Crock Pot BBQ Chicken with Homemade BBQ Sauce

Slow cooker BBQ chicken made with tender shredded chicken breasts and a homemade barbecue sauce. This easy crock pot recipe uses simple pantry ingredients like ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and smoked paprika for a rich, smoky flavor. Perfect for meal prep, weeknight dinners, and family meals, this BBQ chicken cooks low and slow for juicy results and works well for sandwiches, rice bowls, tacos, or sliders. Ideal for anyone looking for an easy slow cooker chicken recipe with homemade BBQ sauce.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs chicken breasts
• 1 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1/3 cup water
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon gluten-free Worcestershire sauce
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Directions

Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker.

In a large bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, water, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, cayenne pepper, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth. Reserve 3/4 cup of the sauce and pour the remaining sauce over the chicken.

Lift each chicken breast slightly to allow the sauce to coat the bottom, then cover with the lid. Cook on low for 4 hours, or until the chicken is very tender and easily shreds with a fork.

Shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker, then cook for an additional 30 minutes on low. Transfer the shredded chicken to a bowl, mix with the reserved BBQ sauce, and serve.

Tips

• For extra flavor, lightly season the chicken with salt and pepper before adding the sauce.
• If the sauce is too thick after cooking, add a splash of water to loosen it.
• Shred the chicken finely for sandwiches or keep it chunkier for plates and bowls.

Variations and Substitutions

• Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier result.
• Swap brown sugar with honey or maple syrup for a different sweetness.
• Add a dash of liquid smoke for a deeper smoky flavor.
• Make it less spicy by omitting the cayenne pepper.

FAQs

Can I cook this on high?
Yes, cook on high for about 2–2½ hours, until the chicken shreds easily.

Can I freeze BBQ chicken?
Yes, let it cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as the Worcestershire sauce used is certified gluten-free.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve on toasted buns for BBQ chicken sandwiches.
• Spoon over rice, mashed potatoes, or baked sweet potatoes.
• Use as a filling for tacos, wraps, or loaded nachos.
• Pair with coleslaw or a fresh green salad.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy slow cooker preparation with minimal effort.
• Tender, juicy chicken packed with homemade BBQ flavor.
• Versatile for multiple meals throughout the week.
• Family-friendly and perfect for meal prep.