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This easy Crockpot BBQ Chicken Recipe makes tender flavorful pulled chicken for the best barbecue chicken sandwiches. Everyone loves this easy recipe, and it is perfect for an easy weeknight dinner!

Easy Pulled Chicken
This easy slow cooker bbq chicken recipe is now my favorite way to make a bunch of pulled chicken. This is a great recipe to have in your back pocket when you need an easy dinner because there’s hardly any prep work involved, and the slow cooker does all of the work! Plus, my whole family loves it!
I love to make crockpot pulled bbq chicken on busy weeknights or when I need a simple dinner on the weekends. I use my slow cooker year round, and this delicious chicken is perfect if you’re looking for easy summer crockpot meals! In a hurry? Make my Instant Pot BBQ Chicken in less than 30 minutes!
If you’re looking for more easy crock pot recipes try my Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches, Pulled Beef Sandwiches, Honey Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches or these delicious Chicken Bacon Ranch Sandwiches.
Table of Contents
Ingredient Notes
Here’s a basic list of what you need. Full amounts are in the printable recipe card below.
- Chicken — Boneless skinless chicken breasts or skinless chicken thighs work best. You can use chicken tenders, but they cook super fast.
- BBQ sauce — I use Sweet Baby Ray sauce as it’s my favorite, but you can use a bottle of your favorite barbecue sauce or homemade barbecue sauce.
- Seasonings — Garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt and black pepper. I like the added flavor, but you skip the extra spice to keep things even easier.
How to Make Crock Pot BBQ Pulled Chicken
First, spray the bottom and sides of the slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray. Then, place the chicken on the bottom of the slow cooker. Add seasonings and BBQ sauce. Cook for 2-3 hours on high or 4-6 hours on low. Shred the chicken, and serve.
Storage
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for 3-4 days. You can freeze leftover chicken in a freezer bag or freezer-safe container for up to 3 months — great for meal prep! Reheat in the microwave or on the stove top. Add more sauce as needed.
Serving Suggestions
We love to serve these BBQ chicken sandwiches on buns with simple side dishes like potato salad, coleslaw, corn, baked beans, fries or potato chips! You can also make BBQ chicken nachos or serve the chicken over a baked potato or sweet potatoes.
Recipe Tip
Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to easily shred the chicken. You can keep the pulled chicken on the low or warm setting until ready to serve.
Crockpot BBQ Chicken
Equipment
- 1 crock pot
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup BBQ sauce plus extra as needed
Instructions
- Spray crock pot with non stick spray
- Place chicken on bottom of slow cooker
- Sprinkle salt, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika and black pepper over chicken
- Pour BBQ sauce on top of chicken
- Place lid on slow cooker, and cook for 2-3 hours on high or 5-6 hours on low or until chicken is 165℉
- Shred chicken using 2 forks or a hand held mixer. Return to crock pot and keep warm until ready to eat. Add more sauce if needed.
- Serve on sandwich buns
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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Definitely better in the crock pot! Flavor is much stronger and meat is super tender! A new favorite!
This is extremely good! The sauce especially is delicious. Definitely making for dinner again!
So glad you liked the chicken. Thanks for the wonderful review!
Made this last night and there is so much more flavor when slow cooked!
Can’t wait for the left overs!