Experience tender, pulled chicken in this Easy Crockpot Barbeque Chicken recipe. Flavors of tangy BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and spices meld together with juicy chicken breasts to create an inviting dish. Perfect for sandwiches or as a savory main course, it delivers hearty comfort without tedious prep.

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I’ve been working on this Crockpot BBQ Chicken recipe and I gotta say its one of my favs. I use 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 1 cup of my favorite BBQ sauce along with 1/2 cup chicken broth which makes it super moist and full of flavor.

I combine 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar and 1/4 cup brown sugar with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt and pepper to create a tangy-sweet marinade. This recipe is really popular if you like basic Crockpot chicken dishes and its perfect for making pulled chicken sandwiches.

I like that it makes a good nutritional balance with high protein and simple ingredients that you can easily find. The cooking technique falls in the slow cooker category most of us enjoy because its hands-off and dependable.

Its a solid recipe for any fan of easy Crockpot barbeque chicken recipes and pulled chicken recipes. Enjoy cookin!

Why I Like this Recipe

I really like this recipe because it’s super easy and low maintenance. I don’t need to spend all day in the kitchen, and the crockpot does most of the work for me.

I love how the flavors come together. The mix of BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar gives the chicken this sweet and tangy taste thats just perfect.

The chicken comes out so tender and juicy every time. I can easily shred it with two forks and mix it back into the sauce so every bite is full of flavor.

Lastly, it’s perfect for making sandwiches that pack a punch. I can grab some coleslaw or pickles, and boom, I’ve got myself an awesome meal without a lot of fuss.

Ingredients

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Chicken breasts supply high quality protein and help in muscle repair and maintenance.
BBQ sauce gives a sweet and tangy flavor with a bit of carbs for energy.
Brown sugar adds mouthwatering sweetness and a rich caramel essence to the dish.
Apple cider vinegar provides a sharp tang that brightens up the flavors overall.
Chicken broth keeps the chicken moist, reducing dryness during slow cooking.
Garlic powder delivers a savory aroma and a subtle, punchy zest.
Smoked paprika underlines the dish with a hint of earthy, smoky flavor.
Salt and pepper season the dish, enhancing all the subtle flavors naturally.
Onion powder adds a mild, savory depth to boost the overall taste.

Ingredient Quantities

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2-3 lbs)

1 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce

1/2 cup chicken broth or water

1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

1/4 cup brown sugar

1 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp onion powder

1/2 tsp smoked paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make this

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1. Put the chicken breasts in your crockpot and sprinkle a bit of salt and pepper on both sides.

2. In a small bowl, mix together your BBQ sauce, chicken broth (or water), apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar.

3. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika into the bowl and stir it until everything is well combined.

4. Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the crockpot so that its evenly covered.

5. Cover the crockpot with its lid, set it to low and let it cook for about 6-7 hours, or go with high for about 3-4 hours if you’re in a hurry.

6. When the chicken’s done, check to see if it’s tender enough to fall apart easily.

7. Take the chicken out and shred it with two forks.

8. Return the shredded chicken back into the crockpot and stir it so it soaks up that yummy BBQ sauce.

9. Let it cook for another 10-15 minutes on low to blend the flavors even more and then serve it on sandwiches or however you like it.

Equipment Needed

1. Crockpot
2. Measuring cups
3. Measuring spoons
4. A small mixing bowl
5. Two forks
6. A stirring spoon

FAQ

How long should I cook the chicken in the crockpot?

Cook it on low for about 4-6 hours or on high for about 2-3 hours. The timing may vary a bit depending on your crockpot.

Can I use bone-in chicken instead of boneless?

You could but it might need longer cook time to get tender meat, so Ive stick with boneless if possible.

Do I have to stir the sauce before serving?

Nah, the sauce naturally mixes with the juices from the chicken in the crockpot so its ready as is.

How can I thicken the sauce if it seems too runny?

Removing the chicken and stirring in a slurry made of corn starch and a little water then let it cook for a few extra minutes should work fine.

Is it okay to freeze leftovers?

Yes, leftover BBQ chicken freezes well. Just defrost it slowly in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop or microwave later on.

Crockpot BBQ Chicken Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Instead of chicken broth, you can use water mixed with a bouillon cube for that extra boost of flavor.
If you dont have apple cider vinegar, try using white vinegar or even a squeeze of lemon juice.
For brown sugar, you can swap it out with honey or regular white sugar if need be.
Replace garlic powder with fresh, minced garlic to amp up the taste a bit.
Regular paprika can be used in place of smoked paprika, and a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper can help mimic that smoky vibe.

Pro Tips

1. If you got the time, let the chicken marinate in a bit of the sauce for 30 minutes or so before tossing it in the crockpot. Trust me, it really amps up the flavor.

2. Keep an eye on your crockpot’s heat setting cuz sometimes low on one machine might be different on another. You may have to add an extra half hour if your chicken ain’t falling apart like you want.

3. Once you shred the chicken, be sure to mix it back into the sauce really well. This helps the flavors get into every bite, so don’t rush through it.

4. If you prefer a thicker sauce on your chicken, try removing the meat and letting the sauce reduce on high for a few minutes after you shred it. That little extra step makes a big difference.