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Crockpot BBQ Chicken

Tender, flavorful slow-cooked chicken in homemade BBQ sauce, perfect for sandwiches, meal prep, and family dinners.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, BBQ
Calories: 285

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2-3 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
BBQ Sauce
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 0.5 cup brown sugar packed
  • 0.25 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp yellow mustard
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.25 tsp cayenne pepper optional

Equipment

  • Slow cooker
  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Two forks for shredding

Method
 

  1. Place chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker, arranging them in a single layer if possible.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and yellow mustard until well combined.
  3. Add garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper to the sauce mixture, whisking until all spices are fully incorporated.
  4. Pour the BBQ sauce mixture over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well coated.
  5. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours, until chicken is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
  6. Remove chicken from slow cooker and place on a cutting board or large plate.
  7. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces, removing any visible fat or connective tissue.
  8. Return shredded chicken to the slow cooker and mix with the remaining sauce.
  9. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes to absorb the flavors before serving.
  10. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more salt, pepper, or hot sauce as desired.

Notes

For extra flavor, sear chicken before adding to slow cooker. Store leftovers in refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Great for meal prep and versatile serving options.