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The BEST Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken

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(This post has been updated from the original July 2015 version to provide a better experience for you)

Want to know how to make the most INCREDIBLE slow cooker BBQ chicken? You’re in the right place my lovely! I’ve used this recipe at many gatherings (so have my friends and family) and every single time I hear nothing but yummy noises and ‘oh my life, I need this recipe!’

So today I’m sharing my secrets with you, so you can impress your own friends and family with this epic slow cooker bbq chicken. Speaking of slow cooker chicken recipes, have you seen this slow cooker chicken teriyaki recipe? It’s delicious!

A bun filled with slow cooker bbq chicken and coleslaw on a chopping board

I’ve realised over the last few years that being a busy Mum doesn’t mean you have to miss out on incredible food. Turns out, it’s actually super easy to achieve with a slow cooker! One of the most underrated and underused kitchen appliances that really can churn out some amazing meals.

I mean, have you tasted this slow cooker chicken curry or this gorgeous slow cooker pulled pork?!

Slow cooker bbq chicken on a sesame seed bun with coleslaw

This slow cooker BBQ chicken recipe is no exception. It requires almost no effort, very little ‘hands on’ time and minimal pot washing. Yet still manages to deliver BIG flavour in the most satisfying way! It’s great letting the slow cooker do all the hard work for you!

You could go the extra mile and use a bbq sauce recipe to make your own sauce of course, but that’s entirely optional.

Slow cooker bbq chicken on a sesame seed bun with coleslaw

What makes slow cooker BBQ chicken so great?

EVERYTHING?! Not only is it crazy easy to make but it also yields quite a large quantity too. This makes it perfect for gatherings, parties, lazy days. barbecues etc. I can also confirm that leftovers make great sandwiches for packed lunches! If you use my lightning speed shredding trick too, (see further down in this post) there really is next to no hands on time at all. It’s just juicy exquisite perfection!

Slow cooker bbq chicken on a sesame seed bun with coleslaw

Tips for making slow cooker BBQ chicken

If you’ve not made slow cooker bbq chicken before, I’ve got some super helpful tips that will set you on the road to tasty delicious heaven!

  • Make sure you don’t skip seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. It makes a big difference!
  • While still warm, place the chicken into an electric stand mixer (leave the sauce in the slow cooker) and mix gently for 10 – 20 seconds until perfectly shredded. Keep a close eye on it though as it can turn to mush quite easily. So much easier than two forks and a bowl right?!
  • I highly recommend toasting the buns you serve this in as it’s quite juicy and could cause the buns to fall apart if you don’t.
  • Got other plans? Cook on low for 5 – 6 hours instead of high for 3 hours.
  • Ensure the chicken is completely submerged in the sauce so you don’t get any dry bits on top.
Slow cooker bbq chicken on a sesame seed bun with coleslaw

Easy Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken – Step by Step Picture Recipe

Here is what you will need. (Makes a lot!)

(For a printer friendly version, see the recipe card at the end of this post)

Ingredients

  • 900g (1 lb 16 oz) Skinless Boneless Chicken Breasts. (About 4 large)
  • Salt & Pepper
  • 250ml (1 Cup) BBQ Sauce
  • 60ml (1/4 Cup) Italian Salad Dressing
  • 50g (1/4 Cup) Light Brown Sugar
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce

Essential equipment

  • Slow Cooker/Crock Pot (Mine has a 3.5 litre capacity)

Instructions

Let’s get started! Place the chicken breasts (900g | 1 lb 16 oz) into the slow cooker and season both sides of each one with a little salt and pepper.

Seasoned chicken breasts in a slow cooker

Then in a medium sized bowl, mix together the BBQ sauce (250ml | 1 Cup), Italian salad dressing (60ml | 1/4 Cup), brown sugar (50g | 1/4 Cup) and Worcestershire sauce (1 tbsp) until smooth.

bbq sauce for slow cooker bbq chicken, in a small bowl

Next, pour that beautiful sauce into the slow cooker and mix until the chicken is completely covered.

Slow cooker bbq chicken in a slow cooker, before being cooked

Finally, pop the lid on and cook on high for 3 – 3 and a half hours, until the chicken is cooked through.

Slow cooker bbq chicken in a slow cooker before being shredded

Once cooked through, take one breast out at a time and shred in a bowl using the backs of two forks together.

Alternatively, (and this is an EPIC top tip!) you can use an electric stand mixer to shred it. Transfer the warm chicken breasts to a stand mixer bowl (leave the juice in the slow cooker) and mix on a low speed for about 10- 20 seconds until it’s perfectly shredded. Just make sure you keep a close eye on it as it can turn mushy quite easily. SO much quicker than using two forks!

When it’s all nicely shredded, dump it back into the slow cooker for 10 – 15 minutes on warm to soak up all those lovely BBQ juices!

Slow cooker bbq chicken on a sesame seed bun with coleslaw

You can serve this with just about anything. You could have it in a bun with a big dollop of coleslaw, serve with rice, or even have it cold in a sandwich the next day. It really is delicious and only takes up about 10 minutes of your time. What’s not to like?! You know you want to go and try it…

Slow cooker bbq chicken on a sesame seed bun with coleslaw

Made this recipe? I want to know!

Will you be making this EPIC slow cooker bbq chicken recipe? I’d love to know if it is! Send me your pics and comments on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram or email me at emma@kitchenmason.com.

Loved this recipe? Pin it!

Slow cooker bbq chicken on a sesame seed bun with coleslaw
Slow cooker bbq chicken on a sesame seed bun with coleslaw
Slow cooker bbq chicken on a sesame seed bun with coleslaw

Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken - Printable Recipe

Yield: 6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes

This CRAZY simple slow cooker BBQ chicken recipe is so utterly delicious - I guarantee you'll be making it for every party!

Ingredients

  • 900g (1 lb 16 oz) Skinless Boneless Chicken Breasts. (About 4 large)
  • Salt and Pepper
  • 250ml (1 Cup) BBQ Sauce
  • 60ml (1/4 Cup) Italian Salad Dressing
  • 50g (1/4 Cup) Light Brown Sugar
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce

Essential Equipment

  • Slow Cooker/Crock Pot (Mine has a 3.5 litre capacity)

Instructions

  1. Season the chicken breasts well with salt and pepper then place into the slow cooker.
  2. Mix together the rest of the ingredients in a bowl and pour it over the chicken. Make sure it's all covered.
  3. Cook on high for 3 hours until the chicken is cooked.
  4. Remove the chicken, shred using a large bowl and two forks back to back.
  5. Put the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker on the warm setting and cook for a further 5 mins to soak up all the BBQ sauce.

Notes

See the main post for a more detailed step by step picture recipe.

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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 670Total Fat: 14gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 272mgSodium: 916mgCarbohydrates: 30gFiber: 0gSugar: 26gProtein: 100g

Nutritional information on kitchenmason.com should only be used as a general guideline, I am not a certified nutritionist. Please always check labels for allergens where applicable.

Did you make this recipe?

I'd love to hear about it! Please leave a comment on the blog or tag me on Instagram.

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Julie @ Back To My Southern Roots

Saturday 7th of September 2019

Your recipes always look so delicious, including this one! Yummy!

Miss KitchenMason

Saturday 7th of September 2019

Aww thank you so much Julie! Emma :)

Sue

Monday 18th of March 2019

Please can you make available a printable version of slow cooker pulled chicken recipe , like your other recipes have? Find it easier to work from. Many thanks

Miss KitchenMason

Monday 18th of March 2019

Hi Sue! All done for you :) Emma x

Jude

Friday 22nd of February 2019

Hi, could you make this using diced chicken breast, but just not shred it ?

Miss KitchenMason

Friday 22nd of February 2019

Hi Jude. You could absolutely make it with diced chicken - my only concern is that the sauce may be quite watery once cooked. (When shredded, the chicken absorbs all those lovely juices.) Emma x

Laverne M

Thursday 1st of October 2015

I made this, using half the brown sugar it called for and adding a couple splashes of cider vinegar to give it a Virginia tang. It was sooooo gooood. Served it on whole wheat brioche buns with a little slaw I made using purple cabbage and carrots (slaw dressing is mayo, cider vinegar, celery seeds and regular sugar - all to taste based on the amount of dy ingredients). Will likely add more chicken breast meat as there is enough sauce to stretch it even further. Nice & super easy recipe!!!

Miss KitchenMason

Thursday 1st of October 2015

Ooh your version sounds so good! Glad you enjoyed it & thank you so much for your lovely comment! x

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