Crockpot BBQ Chicken Recipe
Introduction
This Crockpot BBQ Chicken recipe is a simple and flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy days. With just a few ingredients, you get tender, shredded chicken coated in tangy BBQ sauce. It’s a versatile meal great for sandwiches, salads, or serving with your favorite sides.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast (or chicken thighs)
- 2 tablespoons dry ranch seasoning (1 packet)
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (I used Sweet Baby Ray’s)
Instructions
- Step 1: Lay the chicken in the bottom of the crockpot.
- Step 2: Cover the chicken with ranch seasoning on both sides. Pour the BBQ sauce over the top to cover the chicken evenly.
- Step 3: Cover the crockpot and cook on high for 2.5 to 3 hours or on low for 3.5 to 4 hours. Cooking time may vary depending on your slow cooker size and chicken thickness.
- Step 4: Once the chicken is cooked through, use two forks to shred it directly in the crockpot. Stir the shredded chicken into the BBQ sauce mixture thoroughly.
- Step 5: Serve the BBQ chicken warm and enjoy as a main dish or in sandwiches and wraps.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a splash of apple cider vinegar or a pinch of smoked paprika to the BBQ sauce before cooking.
- Using chicken thighs instead of breasts will yield a juicier result.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, mix in some hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes.
- Leftover BBQ chicken makes a great topping for baked potatoes or pizza.
Storage
Store any leftover BBQ chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave until heated through. You can also freeze the shredded chicken for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?
It’s best to use thawed chicken to ensure it cooks evenly in the crockpot. Using frozen chicken may increase cooking time and result in uneven cooking.
What can I serve with BBQ chicken?
BBQ chicken pairs well with coleslaw, cornbread, baked beans, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
PrintCrockpot BBQ Chicken Recipe
This Crockpot BBQ Chicken recipe is a simple and flavorful slow-cooked dish featuring tender boneless skinless chicken breast smothered in ranch seasoning and sweet BBQ sauce. Perfect for easy weeknight dinners, the chicken cooks low and slow in a crockpot, resulting in juicy, shred-ready meat infused with tangy and savory flavors.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast (or chicken thighs)
Seasoning and Sauce
- 2 tablespoons dry ranch seasoning (1 packet)
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (Sweet Baby Ray’s recommended)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Lay the chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot in an even layer to ensure even cooking.
- Season and Sauce: Sprinkle the dry ranch seasoning evenly over both sides of the chicken. Then pour the BBQ sauce over the top, covering the chicken completely to allow the flavors to meld during cooking.
- Cook the Chicken: Cover the crockpot with its lid. Cook on high for 2.5 to 3 hours, or on low for 3.5 to 4 hours, depending on your slow cooker and thickness of the chicken breasts. The chicken is done when it is fully cooked through and tender.
- Shred and Serve: Remove the chicken from the crockpot and use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the sauce in the crockpot and stir well to coat. Serve warm, optionally with your choice of sides or buns.
Notes
- Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for a juicier result.
- Cooking times may vary based on crockpot size and chicken thickness.
- Use your favorite BBQ sauce to customize the flavor.
- Great served on sandwich buns, over rice, or with salad.
- Leftovers keep well for up to 3 days refrigerated.
Keywords: crockpot BBQ chicken, slow cooker chicken, shredded BBQ chicken, easy chicken recipe, ranch BBQ chicken
