There’s something magical about a slow-cooked meal filling your home with rich, smoky aromas—all while you go about your day. This Crockpot BBQ Chicken is the ultimate hands-off dinner, turning simple ingredients into a tender, juicy, and flavor-packed dish.
Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or need an easy crowd-pleaser, this recipe delivers every time. And the best part? It takes just a few pantry staples to create a bold, tangy-sweet BBQ flavor.
With juicy chicken breasts simmered in Sweet Baby Ray’s barbecue sauce, brown sugar, a splash of vinegar, and a kick of red pepper flakes, you’ll get a perfectly balanced dish that’s both smoky and slightly spicy. This recipe has been making waves lately, thanks to its effortless prep and versatility.
Whether you’re serving it on a bun, over rice, or alongside a fresh Creamy Cucumber Salad for a cooling contrast, it’s a meal that never disappoints. Plus, if you’re looking to round out your plate with something hearty, try pairing it with Instant Pot Brussels Sprouts for a satisfying side.
Trust me, once you try this slow-cooked BBQ goodness, you’ll be hooked.
Why You Will Be Hooked?
- Set It and Forget It – The slow cooker does all the work, making this perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
- Incredibly Tender Chicken – The long, slow simmer ensures every bite is melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
- Customizable Spice Level – Adjust the red pepper flakes to make it mild or extra spicy.
- Endless Ways to Serve – Stuff it in sandwiches, serve over mashed potatoes, or enjoy it as a protein-packed bowl.
- Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Flavor – Just a handful of simple ingredients, but the taste is out of this world!
Crockpot BBQ Chicken Recipe
Equipment
- Slow cooker (Crockpot)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Forks (for shredding)
- Mixing bowl (optional)
Ingredients
- 4 skinless boneless chicken breast halves
- 1 18 ounce bottle barbeque sauce (such as Sweet Baby Ray’s®)
- ¼ cup distilled white vinegar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
- In a bowl, mix barbecue sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken, coating evenly.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is tender.
- Use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the crockpot.
- Stir well to coat the shredded chicken with the sauce.
- Let it simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes for extra flavor.
- Serve hot on buns, over rice, or with your favorite sides!
Nutrition Info:
| Nutrition | Value |
| Calories | 347kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 60g |
| Protein | 23g |
| Fat | 3g |
| Sugar | 46g |
| Sodium | 1464mg |
Flavor-Packed Variations For a More Exciting BBQ Chicken!
- Honey-Sriracha Twist – Swap brown sugar for honey and add a tablespoon of Sriracha for a sweet-heat balance that’s irresistibly sticky and bold.
- Bourbon BBQ Upgrade – Stir in ¼ cup bourbon before slow cooking for a smoky, deep flavor that pairs perfectly with classic BBQ.
- Coffee-Infused BBQ – Add 1 teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the sauce for a subtle, rich depth that enhances the smoky barbecue flavors.
- Chipotle & Lime Kick – Blend one chipotle pepper in adobo sauce with the BBQ sauce and finish with a squeeze of lime for a smoky, tangy twist.
- Mustard-Based Southern Style – Replace half the BBQ sauce with yellow mustard and a dash of apple cider vinegar for a Carolina-style zing.
- Korean-Inspired BBQ Chicken – Mix in 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste) and a splash of soy sauce for a savory, umami-packed version.
- Coca-Cola Secret – Pour in ½ cup of Coke with the sauce for an extra caramelized sweetness and surprisingly rich depth.
- Herb-Infused BBQ – Toss in a sprig of rosemary and a bay leaf while cooking for an aromatic, herbaceous note that balances the sweetness.
John Lee’s love for cooking is deeply rooted in family tradition. Growing up, the men in his family took charge of the kitchen, turning every meal into a special occasion. From weekend barbecues to holiday feasts, food was more than sustenance—it was a way to connect.
Inspired by this upbringing, John developed a passion for creating dishes that bring people together. After meeting Joe Miller through mutual friends, he joined Food Landscape Insight to share his love for simple yet extraordinary cooking, crafting meals that tell a story and create lasting memories.
