick quesadilla.
Because the main ingredient is lean chicken breast, you get approximately 35g protein per serving, before adding whatever sides you choose.
Storage and Freezing
Fridge - Allow leftover chicken to cool, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep some of the BBQ sauce mixed through the chicken so it stays moist.
Freeze - Portion the cooled shredded BBQ chicken into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Defrost thoroughly in the fridge before reheating.
Reheat - Reheat the chicken in the microwave or gently in a pan until piping hot throughout. If it looks a little dry after chilling or freezing, stir through a spoonful of BBQ sauce or a small splash of water before reheating.
Dannii's Top Tips
- Use a thick BBQ sauce rather than a very watery one, as the chicken releases liquid during cooking.
- Avoid unnecessarily opening the slow cooker while the chicken cooks.
- Don't overcook chicken breast. Remove or shred it once it is tender and cooked through.
- Chicken thighs can be used if you prefer darker, juicier meat.Add sliced or diced onion underneath the chicken for extra flavour.
- Add chipotle paste if you like your pulled BBQ chicken smoky and spicy.
- You don't have to shred the chicken finely. Leave it in larger chunks if you prefer more texture.
- Make a double batch if your slow cooker is large enough and freeze portions for another dinner.
- Shop-bought BBQ sauce makes this incredibly quick, but homemade sauce lets you adjust the sweetness, smokiness and seasoning.
- Think beyond sandwiches: this chicken is ideal for rice bowls, tacos, wraps, salads and meal prep too.
Troubleshooting Guide
| Problem | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| The BBQ chicken is watery | The chicken has released a lot of liquid or the BBQ sauce was quite thin. | Remove the chicken and let the sauce reduce, or stir in a little extra thick BBQ sauce before mixing the chicken back in. |
| The chicken is dry | Chicken breast has cooked for too long. | Check it towards the earlier end of the cooking time and shred it as soon as it is tender and cooked through. |
| The chicken won't shred easily | It may need a little longer to cook, particularly if the breasts are very thick. | Replace the lid and cook for a little longer, then check again. The chicken should pull apart easily with two forks. |
| The BBQ flavour is too weak | The chicken has released liquid and diluted the sauce. | Stir through a little more BBQ sauce after shredding and taste before serving. |
| The sauce is too thick | A very thick BBQ sauce has reduced further during cooking. | Stir through a small splash of water or extra BBQ sauce until it reaches the consistency you like. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be substituted for chicken breast. Thigh meat contains a little more fat but stays particularly juicy when slow cooked.
No. There is no need to brown or sear the chicken for this recipe.
That is part of what makes it such an easy dump-and-go slow cooker chicken recipe.
I recommend starting with fully defrosted chicken rather than frozen chicken when using a slow cooker.
The chicken should be cooked completely through and should pull apart easily with two forks.
If using a food thermometer, check the thickest part of the chicken rather than relying only on cooking time, as different slow cookers and different-sized chicken breasts cook at different speeds. Chicken is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 74°C/165°F.
Chicken releases moisture while it cooks and some shop-bought BBQ sauces are thinner than others.
Don't add unnecessary water or stock. If the sauce is still thinner than you like after cooking, remove the chicken and reduce the sauce before mixing everything back together, or stir through a little extra thick BBQ sauce.
Absolutely. Using shop-bought sauce turns this into one of the easiest 2-ingredient slow cooker BBQ chicken recipes you can make.
Choose your family's favourite sauce and adjust it with smoked paprika, garlic powder or chilli if you want to give it a little more flavour.
Yes. It is a great make-ahead recipe.
Cook and shred the chicken, cool it and store it in the fridge. Reheat it thoroughly when needed and add another spoonful of BBQ sauce if necessary.
Both work well. Cook for 2-3 hours on HIGH or 5-6 hours on LOW. LOW is useful when you want a longer cooking window, but whichever setting you choose, check the chicken rather than relying only on the clock because slow cookers vary.
Yes, as long as your slow cooker is large enough and isn't overcrowded. Try to keep the chicken in as even a layer as possible. A larger quantity may take a little longer to cook, so check the internal temperature and tenderness before shredding.
More Slow Cooker Chicken Recipes
If you've tried this Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken, please leave a star rating and comment below. I love hearing how you served it, and your feedback helps other readers decide whether to try the recipe too.
Tag us in your creations on Instagram @hungryhealthyhappy and use the hashtag #hungryhealthyhappy too.
Recipe
Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken
Recipe Video
Ingredients
- 600 g (1 ⅓ lb) of Chicken breast
- 300 ml (1 ¼ cups) of Homemade BBQ Sauce
Instructions
- Add the chicken: Put 600 g of Chicken breast into the slow cookerTry to arrange the chicken in an even layer rather than piling all the pieces on top of each other.
- Add the sauce: Pour 300 ml of Homemade BBQ Sauce over the chicken and turn the breasts so they are well coated.There is no need to add stock or water. The chicken will release liquid as it cooks.
- Cook: Put the lid on the slow cooker and cook until the chicken is completely cooked through and tender enough to pull apart easily with two forks.Our current cooking time is 2-3 hours on HIGH or 5-6 hours on LOW, although all slow cookers cook slightly differently, so check the chicken rather than relying on the clock alone.
- Shred: Shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker using two forks, then stir it through the BBQ sauce until every piece is coated.
- Check: Taste and add a little extra BBQ sauce if you want an even stronger barbecue flavour.
Recipe Notes
- Use a thick BBQ sauce rather than a very watery one, as the chicken releases liquid during cooking.
- Avoid unnecessarily opening the slow cooker while the chicken cooks.
- Don't overcook chicken breast. Remove or shred it once it is tender and cooked through.
- Chicken thighs can be used if you prefer darker, juicier meat.
- Add sliced or diced onion underneath the chicken for extra flavour.
- Add chipotle paste if you like your pulled BBQ chicken smoky and spicy.
- You don't have to shred the chicken finely. Leave it in larger chunks if you prefer more texture.
- Make a double batch if your slow cooker is large enough and freeze portions for another dinner.
- Shop-bought BBQ sauce makes this incredibly quick, but homemade sauce lets you adjust the sweetness, smokiness and seasoning.
- Think beyond sandwiches: this chicken is ideal for rice bowls, tacos, wraps, salads and meal prep too.
Nutritional Information
Where nutritional information is provided, it is approximate and calculated using online tools. Values can vary depending on the ingredients and brands used, but we endeavour to be as accurate as possible.
All timings are a guide and may vary depending on the ingredients, equipment and, where relevant, the appliance used. Changing the serving size may also affect the time needed.
Jade says
This looks so yummy! I love slow cooked bbq pork so i'm sure to love this too!
Jade x
Lucy says
Homemade bbq sauce that isn't full of salt and sugar? Yes please! I bet this would be good on bbq chicken too.
Cailee says
YUM! This looks amazing! My mum makes slow cooker BBQ chicken...and it's like one of my fave things!! SO yummy! Great recipe! Thanks for sharing! :)
Camilla @FabFood4All says
Love a simple dish so this certainly fits the bill Danni:-)
Kim Yenn says
We love your bbq sauce in our house. We actually had it on burgers at the weekend. I have put it in an old bbq sauce bottle and my kids don't know the difference.
Jennie says
I am really happy that you are going to be posting more quick recipes. I have a newborn and a 3 year old, so cooking is a bit difficult. But I want to make sure my family has a healthy dinner each night.
Lily Lau says
Oh Dannii, you nailed everything on this post! Slow food, RICE and bbq chicken! Oh my oh my, will try this for dinner!
David @ Spiced says
Haha! We've totally done the BBQ sauce on tacos thing. We often have all sorts of odd leftovers around here, and we quickly learned that everything tastes better when it's in a taco! I'm going to have to check out this BBQ chicken, though...it sounds delicious!
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
I love my slow cooker, too! It's like my miracle appliance. This bbq chicken looks amazing, Danni! I can almost smell it from here. Yum!
Jude says
I'm going to be really expermental and cook this in my pressure cooker...the result should be similar...
Teresa says
Danii-
Are you using boneless, skinless ck breast? Have a great day.
Kelly says
I am going to have this with cauliflower "rice" tomorrow night for dinner. Thanks for the recipe.
Denise says
A bit of avocado on top of this and it would be perfect!
Hanna says
BBQ chicken tacos for dinner it is this weekend.
Rebecca says
Thanks for the recipe. I am never sure if I need to cook the chicken in a pan before it goes in the slow cooker. I am glad to see that this doesn't need pre-cooking.