Just 2 ingredients go into making this Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken. It is simply made from chicken breasts and an easy homemade BBQ sauce and then slow cooked until the chicken falls apart. Pulled BBQ Chicken is so simple to make and well worth the wait for the slow cooker. Serve in tacos, in a bun with slaw or on rice.
There is no prep involved with this BBQ Chicken in the slow cooker – everything just goes into the slow cooker, is stirred and then you just have to patiently wait until it is ready. That’s the hard part.
You could make this even easier and make it with store bought BBQ sauce, but the homemade sauce is really worth the effort and gives this slow cooker shredded chicken extra flavour. It's also a healthier barbecue sauce too!
It’s a little bit sweet, but super juicy and tender. This BBQ pulled chicken practically melts in your mouth. It might just be the easiest slow cooker chicken you will ever make and perfect all year round. This is a real family favourite and it freezes well too, making slow cooker bbq pulled chicken perfect for batch cooking.
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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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 used boneless skinless chicken breasts to make slow cooker BBQ chicken. You could use boneless and skinless chicken thighs, as they are juicer and give more flavour, but they aren't as lean.
- Homemade BBQ Sauce - Or your favourite store bought one for convenience.
More ingredient substitutions and variations can be found in the recipe card.
How to Make Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Breasts - Step by Step
- Step 1: Put the chicken breasts in the slow cooker dish.
- Step 2: Pour the BBQ sauce on top of the chicken breasts and mix. Cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 7-8 hours.
- Step 3: Using two forks, shred the chicken and stir it all together.
What makes this recipe so special is the homemade BBQ sauce, which is a little bit healthy than the kind you can buy. 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, maple syrup 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
This is perfect served in tacos with all the usual fixings. Some crispy shredded lettuce and cheese is a must and then we like to add some Guacamole and Mexican Coleslaw on the side too. What some homemade salsa and tortilla chips on the side? Why not try our Restaurant Style Salsa.
You can also serve it on rice or a baked potato, or in a bun with slaw for a BBQ chicken sandwich.
Extra Tips
- Add some extra flavour and texture to the slow cooker pulled chicken by putting some diced onion at the bottom of the slow cooker before you put the chicken breasts in.
- We have shredded the chicken, but you could always take the chicken breasts out and chop them and then add them back into the bowl with the BBQ sauce.
- Serve the shredded chicken on rice, or use it as the filling for burritos and tacos. You could even put it on a pizza or salad.
- This BBQ chicken freezes well if you have some leftovers. Just pop it in a container and it will keep in the freezer for up to a month.
- You can save yourself time by using store bought BBQ sauce. If you use ready made sauce a little paprika, garlic and onion powder to it to jazz it up a little.
- You don’t have to shred the chicken, you could chop it into chunks or serve the breasts whole if not using in tacos. But being cooked on high for 4 hours will mean that the chicken starts to fall apart.
- We like to make this a little bit spicy and add some chipotle paste to the BBQ sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
This recipe makes four portions - which is about 150-200g (5-7oz) per person.
This is a great batch cook meal and it freezes really well too. It will keep in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3 days and then you can add it to salads and wraps throughout the week, or you can portion it out and freeze leftovers and they will keep for up to 2 months. Make sure it is thoroughly defrosted and then heat in a pan with a little oil or in the microwave until hot.
There are lots of leftovers when we make this slow cooker pulled chicken, as there are so many ways to use it. We like to put some in a big soft roll with some coleslaw, put it on a salad, use it as a nacho topping, put it on a pizza or baked potato or turn it into quesadillas. We also like it cold with a potato salad for an easy lunch. Leftovers go well on a BBQ Chicken Pizza or BBQ Chicken Salad too.
More Slow Cooker Chicken Recipes
If you’ve tried this slow cooker BBQ chicken recipe, let us know how you got on in the comments below.
Tag us in your creations on Instagram @hungryhealthyhappy - Use the hashtag #hungryhealthyhappy too.
Recipe
Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken
Ingredients
- 600 g (1.33 lb) Chicken breast
- 300 ml (1.25 cups) Homemade BBQ Sauce
Instructions
- Put the chicken breasts in the slow cooker dish.
- Pour the BBQ sauce on top of the chicken breasts and mix.
- Cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 7-8 hours.
- Using two forks, shred the chicken and mix it all together.
Recipe Tips
- Add some extra flavour and texture to the slow cooker pulled chicken by putting some diced onion at the bottom of the slow cooker before you put the chicken breasts in.
- We have shredded the chicken, but you could always take the chicken breasts out and chop them and then add them back in to the bowl with the BBQ sauce.
- Serve the shredded chicken on rice, or use it as the filling for burritos and tacos. You could even put it on a pizza or salad.
- This BBQ chicken freezes well if you have some leftovers. Just pop it in a container and it will keep in the freezer for up to a month.
- You can save yourself time by using store bought BBQ sauce. If you use ready made sauce a little paprika, garlic and onion powder to it to jazz it up a little.
- You don’t have to shred the chicken, you could chop it in to chunks or serve the breasts whole if not using in tacos. But being cooked on high for 4 hours will mean that the chicken starts to fall apart.
- We like to make this a little bit spicy and add some chipotle paste to the BBQ sauce.
Nutritional Information
The nutritional information provided is approximate and is calculated using online tools. Information can vary depending on various factors, but we have endeavoured to be as accurate as possible.
As all appliances vary, cooking times are a guide. Please note that by changing the serving size, the cooking time may also need to be altered.
Anita-Clare Field says
Huzzah for a savoury recipe, Anything with the words, slow cooked and BBQ in it has my vote. It looks delicious !
Sally - My Custard Pie says
I love my slow cooker too. Haven't done anything BBQ style though so inspired.
Helen @ Fuss Free Flavours says
I nearly always fry off and do some pre cooking with the slow cooked. Love the chuck it all in approach.
Tammy says
Let's hear it for that homemade bbq sauce! Yes, I totally agree that should go on everything :D
This looks really good ^_^
mira says
I can only imagine how great it tastes! So easy to make and looks delicious!
marcie says
It doesn't get any easier or better than this -- this meal is a sure fire hit!
Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom says
LOVE quick and simple recipes. . those are the ones that most people like on my blog as well!!! and love my slow cooker .. is recipe is winning!!! love it! and looks delicious!
Ashley says
I love using my slow cooker! I need to try your homemade BBQ sauce - it sounds delicious!
lacey@fairytalesandfitness.com says
I love slow cooker meals. Even now that it is spring it makes for an easy supper.
Pamela @ Brooklyn Farm Girl says
Holy heck, this slow cooked chicken looks amazing! Wish it was warming up in my kitchen right now!
Pam says
We made this tonight and everyone loved it. My son has the leftovers in a sandwich tomorrow. Great recipe Dannii.
Gingi says
Okay, now THIS is mouth watering!!!
Savita @ ChefDeHome says
Love slow cooked meals! make life so easy on busy weekdays! bbq chicken sounds delicious, Dannii! thanks for sharing!
Stephanie Wilner says
How long will the leftovers keep for? Thanks.
Debbie says
Why have I never thought to make my own bbq sauce? Do you have any other sauce recipes? Mayo would be great xx