When you’re short on time but still want to enjoy a flavorful, delicious meal, this BBQ slow cooker chicken recipe is the perfect solution. This easy-to-make dish can be prepared in just a few minutes, and then you can sit back and let your slow cooker do the rest of the work. In this post, we’ll share with you some of the best slow cooker chicken recipes and tips for creating a perfectly tender and juicy BBQ chicken.
In this blog post, we’ll share a mouth-watering BBQ slow cooker chicken recipe that will leave you wanting more (it’s one of our household’s favorite quick and easy chicken recipes). Making bbq chicken sandwiches is my favorite way to enjoy this meal, so make sure to check out this perfectly creamy (and super easy) coleslaw recipe.
Benefits of Using a Slow Cooker or Crock Pot for Cooking Chicken:
Slow cooker chicken recipe is one of the easiest and most convenient ways to cook chicken. Here are some benefits of using a slow cooker or crock pot for cooking chicken:
- Saves time and energy: A slow cooker or crock pot does all the work for you, so you don’t have to spend hours in the kitchen preparing and cooking the chicken. You can simply set it and forget it, and come back to a delicious meal later.
- Retains the flavor and moisture: Slow cooking allows the chicken to cook slowly and evenly, which helps to retain its flavor and moisture. You’ll end up with tender and juicy chicken that’s full of flavor.
- Versatility: Slow cooker chicken recipe is a versatile dish that can be customized to your taste. You can use different sauces, spices, and toppings to create a variety of flavors and textures.
Convert this to an Instant Pot Chicken Recipe:
Converting a slow cooker BBQ chicken recipe into an Instant Pot recipe is actually quite easy. Here are the steps to follow:
- Adjust the liquid: Instant Pots require less liquid than slow cookers, so you may need to reduce the amount of chicken broth in your recipe by half.
- Sauté the chicken: With an Instant Pot, you can sauté the chicken before pressure cooking it to create a nice sear and added flavor. Simply press the “sauté” button on your Instant Pot and sear the chicken on both sides for a few minutes until it’s browned.
- Add the BBQ sauce: Once the chicken is seared, add your BBQ sauce and any other seasonings to the Instant Pot.
- Pressure cook: Set your Instant Pot to “pressure cook” mode and cook the chicken on high pressure for 10-12 minutes, depending on the size of your chicken breasts.
- Natural release: Once the cooking time is up, let the Instant Pot naturally release for 5-10 minutes. Then, use the quick release valve to release any remaining pressure.
- Shred the chicken: Use two forks to shred the chicken in the Instant Pot.
- Serve: Serve your pulled chicken on buns or rolls, and top with additional BBQ sauce, coleslaw, or your favorite toppings.
By following these steps, you can easily convert your slow cooker BBQ chicken recipe into an Instant Pot recipe for a quick and easy meal.
BBQ Slow Cooker Chicken Recipe
Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Slow Cooker Pot
Ingredients
- 2-3 Chicken Breasts boneless, skinless
Rub
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
BBQ Sauce
- 3 cloves garlic crushed or minced
- 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp mustard
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix the rub ingredients (brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and pepper).
- Rub spice mix onto both sides of the chicken breasts. Set aside.
- Stir BBQ sauce ingredients together in the slow cooker. Layer the seasoned chicken breasts into the slow cooker.
- Slow cook chicken for 4 hours on high, or 6 hours on low.
- When finished cooking, remove chicken from the slow cooker and shred each breast. Place chicken back in the crock pot, stir with the BBQ sauce, and keep cooking for 10 minutes.
Notes
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days or frozen for up to three months.
- My favorite way to serve the pulled chicken is on buns or rolls, topped with additional BBQ sauce, and coleslaw.
Here are some other slow cooker chicken recipes you can try:
- Coleslaw Dressing (no vinegar): a creamy sweet dressing with a slight tang.
- Crock Pot Chicken Fajitas: Combine sliced bell peppers, onions, and chicken breasts in a slow cooker with fajita seasoning for a flavorful dinner that’s perfect for taco night.
- Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup: A classic comfort food that’s perfect for chilly nights. Combine chicken, carrots, celery, onions, and noodles in a slow cooker with chicken broth and seasonings for a satisfying meal.
- Crock Pot BBQ Chicken Wings: Toss chicken wings in BBQ sauce and cook them in the slow cooker for a tender and flavorful appetizer or main dish.
- Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice: Combine chicken breasts, rice, and vegetables in a slow cooker with chicken broth and seasonings for an easy and hearty meal.
Thinking about getting a new slow cooker or crock pot? Check out my top three favorite crock pots:
Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or a meal prep solution, these crock pot chicken recipes are sure to please. If you love this recipe, you may also love my sweet and tangy bbq sauce recipe! Or, if you want to try another quick chicken recipe, my One Pan Greek Chicken Recipe is a must-try! Try them out and see which ones become your new favorites!
I love the flavors from the dry rub and wet BBQ sauces. The savory seasoning makes the perfect BBQ. I might try this with pork for pork sliders with cole slaw!