Tender Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Recipe Easy 5-Ingredient Best Homemade Meal
A tender, juicy slow cooker BBQ chicken recipe made with just five simple ingredients. Perfect for busy days, this easy homemade meal delivers smoky, tangy flavor with minimal effort.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 7 hours (low) or 3 to 4 hours (high)
- Total Time: 6 hours 5 minutes (low) or 3 hours 5 minutes (high)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds (900 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup (240 ml) BBQ sauce (smoky, slightly sweet variety recommended)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Optional: ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Optional: 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
- Optional: A few dashes hot sauce
Instructions
- Pat 2 pounds (900 grams) of boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs dry with paper towels.
- In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup (240 ml) BBQ sauce with 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Optionally add ½ teaspoon smoked paprika or 1 tablespoon honey for sweetness.
- Place the chicken in the slow cooker and pour the BBQ sauce mixture over it. Use tongs to coat each piece evenly.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours until the chicken pulls apart easily with a fork.
- Shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker using two forks or tongs to mix with the sauce.
- Stir well and taste for seasoning. Add salt or more BBQ sauce if needed.
- If the sauce is too thin, mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with a little cold water, stir into the slow cooker, and cook on high for 10-15 minutes to thicken.
Notes
Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for juicier results or breasts for leaner meat. Resist lifting the lid during cooking to maintain heat. To thicken sauce, use cornstarch mixed with cold water and cook on high for 10-15 minutes. For a crispy finish, broil shredded chicken for 3-5 minutes after slow cooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 4 ounces (113
- Calories: 180220
- Fat: 47
- Carbohydrates: 610
- Protein: 30
Keywords: slow cooker BBQ chicken, easy BBQ chicken, 5-ingredient BBQ chicken, tender chicken recipe, crockpot chicken, homemade BBQ chicken