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A toasted brioche bun on a white marble cooktop, piled high with juicy, saucy BBQ pulled chicken. A drizzle of extra barbecue sauce glistens on top, making for a mouthwatering sandwich, ready to be enjoyed.

Crockpot BBQ Chicken Recipe

This Crockpot BBQ Chicken is a fuss-free, flavor-packed meal with juicy, tender chicken slow-cooked in a tangy, smoky sauce. Perfect for sandwiches, rice bowls, or meal prep!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 10 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 364 kcal

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.
    A black slow cooker on a white marble cooktop, with four boneless, skinless chicken breasts neatly placed inside. The chicken is evenly arranged, ready to absorb the rich barbecue flavors during slow cooking.
  • In a bowl, mix barbecue sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes.
    A glass mixing bowl on a white marble cooktop, filled with thick barbecue sauce, distilled white vinegar, brown sugar, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes. A whisk stirs the glossy, deep red sauce, ensuring a smooth and well-blended mixture.
  • Pour the sauce over the chicken, coating evenly.
    A black slow cooker on a white marble cooktop, as the freshly prepared barbecue sauce is being poured over the chicken. The thick, rich sauce cascades over the chicken, coating each piece evenly for a flavorful slow-cooked dish.
  • 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.
    A black slow cooker on a white marble cooktop, with freshly shredded chicken thoroughly mixed into the rich barbecue sauce. The sauce thickens as it coats every strand of chicken, creating a juicy and flavorful filling.
  • Stir well to coat the shredded chicken with the sauce.
    A black slow cooker on a white marble cooktop, covered and cooking on low heat. Steam slightly escapes from the edges, as the chicken slowly simmers in the deep, smoky barbecue sauce, infusing it with bold flavors.
  • Let it simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes for extra flavor.
  • Serve hot on buns, over rice, or with your favorite sides!
    A toasted brioche bun on a white marble cooktop, piled high with juicy, saucy BBQ pulled chicken. A drizzle of extra barbecue sauce glistens on top, making for a mouthwatering sandwich, ready to be enjoyed.