This zesty Slow Cooker Barbecue Chicken is made with just chicken tenders and a bottle of barbecue sauce to keep it simple. It's a dump and go recipe that can be used for pulled chicken sandwiches, pizza and more.
Table Of Contents
Making Barbecue Chicken in the slow cooker is a totally hands-off simple way to prepare this delicious shredded chicken for pulled chicken sandwiches, barbecue chicken pizza, non-traditional chicken enchiladas or taquitos and more. Or add to pizza bites instead of using pepperoni or other fillings. Shredded barbecue chicken can also be made in your Instant Pot.
It's easy and convenient to make pulled barbecue chicken on a monthly basis and use it for meal prepping, freezer meals and a variety of dinners throughout the week without having to start a meal entirely from scratch. Flatbread style pizzas and quesadillas are other great ways to use this recipe. We always have shredded buffalo chicken and shredded cheesy ranch chicken in the freezer ready to go for busy nights.
Why This Recipe Works
- Pulled barbecue chicken is versatile and can be used in endless ways to create unique and delicious dinners.
- It's easy to make in big batches in your crockpot and then freeze for use later on, without starting a meal completely from scratch!
Ingredients
You need only a few ingredients to make delicious slow cooker barbecue chicken.
- Chicken tenders or chicken breasts
- Barbecue sauce: your favorite brand.
- Salt and pepper, optional and to your taste preferences.
Step-By-Step Instructions
- Add the chicken tenders to the slow cooker. Pour barbecue sauce on top and mix well.
- Set to LOW for 4 hours. When done, shred chicken and return to the slow cooker. Mix well and keep on warm until ready to serve.
Chef's Tips
When cooking any chicken recipe in the slow cooker, I prefer to use the low setting. This prevents the chicken from cooking too quickly and drying out.
How To Store
Store pulled barbecue chicken in the fridge for up to 7 days in an airtight container or in the freezer for up to 6 months for optimal quality.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, it will take the chicken about 2 hours to cook on high.
Yes, but they will take longer to cook as they are thicker than chicken tenders. On low, chicken breasts should take about 6 hours before becoming shreddable.
Shredded barbecue chicken can be used in a variety of ways. Use it to make pulled chicken sandwiches, barbecue chicken and pineapple pizza, in taquitos, in enchiladas and quesadillas. You can also use it to make a chicken and rice casserole, as a stuffing for baked sweet potatoes with some black beans and cilantro, etc.
Recipe
Slow Cooker Barbecue Chicken
Equipment
- slow cooker
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken tenders or chicken breasts
- 2 cups barbecue sauce
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Add the chicken tenders to the slow cooker. Pour barbecue sauce on top and mix.
- Set to LOW for 4 hours or HIGH for 6 hours. When done, shred chicken and return to the slow cooker. Mix well and keep on warm until ready to serve.
Notes
Nutrition
Eileen Ann Kelly says
We loved this BBQ recipe. This made a great pot of chicken for sandwiches. My family truly enjoyed it
Juyali says
Yum. Made the sandwhiches with this chicken!
Christina says
This worked exactly as written, thanks!