If you’re looking for an easy, family-friendly dinner that practically cooks itself, this Shredded BBQ Chicken (Crock Pot Recipe) is exactly what you need! Made with tender chicken breasts, sweet and smoky barbecue sauce, and simple pantry spices, this dish delivers big flavor with minimal effort.

It’s perfect for busy weeknights, game day gatherings, potlucks, or meal prep. Serve it on toasted buns, over baked potatoes, in wraps, or even on pizza. Just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work — truly a fix it and forget it meal!

Ingredients

• 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 (18 oz) bottle Sweet Baby Ray’s Hickory & Brown Sugar Barbecue Sauce
• ⅓ cup light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ¼ teaspoon chipotle chili powder
• ¼ teaspoon ground white pepper

Instructions

1. Place chicken breasts into the Crock Pot.
2. Turn the heat to low.
3. In a medium bowl, combine:
   • Barbecue sauce
   • Brown sugar
   • Apple cider vinegar
   • Olive oil
   • Garlic powder
   • Onion powder
   • Smoked paprika
   • Chipotle chili powder
   • White pepper
4. Whisk until fully combined.
5. Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken.
6. Stir gently to coat the chicken evenly.
7. Cover and cook:
   • Low: 6–7 hours
   • High: 3–4 hours
8. When chicken is tender and easily shreds with a fork, it’s ready.
9. Shred the chicken directly in the Crock Pot using two forks.
10. Stir well so the chicken is fully coated in the sauce.
11. Serve warm on buttered, toasted hamburger buns.

Serving & Storage Tips

Serving Ideas

• Serve on toasted brioche buns
• Over baked sweet potatoes
• Inside tortillas for BBQ tacos
• On top of mac and cheese
• As a pizza topping

Storage

• Refrigerator: Store in airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze up to 3 months in freezer-safe bags.
• Reheating: Warm in microwave or stovetop with a splash of water or extra BBQ sauce.

Variations

1. Spicy Kick Version – Add ½ tsp cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
2. Honey BBQ Style – Replace brown sugar with ¼ cup honey.
3. Pineapple BBQ Chicken – Add ½ cup crushed pineapple.
4. Bourbon BBQ – Add 2 tbsp bourbon to the sauce.
5. Ranch BBQ Chicken – Stir in 1 packet ranch seasoning.
6. Coleslaw Sandwich Style – Top with creamy coleslaw.
7. Cheesy BBQ Chicken – Add shredded cheddar before serving.
8. BBQ Chicken Sliders – Serve on mini slider buns.
9. BBQ Chicken Stuffed Baked Potatoes – Spoon into baked potatoes with sour cream.
10. BBQ Chicken Nachos – Spread over tortilla chips with cheese and jalapeños.
11. Low-Sugar Version – Skip brown sugar and use sugar-free BBQ sauce.
12. Smoky Maple BBQ – Replace sugar with 3 tbsp maple syrup.
13. Garlic Lover’s Style – Add 2 minced fresh garlic cloves.
14. BBQ Chicken Quesadillas – Use in tortillas with mozzarella.
15. BBQ Chicken Pasta Bake – Mix with cooked pasta and bake with cheese.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead?

Yes! Boneless skinless thighs work great and are even juicier.

2. Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, but increase cook time by 1–2 hours on low.

3. Can I make this in an Instant Pot?

Yes. Cook on high pressure for 12–15 minutes with natural release.

4. How do I keep it from getting dry?

Make sure chicken is fully covered in sauce while cooking.

5. Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! Just don’t overfill your slow cooker.

6. What BBQ sauce works best?

Sweet and smoky sauces work best, but any favorite brand will do.

7. Is it spicy?

It has mild heat from chipotle powder. Adjust to taste.

8. Can I meal prep this?

Yes! It reheats beautifully for lunches.

9. Can I make it ahead for a party?

Yes, keep warm in slow cooker on “warm” setting.

10. What sides go well with it?

Coleslaw, corn on the cob, baked beans, or potato salad.

This Shredded BBQ Chicken Crock Pot Recipe is the ultimate easy comfort food. Tender, saucy, and packed with smoky-sweet flavor, it’s versatile enough for sandwiches, tacos, bowls, and more. Whether you’re feeding your family or hosting a crowd, this simple slow cooker recipe guarantees delicious results every time.

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