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–+ servings
side angle view of bbq chicken sandwich on plate
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5 from 5 votes

Crockpot BBQ Chicken (Juicy + Tender!)

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!
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time4 hours
Total Time4 hours 10 minutes
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: BBQ
Servings: 8
Calories: 191kcal
Author: Denise Bustard

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

Video

Notes

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.

Nutrition

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