How long to cook BBQ chicken in a crockpot?

On low: 6–7 hours On high: 3–4 hours Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F before shredding.

Can I use frozen chicken in the crockpot safely?

It’s best to thaw frozen chicken first. According to USDA guidelines, slow cookers heat up slowly, which means frozen meat could sit in the danger zone too long and become unsafe.

What BBQ sauce works best in a slow cooker?

Thick sauces like Sweet Baby Ray’s work well. You can also use homemade or low-sugar versions — just make sure they’re not too watery or thin for optimal flavor and texture.

What to do if my sauce turns too watery?

Remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking to let excess moisture evaporate. Stir in a cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce. Simmer excess sauce separately on the stovetop until reduced.

Can I cook it on high instead of low?

Yes, you can. Just check it around the 3-hour mark. Chicken breasts especially can dry out quickly if left too long on high heat.

Can I Make This Ahead and Reheat for a Party?

Definitely. Let the cooked chicken cool, store it in the fridge overnight, and reheat it in the crockpot or on the stovetop with a bit of extra sauce or broth.

Why Does My Chicken Turn Out Dry in the Crockpot?

This usually happens when the chicken is overcooked or too lean. Use more sauce, check internal temps early, or try boneless thighs for better moisture retention.

Crockpot BBQ Chicken Recipe (Easy, Juicy, Time-Saving)

Description

Tender crockpot BBQ chicken made with just 3 ingredients. Juicy, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale

2–3 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
1.5 cups BBQ sauce
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (optional)
2 tbsp grated onion, with juices (optional)
1 tbsp olive oil (optional)

Instructions

Prep the Slow Cooker: Lightly oil the inside of your slow cooker or use a liner.
Mix the Sauce: Stir together BBQ sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire, and spices.
Coat the Chicken: Add chicken and ensure it is well coated in the mixture.
Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours.
Shred and Serve: Shred directly in the crockpot using two forks. Let sit for 10 minutes to absorb sauce.

Notes

For deeper flavor, add 1 tsp apple cider vinegar and 1 tsp smoked paprika.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days, or freeze up to 3 months.
Reheat with a splash of broth or BBQ sauce to maintain moisture.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours
Category: Dinner
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 280
Sugar: 14g
Sodium: 670mg
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 35g
Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: crockpot bbq chicken