Irresistible BBQ Chicken Crockpot Recipe
Make tender, saucy bbq chicken crockpot style with simple ingredients—perfect for sandwiches, bowls, and easy meal prep.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup BBQ sauce plus more to taste
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt adjust after tasting
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Optional: 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Optional thickener: 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water
Instructions
- Add the chicken to the slow cooker in an even layer.
- In a bowl, stir together BBQ sauce, onion, garlic, smoked paprika, chili powder, pepper, salt, vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken and turn the chicken to coat.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours or HIGH for 2 to 3 hours, until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and shreds easily.
- Shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker using two forks, then stir to coat well in the sauce.
- Optional: To thicken, mix cornstarch and water, stir it in, and cook 10 minutes until the sauce looks glossy and slightly thicker.
- Taste and adjust with more BBQ sauce, vinegar, or a pinch of salt if needed. Serve warm.