Easy Crockpot Shredded BBQ Chicken Recipe

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This Easy Crockpot Shredded BBQ Chicken is the perfect dump and go meal that you will be making on those busy days. Loaded with flavor and so versatile you will be coming back to this recipe time and time again.

BBQ chicken on a bun on a plate with coleslaw and a plaid towel near

I am all about a quick and easy recipe and this one checks all the boxes. Literally throw all the ingredients in your favorite slow cooker and come back at dinner time and ta-da! You have dinner ready. This recipe can be served so many different ways too which makes it a great recipe to add to your list. We love it on slider rolls, sweet potatoes, or just in a bowl with some delicious coleslaw. However you choose I promise you it will be coming back to this recipe time and time again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Minimal effort. You literally throw all your ingredients in the crock pot and forget about it till dinner time.
Easy meal prep. This is great for dinner and even better for leftovers the next day or throughout the week.
Totally customizable. Use whatever BBQ sauce you enjoy and serve it your favorite way.
Protein-packed. You cannot go wrong with a high-protein dinner option.
Crowd-Pleaser. You can make this for a large gathering or your family and everyone is sure to love it.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Shredded BBQ Chicken Ingredients needed for the recipe

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: The protein power house- tender, lean, and easy to shred.
BBQ Sauce: Adds all the sweet and smoky flavor. You can make your own or choose your favorite.
Water (or Chicken Broth): Keeps the chicken juicy while it cooks.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Balances the sweetness of the BBQ sauce.
Garlic Powder: Adds a simple savory flavor.
Onion Powder: Gives the chicken even more flavor that escalates the BBQ sauce.
Salt: Helps bring out all the flavors and adds a little more depth.
Black Pepper: Adds the perfect little spice.

How to Make the Easiest Shredded BBQ Chicken

Please see the recipe card at the bottom of this post for the full recipe details.

Place the chicken in the bottom of your slow cooker.
In a small bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, broth, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.Pour the sauce over the chicken, coating it evenly.
Cover and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours, until the chicken is tender and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Shred the chicken with two forks and stir it into the sauce.
Let it sit for about 10 minutes so it can soak up all the flavor before serving.

Recipe Tips

Cook on LOW if you can. Cooking the chicken on low for 4–5 hours helps it stay tender and juicy for the best shredded BBQ chicken.

Don’t overcook the chicken. Chicken breasts can dry out if they cook too long, so check for an internal temperature of 165°F.

Shred the chicken in the slow cooker. Mixing the shredded chicken with the sauce helps every bite soak up that delicious BBQ flavor.

Use your favorite BBQ sauce. Since it’s the main flavor in this recipe, choose one your family loves.

Add more sauce if needed. If you like your BBQ chicken extra saucy, stir in another ¼ to ½ cup of BBQ sauce after shredding or add it right on top of the chicken once you plate it.

Let it rest before serving. Allow the shredded chicken to sit in the sauce for 5–10 minutes so it can absorb even more flavor.

How to Store and Reheat

Let the shredded BBQ chicken cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

To freeze, place the cooled chicken in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

To Reheat:

Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until warmed through.
Stovetop: Warm the chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of chicken broth or a little extra BBQ sauce to keep it moist.
Slow Cooker: For larger portions, reheat on LOW for 1–2 hours until hot.

Tip: If the chicken seems a little dry after storing, stir in a little extra BBQ sauce before serving to freshen it up.

Serving Suggestions

This easy crockpot shredded BBQ chicken is delicious served in so many different ways! Here are a few of my favorite ideas:

Piled onto hamburger buns for classic BBQ chicken sandwiches.
Served with coleslaw on the side or right on the sandwich.
Over mashed potatoes for a cozy, comforting meal.
Stuffed into wraps with lettuce and cheese.
Served over white rice or brown rice with your favorite vegetables.
On top of a baked potato or sweet potato.
Sliders for parties, game days, or easy family dinners.
With simple sides like mac and cheese, corn on the cob, baked beans, potato salad, or fresh fruit.

shredded bbq chicken on a bun with coleslaw on a white plate

Frequently Asked Questions

For the best texture and food safety, use thawed chicken. This helps the chicken cook evenly in the slow cooker.

Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work great and are extra juicy. Cook them the same way and shred before serving.

Absolutely! Crockpot shredded BBQ chicken is perfect for meal prep. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.

Yes! Just double all of the ingredients and make sure your slow cooker isn’t more than about two-thirds full. The cooking time will usually stay about the same.

Yes! If you like your shredded BBQ chicken extra saucy, stir in an additional ¼ to ½ cup of BBQ sauce after shredding or add some to the top of your chicken when serving.

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