3 Ingredients Crock Pot BBQ Chicken: A Simple and Flavorful Meal

If you’re looking for a super easy, delicious, and foolproof meal, look no further than 3 Ingredients Crock Pot BBQ Chicken. This recipe combines just three simple ingredients that, when cooked in a slow cooker, result in juicy, tender chicken packed with flavor. Whether you’re in need of a quick weeknight dinner, meal prep, or something to serve at a gathering, this recipe has you covered.

Learn more about quick and simple slow cooker recipes on Taste of Home’s Slow Cooker Collection, and for tips on BBQ chicken recipes, check out BBQGuys.

Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions

This 3 Ingredients Crock Pot BBQ Chicken is as easy as it gets. The slow cooker does most of the work for you, leaving you with a flavorful dish to serve in no time.

3 Ingredients Crock Pot BBQ Chicken – Simple, Flavorful, and Easy to Make

Author: Jennifer Mitchell
Total Time: 3-4 hours
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This easy 3-Ingredients Crock Pot BBQ Chicken is a quick and delicious meal that requires minimal effort! With just chicken, ranch seasoning, and BBQ sauce, you can have a tender, flavorful dish ready to serve. Perfect for sandwiches, salads, or as a main course, this recipe is a simple way to satisfy your cravings for BBQ chicken without any fuss.

Ingredients

Scale

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or chicken thighs)
2 tablespoons dry ranch seasoning (1 packet)
1 cup BBQ sauce (Sweet Baby Ray’s or your favorite brand)

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:
Place the chicken breasts (or thighs) in the bottom of your slow cooker.
Add the Ranch Seasoning:
Sprinkle the dry ranch seasoning evenly over the chicken.
Add the BBQ Sauce:
Pour the BBQ sauce over the chicken and ranch seasoning.
Cook in the Crock Pot:
Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and easily shreds with a fork.
Shred the Chicken:
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the crock pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the sauce in the crock pot and mix to coat.
Serve:
Serve the BBQ chicken on buns for sandwiches, over rice, or with a side of your choice.

Notes

You can use either chicken breasts or thighs depending on your preference. Chicken thighs tend to be more juicy and tender.

For a more tangy flavor, you can add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to the BBQ sauce.

This recipe is versatile; feel free to top the chicken with cheese, pickles, or onions when serving.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 3-4 hours on high
Category: Main Dish
Method: Crock Pot
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe
Calories: 290
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 900mg
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 21g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: 3-Ingredients Crock Pot BBQ Chicken

Instructions:

Prepare the Chicken: Start by placing the boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs) in the bottom of the crock pot. No need to add any extra liquid since the chicken will release moisture as it cooks.
Season the Chicken: Sprinkle the dry ranch seasoning over the chicken, evenly covering all sides. The ranch seasoning gives the chicken an extra layer of flavor and helps enhance the BBQ sauce.
Add the BBQ Sauce: Pour the BBQ sauce over the seasoned chicken. Ensure that the chicken is well-coated with the sauce. You can use any BBQ sauce you prefer, but Sweet Baby Ray’s adds a nice balance of sweetness and tang.
Slow Cook the Chicken: Cover the crock pot and cook the chicken on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be tender and easily shred with a fork.
Shred and Serve: Once the chicken is cooked and tender, shred it with two forks directly in the crock pot. Stir it into the sauce for an even distribution of flavor. Serve the shredded chicken as-is or on buns, over rice, or with a side of vegetables.

Advanced Techniques for Perfect Crock Pot BBQ Chicken

While this recipe is simple and straightforward, there are a few advanced techniques that can elevate the flavor and texture of your 3 Ingredients Crock Pot BBQ Chicken:

Use Chicken Thighs for Extra Moisture

Although chicken breasts are commonly used for this recipe, using chicken thighs instead will result in even juicier and more flavorful meat. Chicken thighs are naturally more tender and have more fat, which means they stay moist during the slow cooking process.

Add a Smoky Flavor

If you love the flavor of smoky BBQ, try adding a tablespoon or two of smoked paprika or chipotle powder to the ranch seasoning mix. This adds depth and a smoky kick to the chicken.

Caramelize the BBQ Sauce

For a deeper, more robust flavor, after shredding the chicken, place it under the broiler for 3-4 minutes. This will caramelize the BBQ sauce and add a bit of crispy texture to the edges of the chicken. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning.

Customize the BBQ Sauce

You can personalize the BBQ sauce to your taste by mixing in a few extras such as honey, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, or hot sauce. This will create a unique twist on the flavor profile, making the dish more suited to your preferences.

See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.

Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips

One of the best parts of this 3 Ingredients Crock Pot BBQ Chicken recipe is that it’s ideal for leftovers. Here are some helpful tips on how to store and reheat it:

Storage

Store any leftover shredded BBQ chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It’s best to let the chicken cool down before sealing it in the container.

Freezing

You can also freeze the leftover BBQ chicken for later use. Transfer the shredded chicken into freezer-safe bags or containers, and store it in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, let it thaw overnight in the fridge and then heat it in the microwave or on the stove.

Reheating

Reheat the shredded chicken in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or on the stovetop in a pan over medium heat. You may need to add a splash of water or extra BBQ sauce to keep it moist during reheating.

Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions

This 3 Ingredients Crock Pot BBQ Chicken recipe is flexible and can be adapted to fit various dietary preferences.

Gluten-Free

Most BBQ sauces are naturally gluten-free, but always check the label to ensure there are no hidden gluten ingredients. You can also use a gluten-free ranch seasoning packet to keep the entire dish gluten-free.

Low-Carb Option

To make this dish low-carb, simply serve the shredded chicken without buns or bread. Pair it with a low-carb side dish such as roasted vegetables or a salad for a satisfying meal.

Dairy-Free

For a dairy-free version, make sure to choose a ranch seasoning that does not contain dairy, or use a dairy-free alternative. Many ranch seasonings and BBQ sauces are dairy-free, but it’s always a good idea to check the labels.

Vegan Version

For a vegan version, you can swap the chicken for jackfruit, which has a similar texture to pulled chicken when cooked. Use vegan ranch seasoning and BBQ sauce, and the recipe will be completely plant-based.

FAQs About the Recipe

Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

Yes! You can use frozen chicken breasts, but the cooking time will be a bit longer. If you’re using frozen chicken, cook on high for 4-5 hours, checking for doneness.

What kind of BBQ sauce should I use?

You can use any BBQ sauce you prefer, but a sweeter BBQ sauce like Sweet Baby Ray’s works particularly well. If you like your chicken spicier, try a tangy or spicy BBQ sauce for an extra kick.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! If you’re feeding a crowd or meal prepping, you can double the recipe. Just make sure your crock pot is large enough to accommodate the extra ingredients. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly, depending on the amount of chicken.

How do I make the chicken spicier?

If you like spicy BBQ chicken, add a tablespoon of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the BBQ sauce. You can also add some chopped jalapeños or chili flakes for an extra heat boost.

Conclusion & Final Thoughts

This 3 Ingredients Crock Pot BBQ Chicken recipe is the epitome of simplicity and deliciousness. With minimal prep and just three key ingredients, you can create a meal that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you serve it on buns, in tacos, or alongside your favorite sides, the flavor-packed chicken will satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Plus, it’s easy to customize, making it ideal for a wide range of dietary needs.

Give it a try today, and enjoy a tasty, fuss-free meal that will have everyone asking for seconds!