This slow cooker BBQ chicken is incredibly easy to make and bursting with flavor. Simply combine chicken breasts with a tangy BBQ sauce made from Sweet Baby Ray’s Honey BBQ, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and onions. The result? Tender, juicy, and flavorful shredded chicken that’s perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or a hearty dinner.

Ingredients:

3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 5-6 pieces)
1 1/2 cups BBQ sauce (Sweet Baby Ray’s Honey BBQ recommended)
1/2 medium onion, grated (with juice)
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
2 Tbsp brown sugar

Instructions:

In a 5-6 quart slow cooker, stir together the BBQ sauce, grated onion (with juice), olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar.
Add the chicken breasts to the slow cooker, turning them to coat with the sauce mixture.
Cover and cook on high for 2-3 hours, or on low for 6-7 hours. Check the chicken earlier if using smaller pieces or if your slow cooker tends to run hot.
The chicken is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and is easily shreddable.
Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.
Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, stirring it to coat with the flavorful BBQ sauce.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This slow cooker BBQ chicken recipe is a true game-changer for busy weeknights or meal prepping. The chicken becomes incredibly tender and flavorful, thanks to the perfect combination of BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar. It’s super easy to make, requiring minimal prep, and it’s versatile enough to serve in sandwiches, tacos, salads, or as a main dish with your favorite sides.

Tips, Variations, and Substitutions

Chicken Options: While this recipe calls for boneless, skinless chicken breasts, you can also use chicken thighs for a richer flavor. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time if you use bone-in chicken.
Sweetness Level: Adjust the brown sugar to suit your taste. If you like your BBQ chicken a little sweeter, add an extra tablespoon of brown sugar or honey.
Spicy Kick: Add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes to give the BBQ sauce a spicy kick.
Low-Sugar Option: Use a low-sugar BBQ sauce to reduce the sweetness or make it healthier. You can also replace brown sugar with a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit.
Adding Veggies: Toss in some bell peppers or sliced carrots for extra flavor and texture.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. However, you’ll need to increase the cooking time by 1-2 hours. Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

How can I tell when the chicken is done?
The chicken is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and shreds easily with two forks.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken in advance and refrigerate it. Simply reheat the shredded chicken in the slow cooker with a little extra BBQ sauce to keep it moist.

Serving and Suggestions

This BBQ chicken is incredibly versatile. Serve it on soft buns for a quick and tasty sandwich or pile it on top of a salad for a light meal. It’s also perfect for tacos, wraps, or as a filling for baked potatoes. Pair it with a side of coleslaw, corn on the cob, or roasted vegetables for a complete and delicious meal.