(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 & 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!
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. (Just like this epic slow cooker chicken curry recipe and gorgeous slow cooker pulled pork recipe!)
This slow cooker BBQ chicken recipe is no exception. It requires almost no effort, very little ‘hands on’ time & minimal pot washing. Yet still manages to deliver flavour in a BIG way. You know you want to let the slow cooker do all the hard work for you…
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!
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.
Easy Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken 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)
- 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)
Let’s get started! Place the chicken breasts (900g | 1 lb 16 oz) into the slow cooker & season both sides of each one with a little salt & pepper.
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) & Worcestershire sauce (1 tbsp) until smooth.
Next, pour that beautiful sauce into the slow cooker and mix until the chicken is completely covered.
Finally, pop the lid on and cook on high for 3 – 3 and a half hours, until the chicken is cooked through.
Once cooked through, take one breast out at a time & 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!
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…
Have you 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.
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How to Make the BEST Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken
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 & 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
- Season the chicken breasts well with salt & pepper then place into the slow cooker.
- Mix together the rest of the ingredients in a bowl and pour it over the chicken. Make sure it's all covered.
- Cook on high for 3 hours until the chicken is cooked.
- Remove the chicken, shred using a large bowl and two forks back to back.
- 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.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1Amount 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.
Liked This Post? You’ll Love…
- No Fuss Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
- CRAZY Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Curry
- Juicy Chargrilled Lime Chicken
As featured on Southern Bite’s Meal Plan Monday #179
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