• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Get my free Meal Prep Quick Start Guide

Get my free Meal Prep Quick Start Guide

  • New? Start Here
  • Contact

Sweet Peas and Saffron

meal prep recipes for busy people

  • All Recipes
    • Course
      • Breakfast
      • Lunch
      • Dinner
      • Sides
      • Salad
      • Soups & Stews
      • Drinks
    • Method
      • Air Fryer
      • Instant Pot
      • Slow Cooker
      • Grill
      • One Pot Meals
    • Diet
      • Dairy-Free
      • Gluten Free
      • Low Carb
      • Vegan
      • Vegetarian
      • Nut Free
    • Protein
      • Beans
      • Beef
      • Chicken
      • Lentils
      • Seafood
      • Pork
    • Recipe Index
  • Air Fryer
  • Instant Pot
  • Shop
    • Shop Meal Plans
    • Shop Favorites
  • Get my free Meal Prep Quick Start Guide

    Get my free Meal Prep Quick Start Guide

Home Method Slow Cooker Slow Cooker Chicken
5
/5
4 hours 10 minutes

Crockpot BBQ Chicken (Juicy + Tender!)

Dairy Free Dairy-Free Gluten Free Gluten Free Nut Free Nut Free Freezer Friendly Freezer Meal Prep Meal Prep
Jump to Recipe
By: Denise Bustard12 Comments
Posted: 5/26/21 Updated: 11/2/20

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

Fall apart tender, juicy and so flavorful, this crockpot BBQ chicken is perfect served on sandwiches, in wraps, or even on pizza. Just 5 simple ingredients required!

Cooking chicken in the slow cooker does not have to be boring- from crockpot chicken fajitas to lemon garlic chicken, there are so many flavor options that you'll never get bored!

side angle view of bbq chicken sandwich on plate
Jump to... show
1 Reasons you'll ♡ crockpot BBQ chicken
2 Ingredient notes
3 Step by step directions
4 Serve it up
5 Serving size + equipment
6 Meal prep + storage
7 More slow cooker chicken recipes
8 Crockpot BBQ Chicken (Juicy + Tender!)

This crockpot BBQ chicken is simple and yet you are rewarded with the most deliciously juicy pulled chicken that is the perfect base for multiple meals.

Serve it up with some air fryer corn for a delicious, summery meal!

Don't forget to pin this post to save it for later!

Reasons you'll ♡ crockpot BBQ chicken

  • has only 5 simple ingredients, is juicy, flavorful and kid-friendly
  • it works great for meal prep: assemble as a freezer crockpot recipe or cook ahead and use in multiple meals
  • is perfect served in sandwiches, tacos, wraps and on pizza

Don't forget to pin this post to save it for later!

Ingredient notes

ingredients required to make slow cooker bbq chicken (labelled)
  • chicken- feel free to use boneless skinless chicken thighs or chicken breasts; increase the cook time to low 4-5 hours for thighs
  • BBQ sauce- use your favorite! I've used various brands including Stubb's, Sweet Baby Ray's* and Newman's Own to make this recipe. *our favorite
  • apple cider vinegar- enhances the tanginess of this recipe; I strongly recommend the Bragg's brand.
  • maple syrup- adds sweetness to contrast the vinegar; swap for brown sugar or honey.
  • chili powder- refers to a paprika-based chili powder blend; do not confuse with pure powdered chilis! If you cannot find it in the spice aisle of your grocery store, consider making your own.

Step by step directions

overhead view of bbq chicken in the slow cooker before cooking

1. Combine- Stir together the barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup and chili powder in the base of a 5 or 6 quart slow cooker. Stir until smooth, then add the chicken breasts, turning to coat in the sauce.

slow cooker with 4 hours on low set

2. Cook- Put the lid on the slow cooker, then cook on low for 3-4 hours. Do not lift the lid while it cooks!

A note about slow cookers- I use Crock Pot brand slow cookers which cook slightly hot. If you know your slow cooker cooks lower or slower, increase the cook time to 4-5 hours.

shredded chicken in a bowl with electric hand mixer sitting beside it

3. Shred- Use tongs to remove the cooked chicken breasts from the slow cooker, placing them into a clean bowl. Use an electric hand mixer or two forks to shred the chicken. Then return to the slow cooker, tossing it back up in the sauce.

TIP- If you prefer sliced chicken, that will work as well: rest the chicken on a cutting board for 10 minutes, then cut into strips or cubes before tossing it back in the sauce.

Serve it up

BBQ pulled chicken is typically served on a bun with slaw. If you'd like a good slaw recipe, check out these honey lime shredded chicken sandwiches!

While crockpot BBQ chicken is great served on a sandwich, there are several other ways you can serve it up:

  • pizza- top with pineapple, red onion, and extra barbecue sauce brushed on the crust (or on naan bread pizza!)
  • wrap or tacos- top with crunchy cabbage slaw
  • burrito bowl- serve with rice, tomatoes, lettuce, cheese, guacamole, and your favorite toppings (check out pulled pork burrito bowls for more ideas)
  • meal prep bowls- use these Grilled Veggie Black Bean Meal Prep Bowls as inspiration
tongs lifting bbq chicken out of the slow cooker with juices dripping

Serving size + equipment

This recipe is formulated to be cooked in a larger slow cooker- 5 or 6 quarts, and it makes a large portion (serves 8). If you don’t want to have ample leftovers, you can cut the recipe in half and cook in a 2.5 or smaller slow cooker.

  • my favorite 6 quart slow cooker
  • cook a half batch in this 2.5 quart slow cooker
  • it also worked in a 6 quart Instant Pot, cooking for 8 minutes at high pressure with a quick pressure release

Meal prep + storage

Crockpot BBQ chicken is perfect for meal prep, and can work in a few different ways:

1. Crock pot freezer meal

A crock pot freezer meal is assembled ahead and frozen before cooking. This way, when it’s time to cook, you simply dump the ingredients into the slow cooker and skip any measuring. This is a great recipe to prepare for someone who is expecting a baby.

Here’s how you can turn this recipe into a freezer meal:

  1. Assemble the boneless skinless chicken breasts plus all remaining ingredients in a gallon-sized freezer bag, reusable silicone bag, or meal prep container.
  2. Squeeze out as much air as possible.
  3. Freeze flat for up to 3 months.
  4. Thaw completely, then cook as directed in the recipe card.

Find my favorite freezer containers here!

2. Cook ahead and reheat

You can cook this recipe all the way through, and store in an air tight container in the fridge (up to 4 days) or freezer (up to 3 months), using it as a protein for multiple meals.

Rewarm in a frying pan, using tongs to stir it up. Heat until steaming hot, and enjoy!

Find my favorite meal prep containers here!

overhead view of bbq chicken in slow cooker after cooking

More slow cooker chicken recipes

  • 7 No Sautee Slow Cooker Chicken Recipes
  • Sticky Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
  • The Best Dang Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken
  • Crockpot Chicken Fajitas
  • Crockpot White Chicken Chili (Healthier)
  • Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup
  • Cilantro Lime Chicken Crockpot Tacos
  • Crockpot Whole Chicken (+ Veggies)

Did you make this? Tag me on social @sweetpeasandsaffron and be sure to leave a comment and rate the recipe!

side angle view of bbq chicken sandwich on plate

Crockpot BBQ Chicken (Juicy + Tender!)

5 from 2 votes
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 10 mins
Print Rate
Fall apart tender, juicy and so flavorful, this crockpot BBQ chicken is perfect served on sandwiches, in wraps, or even on pizza. Just 5 simple ingredients required!
8

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs boneless chicken breast 1
  • ½ cup barbecue sauce 2
  • ¼ cup maple syrup 3
  • ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder 4

Instructions 

  • Combine- Stir together the barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup and chili powder in the base of a 5 or 6 quart slow cooker. Stir until smooth, then add the chicken breasts, turning to coat in the sauce.
    overhead view of bbq chicken in the slow cooker before cooking
  • Cook- Put the lid on the slow cooker, then cook on low for 3-4 hours (see note 5). Do not lift the lid while it cooks!
    slow cooker with 4 hours on low set
  • Shred- Use tongs to remove the cooked chicken breasts from the slow cooker, placing them into a clean bowl. Use an electric hand mixer or two forks to shred the chicken.
    shredded chicken in a bowl with electric hand mixer sitting beside it
  • Toss- Return to the slow cooker, tossing it back up in the sauce.
    overhead view of bbq chicken in slow cooker after cooking

Tips:

1- this is roughly 4 large chicken breasts; swap for an equal weight of boneless skinless chicken thighs and increase the cook time to 4-5 hours on low.
2- I've tested this with Stubb's, Sweet Baby Ray's and Newman's Own sauces; use your favorite!
3- maple syrup may be swapped for an equal volume of honey or brown sugar.
4- refers to a paprika-based spice blend
5- A note about slow cookers- I use Crock Pot brand slow cookers which cook slightly hot. If you know your slow cooker cooks lower or slower, increase the cook time to 4-5 hours.
Serving
  • Serve on a bun with slaw
  • Serve on pizza with barbecue sauce, onions and pineapple
  • Serve in tacos or wraps with slaw 
  • Serve in burrito bowls with with rice, tomatoes, lettuce, cheese, guacamole, and your favorite toppings
  • Serve as a protein in meal prep bowls with grilled vegetables
Storage
After cooking and cooling, chicken may be stored in an air tight container in the fridge (4 days) or freezer (3 months).
Reheating
Heat in a frying pan, using tongs to stir and flip the chicken so that it heats through evenly.
Do not reheat more than once.

Video

Nutrition Information

Serving: 0.5cup, Calories: 191kcal, Carbohydrates: 14g, Protein: 24g, Fat: 3g, Saturated Fat: 0g, Cholesterol: 72mg, Sodium: 332mg, Potassium: 508mg, Fiber: 0g, Sugar: 12g, Vitamin A: 370IU, Vitamin C: 1.5mg, Calcium: 26mg, Iron: 0.7mg
Author: Denise Bustard
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: BBQ

© Sweet Peas & Saffron - Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited.

Did You Make This?Don't forget to leave a review below, and tag us on Instagram using @SweetPeasAndSaffron or #sweetpeasandsaffron
Tag Me On Instagram Rate Recipe
  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Email

Meet Denise Bustard

Denise Bustard is the creator of Sweet Peas and Saffron, a meal prep-focussed food blog. With a PhD in biochemistry, Denise takes a scientific approach to perfecting her recipes. You can find Denise's work featured on Huffington Post, MSN, Self and more.

Read more...

You May Also Like...

  • overhead shot of hands holding bowl filled with asian peanut chicken and rice
    Freezer Asian Peanut Chicken
  • four glass containers with sesame chicken pasta salad lunch bowls
    Meal Prep Sesame Chicken Pasta Salad
  • Overhead shot of various food containers filled with fresh ingredients for the 7 ingredient meal prep plan
    7 Ingredient Meal Prep Plan
  • four glass meal prep containers with satay chicken lunch bowls
    Satay Chicken Meal Prep Lunch Bowls
enchilada stuffed sweet potato on gray plate with fork taking a bite
Previous Post
Enchilada Stuffed Sweet Potatoes (freezer!)
glass meal prep container with cheesy spinach quinoa cups on gray counter
Next Post
Cheesy Spinach Quinoa Cups (with Video)

Reader Interactions

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Have a question? Submit your question or comment below.

Recipe Rating




  1. Krista says

    Posted on 6/3/20 at Posted on 6/3/20

    What would the conversion from crock pot to instant pot look like?

    Reply
    • Denise Bustard says

      Posted on 6/8/20 at Posted on 6/8/20

      Hi Krista! I am not 100% sure if you can make this in the Instant Pot; my only concern is that the barbecue sauce may be too thick to create the steam needed for the pot to come to pressure. If you want to try it, though, I would do 8 minutes + quick pressure release. Let me know if you try it!

      Reply
  2. Sarah says

    Posted on 11/11/19 at Posted on 11/11/19

    I don’t have a Crock Pot or Instapot. Is there a way to adapt these recipes for the oven or stove?

    Reply
    • Denise says

      Posted on 11/13/19 at Posted on 11/13/19

      Hi Sarah! I think this would bake well in the oven. I would try baking in a covered dish at 425°F for 25-30 minutes, then shred with a fork. This worked well with my salsa chicken recipe so I'm pretty confident it will work for this one as well 🙂

      Reply
  3. tammy says

    Posted on 5/9/19 at Posted on 5/9/19

    5 stars
    This was so simple and delicious. I stuffed a baked potato with the tasty tender bbq chicken. It was so good I didn't need to add anything else so I felt it to be relatively healthy. Although I'm sure alittle cheese and sour cream and maybe some bacon crumbles would be amazing with this recipe stuffed inside a baked potato.

    Reply
    • Denise says

      Posted on 5/16/19 at Posted on 5/16/19

      What a great idea! Thanks for sharing, Tammy!

      Reply
  4. Alana says

    Posted on 8/21/18 at Posted on 8/21/18

    Hi Denise
    Are the chicken slow cook receipes also ok to freeze post the entire crockpot cook?
    Thanks
    Alana

    Reply
    • Denise says

      Posted on 8/22/18 at Posted on 8/22/18

      Do you mean post cooking? Yes! The shredded chicken can be frozen for up to 3 months 🙂

      Reply
      • Alana says

        Posted on 8/28/18 at Posted on 8/28/18

        Yes exactly what I mean. Thank you. I made the honey soy and Mexican one tonight to freeze for meals next week 🙂 yum!

        Reply
        • Denise says

          Posted on 8/31/18 at Posted on 8/31/18

          Woo hoo! Hope you enjoy!

          Reply
  5. Natasha says

    Posted on 7/29/18 at Posted on 7/29/18

    I have a 6.7 Quarts stockpot; can I use these recipes in this pot on the stove? Or is it better in the oven?

    Reply
    • Denise says

      Posted on 8/2/18 at Posted on 8/2/18

      Hi Natasha! I haven't tried but I bet it would work just fine on the stove. I would try simmering in the salsa for 20-30 minutes and seeing if the chicken is ready to shred? This is really an estimate though 🙂

      Reply

Primary Sidebar

Hi, I'm Denise

Meal prep took me from feeling constantly stressed out about meals to cool, collected and in control. I want to share this amazing and transformational habit with you, so you can feel in control, too! Read more ...

Meal Prep

Instant Pot

Air Fryer

Freezer Meals

Slow Cooker

Breakfast

Popular

overhead shot of sweet potatoes lined up with text showing number of minutes to cook each

PERFECT Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes

overhead shot of 7 easy stir fry sauces on gray background

7 Easy Stir Fry Sauce Recipes

overhead shot of a variety of seven easy rice recipes with text description

7 Easy Rice Recipes (Stove Top & Rice Cooker)

5 minute asian salad dressing in a mason jar on gray background

5 Minute Asian Salad Dressing

Get my free Meal Prep Quick Start Guide

Get my free Meal Prep Quick Start Guide

Reader Faves

overhead shot of blue mason jar filled with crispy chickpeas

ULTRA Crispy Air Fryer Chickpeas

a stack of fluffy protein pancakes with blueberries on top and syrup being drizzled over them

Perfect Fluffy Protein Pancakes (no banana!)

ingredients to make greek seasoning blend with labels on white background

Easy Greek Seasoning Blend

collage image that says 25 popular meal prep ideas

25 Most Popular Lunch Meal Prep Ideas

As seen on:

Wondering where to start?

Get my Meal Prep Quick Start Guide

Join My Free Meal Prep Challenge!
  • Browse Recipes
    • Dinner
    • Lunch
    • Breakfast
    • Snacks
    • Drinks
    • Air Fryer
    • Instant Pot
    • Freezer
  • Meal Prep 101
    • Shop Meal Plans
    • Meal Prep Basics
    • Meal Prep Challenge
    • Quick Start Guide
Back to Top

Privacy Policy

Disclaimers

Contact

Accessibility

Causes

About

© 2023 Sweet Peas and Saffron
Site Credits Designed by Melissa Rose Design Developed by Once Coupled Logo by Wooden Spoons