Shredded Chicken Crockpot BBQ: 5 Reasons to Love it

By:

Christina R. Jones

August 3, 2025

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Let me tell you, the ease of making shredded chicken crockpot BBQ is a total game-changer for weeknight dinners! You simply toss everything in the slow cooker, and a few hours later, you’re rewarded with tender, flavorful chicken that’s just begging to be piled on a bun or served with your favorite sides. Seriously, who doesn’t love a meal that practically cooks itself while you go about your day? The delightful aroma of BBQ sauce wafting through your home is simply unbeatable.

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What I adore most about this recipe is its versatility. You can serve it at a casual family gathering, for a game day feast, or even as a quick lunch option throughout the week. Plus, it’s a hit with both kids and adults alike! With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without this easy, delicious recipe in your cooking repertoire!

Ingredients List

Let’s gather our ingredients for this mouthwatering shredded chicken crockpot BBQ! Each one plays a key role in creating that tender, juicy goodness that you’ll love. Here’s what you’ll need:

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken fillets: This is the star of the show! Look for fresh or thawed chicken fillets to ensure they cook evenly.
1 cup BBQ sauce: Choose your favorite brand or style! Whether it’s tangy, smoky, or sweet, this sauce will infuse the chicken with incredible flavor.
1/2 cup chicken broth: This adds moisture and helps the chicken cook up super tender. You can use low-sodium broth to adjust the saltiness to your liking.
1 tablespoon onion powder: A great way to add a depth of flavor without the hassle of chopping onions. It brings a sweet, savory note to the mix!
1 tablespoon garlic powder: Because who doesn’t love garlic? This ingredient adds a lovely kick that complements the BBQ flavor beautifully.
1 teaspoon paprika: This adds a subtle smokiness and enhances the color of your chicken, making it even more appetizing.
Salt and pepper to taste: Don’t forget to season! Adjust these to fit your personal preference for a perfectly balanced dish.

With these ingredients on hand, you’re already halfway to a delicious meal! Now, let’s get cooking!

How to Prepare Instructions

Alright, let’s dive into making this utterly delicious shredded chicken crockpot BBQ! It’s super straightforward, and I promise you’ll love how simple it is. Here’s how to do it step by step:

Place the chicken in the crockpot: Start by putting your 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken fillets right into the crockpot. Spread them out a bit for even cooking. No need to fuss about cutting them into pieces; they’ll break down beautifully later!
Mix your sauce: In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup of BBQ sauce with 1/2 cup of chicken broth, 1 tablespoon of onion powder, 1 tablespoon of garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of paprika. Stir it all together until well blended. This sauce is going to give your chicken that mouthwatering flavor!
Pour the sauce over the chicken: Carefully pour that flavorful mixture over the chicken fillets in the crockpot. Make sure they’re nicely coated. If you need to, give it a little stir to ensure the chicken is well submerged.
Cooking time: Cover the crockpot and set it to cook! If you’re in a hurry, go for the high setting and let it work its magic for 3 to 4 hours. For a more leisurely approach, set it to low and let it simmer for 6 to 7 hours. Either way, your kitchen will smell heavenly!
Shred the chicken: Once the cooking time is up, grab two forks and shred the chicken right in the pot. It should fall apart easily! Mix it well with the sauce for that perfect BBQ coating. Just a heads up—be careful, it’s hot!
Serve it up: Now, it’s time to dig in! Serve your shredded chicken on buns for delicious sandwiches, or pair it with sides like coleslaw or corn. Your family will be begging for seconds!

And there you have it! A simple, delectable shredded chicken crockpot BBQ that’s sure to impress. Enjoy the process and the delicious outcome!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick preparation time: With only 10 minutes of prep, you can set it and forget it! Perfect for busy weeknights.
Flavorful and hearty dish: The combination of BBQ sauce and spices creates a rich, mouthwatering flavor that’s sure to satisfy your cravings.
Great for meal prepping: Make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week! It’s perfect for easy lunches or quick dinners.
Versatile for different meals: Use it in sandwiches, tacos, salads, or even as a topping for baked potatoes. The possibilities are endless!

Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll find yourself making it again and again for all sorts of occasions!

Tips for Success

Alright, let’s make sure your shredded chicken crockpot BBQ turns out absolutely perfect every time! Here are my favorite tips that I’ve learned along the way:

Submerge the chicken: When you pour the sauce over the chicken, make sure it’s well-coated and submerged. This helps the chicken absorb all those delicious flavors and keeps it moist while cooking. If you notice any chicken peeking out, give it a little stir to get it all nestled in!
Use two forks for shredding: After cooking, the best way to shred the chicken is to use two forks. Just grab one fork to hold the chicken steady and the other to pull it apart. It’s super easy, and you’ll have perfectly shredded chicken in no time!
Don’t skip the resting time: Once your chicken is done cooking, let it sit for about 10 minutes before shredding. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it even more tender and flavorful.
Taste and adjust: Before serving, give the shredded chicken a taste! You can always adjust the seasoning if it needs a little more salt or spice. If you want it sweeter, add a touch more BBQ sauce. It’s all about making it perfect for your palate!
Keep it warm: If you’re serving a crowd, keep your shredded chicken warm in the crockpot on the “warm” setting. It’ll stay delicious and ready to serve while everyone fills their plates!

With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to creating the best shredded chicken crockpot BBQ that everyone will rave about! Enjoy every bite!

Variations

Now that you’ve got the basic shredded chicken crockpot BBQ down, let’s have some fun with it! There are so many delicious ways to switch things up and make this recipe uniquely yours. Here are some of my favorite variations to try:

Different BBQ Sauces: Experiment with different brands and flavors of BBQ sauce! You could go for a tangy vinegar-based sauce, a sweet honey BBQ, or even a spicy chipotle sauce for a kick. Each will give your chicken a unique taste that keeps things exciting.
Add Some Spice: If you’re a fan of heat, sprinkle in some cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce when mixing your sauce. You can also try adding a teaspoon of chili powder or smoked paprika for an extra depth of flavor that pairs beautifully with BBQ.
Incorporate Other Ingredients: Want to take it to the next level? Toss in some diced bell peppers or onions into the crockpot with the chicken. They’ll soften as they cook and add a savory sweetness to your dish. You could even add a can of diced tomatoes for a different texture and taste.
Herb Infusion: Mix in some fresh or dried herbs like thyme, oregano, or even a bit of rosemary to your sauce. It adds an aromatic quality that elevates the flavor profile of your shredded chicken.
Sweet and Savory Twist: For a fun twist, mix in a tablespoon of brown sugar or honey with your BBQ sauce. The sweetness will balance out the savory notes and give your chicken a delightful caramelization as it cooks.

These variations allow you to customize your shredded chicken crockpot BBQ to perfectly suit your taste buds. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make it your own—each batch can be a new adventure in flavor!

Serving Suggestions

Now that your delicious shredded chicken crockpot BBQ is ready, let’s talk about how to serve it up for maximum enjoyment! There are so many tasty options that’ll complement those tender, saucy bites perfectly. Here are some of my favorite serving suggestions:

Buns: This is a classic for a reason! Pile your shredded chicken high on soft hamburger buns or slider rolls. You can even toast the buns for a little extra crunch. Don’t forget to add a dollop of coleslaw on top for that perfect crunch and creaminess!
Salads: For a lighter option, serve the shredded chicken over a bed of fresh greens. Throw in some cherry tomatoes, avocado, and sliced cucumbers for a refreshing salad. Drizzle with your favorite dressing, and you’ve got a deliciously healthy meal!
Side Dishes: Pair your BBQ chicken with traditional sides like creamy macaroni and cheese, baked beans, or classic potato salad. You could also whip up some roasted vegetables or corn on the cob for a delightful summer meal.
Tacos: Get creative and use the shredded chicken as a filling for tacos! Just load your tortillas with the chicken and top with diced onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime for a fresh twist.
Baked Potatoes: Top a baked potato with the shredded chicken and your favorite toppings like cheese, sour cream, and chives. It’s a hearty meal that’s super satisfying!

These serving suggestions showcase the versatility of your shredded chicken crockpot BBQ. Whether you go for a classic sandwich or a fresh salad, you can’t go wrong. Enjoy every scrumptious bite!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Alright, let’s talk about how to store those delicious leftovers from your shredded chicken crockpot BBQ! You’ll definitely want to save any extra, because trust me, it’s just as good the next day (if not better!). Here’s how to do it:

Storing leftovers: Once the chicken has cooled down a bit, transfer it to an airtight container. I like to portion it out into smaller containers for easy grab-and-go meals throughout the week. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing for later: If you want to save some for a future meal, feel free to freeze it! Just make sure it’s in a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. It should keep well for about 3 months. Don’t forget to label it with the date so you know when it was made!

Now, when it comes to reheating, you’ve got a couple of easy options:

Microwave: If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works like a charm! Just place your desired portion in a microwave-safe dish, cover it (to avoid splatters!), and heat on medium power for about 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Make sure it’s heated all the way through before digging in!
Stovetop: For the best flavor and texture, I recommend reheating on the stovetop. Just add the shredded chicken to a skillet over medium heat with a splash of chicken broth or additional BBQ sauce to keep it moist. Stir occasionally until it’s heated through, usually about 5-7 minutes.
Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), then place the shredded chicken in a baking dish, covering it with foil to retain moisture. Heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed to your liking.

With these storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy your shredded chicken crockpot BBQ anytime the craving strikes! It’s all about keeping that flavor intact and making sure your meal remains delicious. Happy eating!

Nutritional Information Section

Before I dive into the numbers, I want to remind you that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these figures are estimates. It’s always a good idea to check the labels of your ingredients for the most accurate information. Here’s a general breakdown of the nutritional values for one serving of shredded chicken crockpot BBQ:

Calories: 320
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 100mg
Sodium: 600mg
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 10g
Protein: 40g

These numbers give you a good idea of what to expect from your delicious meal. The shredded chicken is packed with protein, making it a satisfying choice for lunch or dinner. Enjoy knowing you’re fueling your body with something tasty and wholesome!

FAQ Section

Got questions about making the best shredded chicken crockpot BBQ? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common queries I hear, along with my trusty answers:

Can I use frozen chicken? Absolutely! You can start with frozen chicken fillets, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time. If cooking on low, plan for about 8 hours instead of 6-7. On high, it might take around 4-5 hours. Just make sure it reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) before shredding!
What if I don’t have chicken broth? No problem! You can substitute with water in a pinch. Just remember that using broth adds extra flavor, so if you have some bouillon cubes or powder, you could mix that with water for a flavorful alternative!
How can I make this spicier? If you’re looking to kick up the heat, try adding some cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or even a splash of hot sauce to your sauce mixture. You can adjust the spice level to fit your taste—just start small and add more as needed!
Can I make this BBQ chicken ahead of time? Yes, you can! Prepare the chicken and cook it in the crockpot, then let it cool before transferring to an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. Just reheat it when you’re ready to serve!
What’s the best way to serve leftovers? Leftover shredded chicken is incredibly versatile! You can use it in tacos, on salads, or even as a topping for baked potatoes. It’s a fantastic way to create quick meals throughout the week!

If you have any other burning questions, feel free to reach out! Enjoy cooking, and happy eating!

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