Crock Pot BBQ Chicken: Effortless and Flavorful

Crock Pot BBQ Chicken is the perfect easy-to-make recipe for those busy weeknights when you need a quick and delicious dinner option. With just three simple ingredients—chicken, ranch seasoning, and BBQ sauce—you can create a savory, tender, and flavorful dish that everyone will love. This recipe is perfect for sandwiches, salads, tacos, or as a main dish served with your favorite sides.

In this article, we will show you how to make this Crock Pot BBQ Chicken in a few simple steps, provide advanced techniques to enhance the flavor, share tips for storing leftovers, and suggest ways to adapt the recipe for different dietary needs.

For more slow-cooker meal ideas, check out these easy Crock Pot recipes or discover more about BBQ flavors with this BBQ sauce guide.

Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions

Ingredients:

Crock Pot BBQ Chicken Recipe: Simple, Tender, and Flavorful

Author: Jennifer Mitchell
Total Time: 3-4 hours on high)
Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Crock Pot BBQ Chicken is the ultimate easy dinner! Tender, juicy chicken is slow-cooked to perfection with a tangy ranch seasoning and sweet BBQ sauce, making it perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or served alongside your favorite sides. Simply toss everything in the slow cooker and let it work its magic for a hands-off, delicious meal.

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 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs) into the bottom of your Crock Pot or slow cooker.
Season the Chicken:
Sprinkle the dry ranch seasoning evenly over the chicken.
Add BBQ Sauce:
Pour the BBQ sauce over the seasoned chicken, making sure it’s evenly coated.
Cook:
Cover the Crock Pot with its lid and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
Shred the Chicken:
Once cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the Crock Pot. Stir to mix the shredded chicken with the sauce.
Serve:
Serve the BBQ chicken on buns for sandwiches, over rice, or with a side of coleslaw. Enjoy!

Notes

Chicken Choice: You can use chicken breasts or thighs based on your preference. Chicken thighs will result in a slightly juicier dish, while breasts tend to shred more easily.
BBQ Sauce Variations: Feel free to use any BBQ sauce you like, whether it’s sweet, spicy, or smoky!
Meal Ideas: This BBQ chicken is versatile—use it for sandwiches, wraps, tacos, or even as a topping for salads.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or frozen for up to 3 months.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 3-4 hours on high
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/6 of the recipe (about 1/2 cup shredded chicken)
Calories: 230
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 700mg
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 32g
Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: Crock Pot BBQ Chicken

Instructions:

Prepare the Chicken: Place the 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs) directly into the bottom of your Crock Pot. You do not need to add any oil or liquid as the chicken will release its own juices while cooking.
Add Ranch Seasoning: Sprinkle the 2 tablespoons of dry ranch seasoning evenly over the chicken. This will add a rich, tangy flavor that complements the BBQ sauce perfectly.
Pour in the BBQ Sauce: Add 1 cup of BBQ sauce (Sweet Baby Ray’s is a great option) over the chicken and seasoning. Make sure the chicken is well-coated with the sauce for maximum flavor.
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 fully cooked and tender, shredding easily with a fork.
Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is done, remove it from the Crock Pot and use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. You can return the shredded chicken to the Crock Pot to mix with any remaining sauce, or serve it right away.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Crock Pot BBQ Chicken on buns for sandwiches, as a topping for salads, in tacos, or with your favorite side dishes. Enjoy the smoky, tangy flavors!

Advanced Techniques

While the basic recipe for Crock Pot BBQ Chicken is simple and easy to follow, there are a few techniques you can use to elevate the dish and add even more depth of flavor.

1. Add Extra Seasonings

If you want to bring more complexity to your BBQ chicken, try adding a teaspoon of garlic powder, onion powder, or smoked paprika along with the ranch seasoning. This will boost the savory flavors and give the chicken a richer taste.

2. Use a Variety of BBQ Sauces

Experiment with different types of BBQ sauce to create a unique flavor profile. You could use a smoky, spicy BBQ sauce for a bolder taste or a honey BBQ sauce for a touch of sweetness. Mixing different sauces together can also help you find the perfect balance of flavors.

3. Add Vegetables

To make this dish a more complete meal, you can add vegetables to the Crock Pot. Sliced onions, bell peppers, or even sweet potatoes can be added along with the chicken. The vegetables will cook with the chicken and absorb the delicious BBQ flavor.

4. Broil for a Crispy Finish

If you like your BBQ chicken to have a crispy finish, after shredding the chicken, spread it out on a baking sheet and broil it for a few minutes until the edges start to crisp up. This adds a smoky, caramelized texture that takes the flavor to the next level.

See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.

Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips

If you have leftover Crock Pot BBQ Chicken, it stores well and can be used for multiple meals. Here are some tips on how to store and maintain its flavor:

Storage:

In the Refrigerator: Allow the BBQ chicken to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
In the Freezer: You can freeze Crock Pot BBQ Chicken for up to 3 months. Place the cooled, shredded chicken in a freezer-safe container or bag. To avoid freezer burn, ensure there’s minimal air in the container.

Reheating Tips:

Microwave: To reheat, place the chicken in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Stovetop: For stovetop reheating, place the chicken in a skillet with a little bit of BBQ sauce and heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions

The Crock Pot BBQ Chicken recipe is easy to modify to fit different dietary preferences. Here are some adaptations:

Low-Carb Version:

This recipe is already low in carbs, making it great for those following a keto or low-carb diet. Serve it with a side of roasted vegetables or a salad instead of bread for a complete meal.

Gluten-Free Version:

Since the recipe uses store-bought BBQ sauce and ranch seasoning, be sure to check the labels for any gluten-containing ingredients. You can opt for gluten-free BBQ sauce and ranch seasoning to make sure the dish stays gluten-free.

Dairy-Free Version:

Both the BBQ sauce and ranch seasoning can contain dairy, but you can easily find dairy-free alternatives for both. Look for dairy-free ranch seasoning or make your own by combining non-dairy ingredients such as vegan mayo, garlic powder, and dill.

Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts:

If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs are a great substitute for chicken breasts. They remain juicier and more tender during the slow cooking process, and they soak up the BBQ sauce beautifully.

FAQs About The Recipe

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts or thighs in the Crock Pot. Just make sure to cook the chicken on high for 4-5 hours instead of the usual low setting, and ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Can I use this recipe for chicken wings?

Yes, you can use the same recipe for chicken wings. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as wings may cook a little faster than breasts or thighs. Cook them for about 3-4 hours on low.

Can I make this recipe with beef?

While this recipe is specifically designed for chicken, you can certainly try it with beef, such as brisket or short ribs. Just be aware that the cooking time may vary depending on the cut of beef, and you may need to adjust the seasonings to suit the beef flavor.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can easily double or even triple the recipe. Just ensure that the chicken is evenly coated with the seasoning and BBQ sauce, and you may need to adjust the cooking time if you’re using a larger Crock Pot.

Conclusion & Final Thoughts

Crock Pot BBQ Chicken is a quick, easy, and delicious meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. With minimal ingredients and effort, you can create a tender, flavorful dish that’s versatile enough for sandwiches, tacos, or served over rice. The best part is that it’s made in the Crock Pot, allowing you to set it and forget it while you go about your day.

With a few simple adjustments, you can customize this recipe to fit your tastes, dietary needs, or even experiment with different sauces and seasonings. So, next time you need a fuss-free dinner, try making Crock Pot BBQ Chicken and enjoy the smoky, savory flavors it brings to your table!