The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken
This is going to be the easiest Crockpot BBQ chicken you have ever made. I’m not joking… this really is going to be the easiest BBQ chicken you have ever made. Since I first tested this recipe, it has made it’s way into our meal rotation almost weekly. It is just that good!
Now, don’t get me wrong…nothing beats BBQ chicken straight off the grill. BUT, the flavors of this recipe can’t be beat and you don’t have to sweat over a hot grill.
Give it a try next week and I bet you will be converted to the crockpot-side 🙂
I used a 6qt slow cooker for this recipe. You could certainly use a smaller cooker if preferred, though I would advise against using a larger one. It’s important to note that some slow cookers require a minimum fill level to prevent damage, so be sure to consult your owner’s manual beforehand.
Our go-to is Sweet Baby Rays. But any of your favorite bbq sauces will work!
Some of our favorites are mac and cheese, potato salad, pasta salad, or cowboy caviar.
The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken
- Season chicken breast lightly (a small pinch per breast) with some sea salt and place in your crockpot.
- In a mixing bowl combine BBQ sauce, Italian dressing, brown sugar and Worcestershire sauce. Stir until well combined.
- Pour over chicken, cover and cook on HIGH for 3-4 hours.
- Once time is up, you can serve the breast whole, or shred with 2 forks. If shredding, recover and let cook in sauce for about 10-15 more minutes to soak up all that delish flavor.
Serve on buns, over rice, in wraps, on a salad or eat a plateful as is! Our favorite way is on fresh rolls, topped with coleslaw.
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Want even MORE crockpot ideas? Make sure to check out my 30 EASY CROCKPOT MEALS!
OTHER CROCKPOT RECIPES WE LOVE!
- The Best Crockpot Beef Stew
- Crockpot Crack Chicken
- Creamy Crockpot Chicken Stuffing and Green Beans
- Crockpot Chili Cheese Dip
- Crockpot Detox Soup
The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken
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Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/4 cup Italian dressing
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- salt to taste
Instructions
- Season chicken breast lightly ( a small pinch per breast) with some sea salt and place in your crockpot.
- In a mixing bowl combine BBQ sauce, Italian dressing, brown sugar and Worcestershire sauce. Stir until well combined.
- Pour over chicken, cover and cook on HIGH for 3-4 hours
- Once time is up, you can serve the breast whole, or shred with 2 forks. If shredding, recover and let cook in sauce for about 10-15 more minutes to soak up all that delish flavor.
- Serve on buns, over rice, in wraps, on a salad or eat a plateful as is! Our favorite way is on fresh rolls, topped with coleslaw.
Video
Nutrition
Nutritional Disclaimer: Family Fresh Meals is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is only an estimate. We recommend running the ingredients through an online nutritional calculator if you need to verify any information.
Did You Make This Recipe?
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Love this Corey! Looks delicious!
http://youtube.com/addalittlefood
Very delicious! I used chicken thighs instead (some with skin some skinless) about 3.5lbs. Turned out perfect. Definitely making again! I cooked on high 1hr, then on low for 4hrs. Chicken turned out very tender falling off the one. It was perfect over rice!
What bottled barbecue sauce did you use?
I always use Sweet Baby Ray’s. I think it is the best.
I used to make my own. No more!
This recipe is delicious every time I make it! I follow the recipe. Sometimes forget the salt but don’t miss it and maybe a little less brown sugar. I have used Weber’s sauce and Stubb’s sauce-both great! I also always use Good Seasons Italian dressing.
The whole family loves it!
And so EASY!!
Thank you so m <ch for sharing. Father's Day has a new "favorite.
I use Stubbs. No high froutose sugar and has great flavor. Cut the time after cutting breasts in half. Put on low and hour in.
What is the cook time with frozen chicken breast
Did you mean italian dressing powder or in a bottle?
I used dressing from the bottle.
Sweet Baby Ray’s first ingredient is high fructose corn syrup. Should pick one with more natural ingredients like Rib Rack.
This is my go to bbq recipe! Not only is it easy, it’s really good. I use Stubbs spicy for an added kick.
Do you think I can get away with not putting Brown Sugar??
Yes! Most bbq sauce have sugar in them anyway. I cut the sugar in half and the recipe tasted so great!
I used Burmans Texas from Aldi, they have Texas, Memphis, Kansas City, and Carolina sauces. Taste great and no high fructose corn syrup.
Great recipe!
I also used the Burmans BBQ Sauce, but the Kansas city. I added 4 sliced fresh jalapeños to the mix and some extra garlic powder. DELISH! Thanks!
Is it ok if I only have a pound and a half of chicken ?
I love Sweet baby Ray’s.
Did you still add
¼ cup Italian dressing
¼ cup brown sugar
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
to the BBQ?
That’s what I use every time including all the other ingredients.
How can I get more of the” smokey” taste? I made this as directed and yummm! But I like a bit more smokey taste. Other then that my picky eater even loved it kept going back and goin back. He’s 22yrs. old!! ha, ha, ha! Overall we loved it. I’ll make it again. soon!
Maybe try adding in some liquid smoke?
Where is the coleslaw recipe? I’ve found it before but can’t now
Here you go Denise! https://www.familyfreshmeals.com/2016/05/classic-creamy-coleslaw.html
I love this recipe in the crock pot but am out of time and I’m wondering if you’ve ever done it in the instant pot? If so, how long should I cook it for?
I tried it in my instant pot and it turned out great! I used 4 chicken breasts, cooked it on high for 18 min then did a quick release.
What setting did you use for the instant pot?
If you were to double the recipe but use frozen chicken. How long would u suggest to cook it?
Absolutely love this recipe! It’s so helpful in meal planning for several days because of all the versatility in using the delicious meat. Thank you!
Cooked this last night for my family and it was AMAZING! They LOVED it!!! Prepared exactly how it said! The best! Thank you!!
Is it Italian salad dressing??
Yes 🙂
Has anybody tried making this Whole30 compliant😬? Was thinking Coconut aminos instead of Worcestershire, no sugar, vinegar/olive oil/Italian seasoning instead of dressing and compliant BBQ sauce.
Dry Italian dressing I believe…??
No, you want to use the bottled “wet” dressing
I help cook for the homeless and would like any suggestions on how to do this recipe for 40 people. We cook food at home and transport to location to serve. We do have a kitchen to use. Thanks.
We doubled the recipe for a housewarming party with about 45 attending. With brisket and sausage as other meats, we had leftovers. Made beforehand (previous day), then popped in crock pot that morning to rewarm and serve. Very easy and you can control the overall taste by the flavor of Bar-B-Q sauce you use. I like Stubbs sugar free. My husband likes
Hi I made this tonight and loved it!
I’m going to make it for a party. 40 guests.
If I double the recipe with 5lbs of chicken. Do I double the cooking time? Or still cook 5lbs on high for 3-4hrs?
Also do I double all ingredients?
Do you think 5lbs is enough for 40 people ?
Lastly, if I cook night before and then rewarm next day. I’m assuming I cook then put in fridge keeping it in the crockpot bowl. Then how to I recook? Just warm in crockpot for how long till it’s ready to serve?
Sorry I’m new to this and don’t want to disappoint all the mouths I’m feeding.
Jess
Hi Debbie! Do you recall when you doubled the recipe, did you cook it for longer? If so, how much longer?
The recipe serving size is 4-6 people, I would take into consideration that those your feeding deserve lots of food so I’d do the math with it being 4 that it feeds! You would just multiply the recipe by 10! 20lbs of chicken .. etc!
Could you marinate these in the morning before putting in the Crock-Pot?
Honestly, I just put in about two pounds of chicken breasts, pour on the rest of the ingredients one at a time, and cook it like that. I find that it all mixes together fine while it’s cooking. I cook it on high 4 hours (shredding between hours 3 and 4) or on low for 7.5-8 hours while I’m at work and shred it and put it back in for about 30 minutes so it can soak up the juices. My crock pot switches to warm after a set time.
Oh good to know about the low 7-8 hours cuz I will be gone all and wondered if it would still be just as good!!! Thank you! Stay tuned 🙂
Can you use light Cesar dressing if you don’t have Italian?
No…they aren’t even remotely the same thing.
You could but it will change the taste of the finished dish.
My mom and I made this for a small family gathering and we got rave reviews! We used a combination of chicken breast and some thighs and the chicken came out moist and smthe sauce was super yummy. We served them on buns with coleslaw as well. Will he making again for sure!
If I triple the recipe should I extend the cooking time as well?
I did a mixture of breast & thighs as that’s what had on hand. Made some additions – placed a single layer of sliced onion rings on the bottom of crockpot, then sprinkled w/ paprika & Italian session + add bit of water to allow for steaming. Added the chicken – sprinkled dry Italian dressing on both sides. I added Dijon mustard to the bbq sauce ingredients. Cooked on high for 4 hours – chicken was very tender. Served as sliders adding mayo to the buns & topping with shredded cabbage. Family approved ??. Will def make again – thanks!
This was delicious. Thank you for an easy recipe 🙂 it will definitely be a staple for my family!
Hello,
If I double the recipe, how long do you recommend for the cooking time? Double? 8 hours on low?
No, you shouldn’t need to double the time. Maybe just add on an extra hour or so. I hope that helps!
In my house we absolutely love this recipe. I am 7 months pregnant and am working on some freezer meals. Has anyone ever stored this in the freezer after shredding? Thanks in advance!!!
I know this is late as a reply but I freeze it in smaller portions to have later. I just let it defrost in the fridge before reheating.
I love this recipe. I’m going to make it for a family gathering of about 35 people and wondered if I could do ahead and freeze. I see the answer in someone else’s reply. Thank you.
I found Sweet Baby Ray’s that is sugar free. I I didn’t care for the original just too sweet.
Yes, I freeze it in freezer bags in the portions I’ll need later. Then I just reheat on the stove when needed.
This is delicious. We ate it over scoops as nachos. Sooo good. I’m doubling it tonight for dinner so we can leftovers.
BBQ chicken nachos are the best! YUM!!!
We love to cook on the grill but with all the rainy days we have had this summer, that isn’t always possible…. I will definitely be trying this recipe. It looks great!
She probably used sweet baby rays they are awesome!
I have bad news for you “sweet baby ray” lovers. It’s all High Fructose Corn Syrup! No.1 ingredient. There’s a lot of good BBQ sauces out there, I would’nt use this.
Doesn’t change that fact that it tastes amazing!
Still gonna put it on everything I bar b que!
WHAT R BABY RAYS – SORRY NEW TO COOKING- THANKS FOR EVERY ONES HELP IN STAYING HEALTHY. DO I NEED THAT MUCH SUGAR , TO MAKE IT TASTE THAT WAY- SOUNDS LIKE A SPLURGE SAT. RECIPE
It’s just a brand of BBQ sauce. You can use any BBQ sauce if you cannot find Baby Rays 🙂
Excellent bbq chicken recipe!! In a pinch, how long and what temp in the oven (glass dish)?
Lauren, I haven’t made this in the oven yet. Can anyone else help?
I make bbq chicken in the oven sometimes. I cook for an hour at 350. Pour 1/2 cup sherry sprinkle garlic salt and cover with bbq sauce. Cover with foil and bake them. Super quick and easy. Always yummy. If you use thin breasts I would cut down the sherry it’s just for the bottom of the pan not to cover the chicken. I hope that helps.
Could you use pork butt instead of chicken?
Have you ever use this bbq sauce on ribs?
No I have not, but that sounds like a yummy idea.
Hi: I also love Lick Your Chops BBQ sauce. . When I don’t use sweet baby rays I use this one it is a great option
!!! Apologies !!!! I had a huge brain drain the name I intend d to write is “Sticky Fingers”. I am soooooo sorry!!!!!
I use Splenda brown sugar and white to cut back – it also doesn’t put me in a sugar coma. Sweet pot pie! Pecan pie….
.. I didn’t add sugar to this bbq tho- one thing about sugar and salt, can’t REMOVE flavor if you add too much- good luck in your cooking adventures!
Is there anyway I can use the original Italian season dressing instead of the zesty Italian?
Sure!!! Why not!!! I added diced chunky onions,,, garlic,,, and sweet jalapeño’s diced to sauce! The sweet rolls will calm down the little heat-
I looked at the date of your comments, ….. years later, but, I have been using Olive Garden I Italian dressing…. It has been a huge success!!!
Annie I use olive garden dressing too and its better in my opinion ..I also add onion to it..My family loves it
Love this recipe. Can this be made up in advance as a freezer meal?
Could you tell us what kind of BBQ sauce you used? That makes a huge difference!
I used open pi Apple whisky. Delicious!!
I’ve made this recipe 3 times now and used 3 different brands of bbq sauce just to play! Delicious every time! Today i used frozen solid breasts…3.5 lb, cooked on high x 4 hours and shredded, they were cooked thru just fine 🙂 thank you for a simple and amazing recipe!
Can you tell us what BBQ sauce you used please?
I have actually used a couple different kinds 🙂 I usually use Sweet Baby Rays Original, but have also used Trader Joe’s Brand (that one has a little more spice) and Stubb’s Original. They have all turned out wonderful! I would stick with a sauce you usually use 🙂 I hope that helps!
Thank you!
This is an amazing tecipe! My hubby, kids, and any company we hv or go see LOVES this! And it’s so stinkin’ simple! I make a simple angel hair coleslaw and slider rolls and some sort of veggie like corn! Delicious! ! Thank you! ! It’s a keeper!
I like the idea of the cole slaw on the sandwhich. Do you coat it with anything?
You can add on some extra BBQ sauce if you would like, but I think you will find the chicken is saucy enough on it’s own.
I love this recipe. If I want to double or triple the recipe (maybe put 6-8 chicken breasts, do I need to double or triple the ingredients? I’m new to cooking so don’t know what to do!
What if I have no crock pot would it be just as good if boiled or better baked ???? Please help
I have made it in the oven before, but it was too dry. Maybe with the addition of ingredients besides barbecue sauce, it would be better in the oven than when I made it. i still suggest using a slow cooker.
I also love Sticky Fingers!! Original and Sweet Carolina!!! I think it is wonderful. 😀❤️
I’ve used Open Pit BBQ Sauce and it is awesome!!
I used Longhorn Barbecue Sauce. This recipe is soooo good! On are regular rotation of meals now! Kids eat it up! Husband had no complaints!
I was 1/2 c short on the BBQ sauce (Trader Joe’s Carolina BBQ Sauce – absolutely yummy). I made the recipe “to the directions” regardless, and waited for my hubby to pick up more BBQ sauce at the store for me (not the same brand, mind you – he picked out Kraft I think). When it was time to add more sauce, about 3 1/2 hrs into cooking, and I lifted the lid for the first time – I was panicked. It was VERY watery… but I trusted this blog, and put the remaining 1/2 c of sauce in, decided to “chunk” the chicken (I used 2 very lg chicken breasts and 3 thighs) so stirring in the sauce would be easier. Put the lid on, and checked it an hour later. PERFECTION! No more watery BBQ soup – it was thick and wonderful. 🙂 I shredded the chicken at this point, ate at least 3 or 4 bits to check the taste (the house smelled soooo good) — and was DIVING back in for more. 🙂 Put the lid back on to cook an additional 20 min. While pics of delicious meals are a dime a dozen now on the internet (mostly pinterest), and the reviews are typically written as follows: “wow that looks delicious- can’t wait to try it!” I’m here to tell you — I’ve made this… and it’s DELICIOUS! 🙂
I am so happy to hear you loved it Kim! Yes, as soon as you chunk or shred the chicken, it thickens up and becomes amazing 🙂 Thank you so much for taking the time to write such a wonderful review.
Am going to try this in the next couple of days …(got to get the BBQ sauce!)
I used hawaiin [maybe sweet? or tangy?] bbq sauce, it made the shredded chicken even better! just that lil extra taste to it….tho i cheated and used canned shredded chicken….first time with this new one on sale with lemon pepper….and ? something else….man hubby loved the sandwiches! tasted good plain on plate too…
Thanks for the actual review. Yes, most say things like, “looks good”. I appreciate the feedback from someone who’s actually tried it.
I agree with you.
Hi hi there. When it says use a 1/4 cup exactly what measurements is that. I live in the UK and work on ml,grams etc??
1/4 cup equals 59.1470591 mL 🙂 I hope that helps Pete 🙂
Can you make this recipe without Italian dressing???
I have only made this recipe as written Linda. Sorry.
I have been using Olive Garden Italian dressing when I make this. I have found it to be the best of any of the store bought offerings! I hope this helps!!!
I am so glad to hear someone else mention thier distaste for “this looks so good” reviews. that is not helpful at all. Thank you for your actual review!!! It is extremely helpful.
I am so glad you posted this! Like you said, lots of comments are just people saying they have try it, and not actually comments about their experience. After reading more reviews I am definitely making this for the guys at my work next week, they love BBQ and since this is so easy I am actually excited to try it! I’m glad you said something about the watery part, if I would have seen that I wouldn’t have known what to do! Thank you! I cant wait to try this!
Haha. That is so annoying and so true. That is not a review. Your review was very helpful. Thank you.