Crockpot BBQ Chicken Recipe

ByJack Voss
Jump to Recipe

Introduction

This Crockpot BBQ Chicken recipe is a simple, hands-off way to enjoy tender, flavorful chicken infused with zesty ranch and sweet barbecue sauce. Perfect for busy days, the slow cooker does all the work while you prepare your favorite sides.

The dish is served on a white plate with three sections: on the left, there is a bright yellow layer of cooked corn kernels that look soft and shiny; in the back center, there is a portion of creamy, off-white mashed potatoes mixed with small bits of dark red, giving it a textured, chunky look; on the right front side, there is a generous pile of pulled chicken covered in a rich, brownish-red barbecue sauce with a few small pieces of green garnish scattered on top. A silver fork is placed on the right edge of the plate, which sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast or chicken thighs
  • 2 tablespoons dry ranch seasoning (about 1 packet)
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce (Sweet Baby Ray’s recommended)

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Lay the chicken evenly in the bottom of your crockpot.
  2. Step 2: Sprinkle the ranch seasoning over both sides of the chicken, then pour the BBQ sauce on top to cover it well.
  3. 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 times may vary slightly depending on the size of your slow cooker and the thickness of the chicken.
  4. Step 4: Once the chicken is fully cooked, use two forks to shred it directly in the crockpot. Stir the shredded chicken into the BBQ sauce until well mixed. Serve warm.

Tips & Variations

  • For extra flavor, add a splash of apple cider vinegar or a pinch of smoked paprika to the sauce before cooking.
  • Try using chicken thighs for juicier results or turkey breast for a leaner option.
  • Serve on buns with coleslaw for BBQ chicken sandwiches or over rice for a complete meal.

Storage

Store leftover BBQ chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a microwave or on the stove over low heat until heated through, adding a splash of water or extra BBQ sauce if needed to keep it moist.

How to Serve

A white plate with three food sections: on the left, bright yellow corn kernels; in the middle back, a heap of white fluffy rice mixed with some small bits of beans; on the right front, a generous portion of shredded brown barbecue chicken garnished with small green onion pieces. A silver fork rests at the top right edge of the plate. The plate is set on a white marbled surface with part of a blue and white striped cloth visible at the bottom right. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

It’s best to use fully thawed chicken for even cooking in the crockpot. Using frozen chicken may increase cooking time and affect texture.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Check the labels on your BBQ sauce and ranch seasoning to ensure they are gluten-free, as some brands may contain gluten ingredients.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Crockpot BBQ Chicken Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 101 reviews
  • Author: Jack
  • Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes to 4 hours 5 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
Print Recipe

Description

This Crockpot BBQ Chicken recipe offers a simple and flavorful way to prepare tender, shredded chicken infused with ranch seasoning and tangy barbecue sauce. Perfect for easy weeknight meals, the slow cooker does all the work, ensuring juicy, delicious chicken ready to be served on buns, salads, or alongside your favorite sides.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast (or chicken thighs)

Seasoning & Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons dry ranch seasoning (1 packet)
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce (recommended: Sweet Baby Ray’s)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken: Lay the chicken breasts or thighs evenly at the bottom of the crockpot, making sure they are spread out for even cooking.
  2. Season the chicken: Sprinkle the ranch seasoning evenly over both sides of the chicken. Then, pour the BBQ sauce over the chicken, covering it completely to ensure maximum flavor infusion.
  3. Cook the chicken: Cover the crockpot with the lid and cook on high for 2.5 to 3 hours, or on low for 3.5 to 4 hours. Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken and your specific slow cooker model.
  4. Shred and mix: Once the chicken is fully cooked and tender, use two forks to shred it directly in the crockpot. Stir the shredded chicken into the BBQ sauce so it absorbs all the delicious flavors.
  5. Serve: Serve the shredded BBQ chicken warm. It’s perfect for sandwiches, tacos, salads, or as a main dish alongside your favorite sides.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, consider adding sliced onions or garlic to the crockpot before cooking.
  • You can substitute chicken thighs for breast for a juicier result.
  • Use the low setting if you plan to leave the chicken cooking for a longer period to prevent overcooking.
  • Leftover chicken can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
  • Adjust BBQ sauce quantity based on your preference for saucier or drier chicken.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2.5 to 4 hours
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Crockpot BBQ Chicken, Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken, Shredded BBQ Chicken, Easy BBQ Chicken Recipe, Barbecue Chicken

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can’t wait to see what you’ve made!

Avatar photo

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆