13 Delicious BBQ Chicken Crockpot Recipes For A Stress-Free Meal

13 Delicious BBQ Chicken Crockpot Recipes For A Stress-Free Meal – because nothing beats coming home to tender, smoky chicken that cooked itself while you went about your day. These fuss-free recipes transform simple ingredients into mouthwatering meals with minimal effort, from classic sticky-sweet barbecue to bold global flavors like Korean gochujang and zesty lime-chipotle. Whether you’re feeding a crowd on game day or just want easy weekday dinners ready when you walk in the door, your slow cooker is about to become your new best friend.

Each recipe delivers that perfect balance of fall-off-the-bone tenderness and finger-licking sauce, with clever tricks for getting crispy edges and restaurant-worthy results from your crockpot. We’ve included options for every craving – tangy Carolina-style, honey sriracha glazed, even BBQ chicken tacos – plus smart serving suggestions to turn your slow-cooked chicken into complete meals.

Sweet and Sour BBQ Chicken

Sweet and Sour BBQ Chicken is a delightful dish that perfectly balances tangy and sweet flavors. This recipe is simple to make, making it ideal for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers. The combination of barbecue sauce and pineapple brings a tropical twist that’s both refreshing and satisfying.

You can easily throw everything into the crockpot and let it simmer away, filling your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas. Serve it over rice or in a wrap for a hearty meal that everyone will love!

Ingredients

• 4 chicken breasts
• 1 cup barbecue sauce
• 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
• 1 bell pepper (red or green), sliced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Add the Sauce: Pour barbecue sauce and soy sauce over the chicken. Add pineapple chunks, bell pepper, onion, garlic powder, and ginger.
3. Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
4. Shred the Chicken: About 30 minutes before serving, shred the chicken with two forks and mix it with the sauce and vegetables.
5. Serve: Enjoy the sweet and sour BBQ chicken over rice, in a wrap, or on its own!

BBQ Chicken Pizza

BBQ Chicken Pizza is a fun and delicious twist on traditional pizza, combining the smoky and tangy flavors of barbecue sauce with tender chicken and melty cheese. This recipe is simple to whip up, making it perfect for a quick dinner or a casual get-together with friends and family.

The combination of sweet barbecue sauce and savory chicken, topped with fresh ingredients, creates a pizza that’s sure to please everyone. Plus, making it in your crockpot means less hassle and cleanup!

Ingredients

• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
• 1 cup barbecue sauce
• 1 pre-made pizza crust
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Instructions

1. Mix the chicken with the barbecue sauce in a bowl until well coated.
2. Spread the pizza crust on a greased baking sheet or pizza stone.
3. Top the crust with the barbecue chicken mixture, followed by the mozzarella cheese and red onion slices.
4. Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
5. Remove from the oven, sprinkle with fresh cilantro, slice, and serve hot!

BBQ Chicken Tacos

BBQ chicken tacos are a delightful way to enjoy a quick and tasty meal. With tender, shredded chicken coated in rich barbecue sauce, these tacos pack a punch of flavor that is both sweet and smoky. The best part? They’re super easy to prepare in a crockpot, making them perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Simply load your crockpot with ingredients, let them simmer all day, and then serve in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings. You can customize them with fresh cilantro, zesty lime, and crisp onions to elevate the taste. These tacos are not just a meal; they’re a fun and interactive dining experience!

Ingredients

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup barbecue sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 12 small tortillas
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• 1 lime, cut into wedges
• Red onion, thinly sliced (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: In the crockpot, combine the chicken breasts, barbecue sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Stir until the chicken is well coated.
2. Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.
3. Shred the Chicken: Once cooked, shred the chicken using two forks directly in the crockpot. Mix well with the sauce for even flavor distribution.
4. Assemble the Tacos: Warm the tortillas in a skillet or microwave. Fill each tortilla with the BBQ chicken mixture and top with cilantro, red onion, and a squeeze of lime juice.
5. Serve: Enjoy your BBQ chicken tacos immediately, garnished with lime wedges on the side.

Honey Garlic BBQ Chicken

This Honey Garlic BBQ Chicken is a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors, perfect for busy nights. With tender, juicy chicken cooked in a delicious honey garlic sauce, it creates a comforting meal that everyone will love.

The best part? It’s super easy to whip up in your crockpot, making it an ideal choice for a stress-free dinner. Just let it simmer while you go about your day, and you’ll come home to a fragrant dish ready to be served over rice or with your favorite sides.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Chopped green onions, for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper and place them in the crockpot.
2. Make the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, and ground ginger.
3. Combine: Pour the sauce over the chicken in the crockpot, making sure it’s well-coated.
4. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
5. Shred and Serve: Once cooked, shred the chicken with two forks and mix it back into the sauce. Serve over rice and garnish with chopped green onions.

Lemon Herb BBQ Chicken

Lemon Herb BBQ Chicken is a delightful dish that combines zesty lemon flavor with a hint of fresh herbs, creating a refreshing twist on traditional BBQ chicken. This recipe is not only simple to make, but it also fills your kitchen with a mouthwatering aroma that will have everyone eagerly anticipating dinner.

The chicken cooks to juicy perfection in the crockpot, absorbing the tangy and savory flavors of the lemon and herbs. It’s a perfect option for busy days when you want a stress-free meal that still feels special.

Ingredients

• 4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
• 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
• Juice of 2 lemons
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, mix the BBQ sauce, lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
2. Coat the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in the crockpot and pour the marinade over them, ensuring they are well coated.
3. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
4. Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy the zesty flavors with your favorite sides!

Classic BBQ Chicken Thighs

This recipe for classic BBQ chicken thighs is a crowd-pleaser that’s incredibly easy to throw together. The juicy chicken thighs soak up a rich barbecue sauce, making every bite full of flavor. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you want a delicious meal without the fuss.

With just a few simple ingredients and your trusty crockpot, you can have tender, fall-off-the-bone chicken ready to serve with minimal effort. The sweet and tangy sauce complements the savory meat beautifully, making it a dish everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 4-6 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
• 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand)
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Make sure to rub the spices evenly over the skin.
2. Mix the Sauce: In a bowl, combine the barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix well.
3. Layer in the Crockpot: Place the seasoned chicken thighs in the crockpot and pour the sauce mixture over them, ensuring that each piece is coated.
4. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
5. Serve: Once done, shred the chicken if desired and serve with extra barbecue sauce on the side. Enjoy with your favorite sides like coleslaw or cornbread!

Tangy Pineapple BBQ Chicken

Tangy Pineapple BBQ Chicken is a delightful combination of sweet and savory that brings a burst of flavor to your dinner table. The juicy chicken, smothered in a zesty barbecue sauce and complemented by tender pineapple chunks, creates a perfect balance that everyone will love. Plus, it’s incredibly simple to make—just toss everything in your crockpot and let it do the work for you!

This dish is not only tasty but also offers a refreshing twist that makes it stand out. The pineapple adds a natural sweetness and a hint of acidity that enhances the overall flavor profile, making it a hit with both kids and adults. Whether you’re serving it over rice or alongside your favorite sides, this recipe is sure to impress.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 cup barbecue sauce
• 1 can (20 ounces) crushed pineapple, drained
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon minced ginger
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped cilantro for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Place them in the bottom of the crockpot.
2. Mix Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine the barbecue sauce, crushed pineapple, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. Mix well.
3. Add to Crockpot: Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the crockpot, ensuring all pieces are well coated.
4. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
5. Shred and Serve: Once done, shred the chicken with two forks and mix it back into the sauce. Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro.

Spicy Chipotle BBQ Chicken

Spicy Chipotle BBQ Chicken is a deliciously bold dish that brings a kick to your dinner table. The smoky and spicy flavors of chipotle combined with a sweet and tangy barbecue sauce create a perfect balance that will tantalize your taste buds. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make in a crockpot, allowing you to set it and forget it while you go about your day!

This recipe is perfect for busy evenings or casual weekend gatherings. The chicken becomes tender and infused with flavor, making it ideal for serving in tacos, sandwiches, or on its own. Enjoy this stress-free meal any night of the week!

Ingredients

• 2 lbs chicken thighs or breasts
• 1 cup chipotle BBQ sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish
• Lime wedges for serving

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Add to Crockpot: Place the seasoned chicken in the crockpot and pour the chipotle BBQ sauce over the top, ensuring all pieces are well-coated.
3. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
4. Shred the Chicken: Once cooked, shred the chicken directly in the crockpot using two forks, stirring to mix with the sauce.
5. Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of flavor.

Crockpot BBQ Chicken and Rice

Crockpot BBQ Chicken and Rice is a perfect blend of flavors that warms the heart and satisfies the taste buds. The tender chicken, simmered in tangy BBQ sauce and seasoned just right, pairs wonderfully with fluffy rice, making it a wonderful one-pot meal for busy days.

This dish is not only simple to make, but it also allows for a hands-off cooking experience. Just throw the ingredients in the crockpot, let it work its magic, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready when you are.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Place the chicken thighs at the bottom of the crockpot. Season with salt and pepper.
2. In a separate bowl, mix the BBQ sauce, chicken broth, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Pour this mixture over the chicken.
3. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through.
4. Once done, remove the chicken and shred it using two forks. Return it to the crockpot.
5. Add the rice and frozen peas and carrots. Stir well to combine, then cover and cook on high for an additional 30-40 minutes until the rice is tender and cooked through.
6. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

BBQ Chicken Sandwiches

BBQ chicken sandwiches are a delightful option for a quick and satisfying meal. Tender, shredded chicken smothered in rich, tangy barbecue sauce is nestled between soft buns, creating a mouthwatering combination that everyone loves. This recipe is simple to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

The sweetness of the barbecue sauce perfectly complements the savory chicken, while fresh toppings like coleslaw add a crunchy texture. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a cozy dinner at home, these sandwiches will surely please.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup barbecue sauce
• 1/2 cup onion, chopped
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 hamburger buns
• Coleslaw for topping (optional)

Instructions

1. Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot. Sprinkle with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chopped onion on top.
2. Pour the barbecue sauce over the chicken, making sure it’s well-coated.
3. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.
4. Once cooked, shred the chicken using two forks and mix it with the sauce.
5. Serve the shredded chicken on hamburger buns and top with coleslaw if desired.

BBQ Chicken Stuffed Peppers

BBQ Chicken Stuffed Peppers are a fun and tasty way to enjoy a healthy meal. The juicy chicken, coated in savory BBQ sauce, pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the peppers, creating a delicious blend of flavors. This dish is simple to prepare and can be made ahead of time, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Each pepper is filled with a hearty mixture that is satisfying and full of protein. Top them with cheese for a gooey finish, and you’ve got a meal that everyone will love. Plus, they look great on the dinner table!

Ingredients

• 4 large bell peppers (any color)
• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
• 1/2 cup chopped green onions
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds. Arrange them in a baking dish.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, BBQ sauce, cooked rice, half of the cheese, and green onions. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Spoon the chicken mixture into each bell pepper, filling them generously.
5. Top each filled pepper with the remaining cheese.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious BBQ Chicken Stuffed Peppers!

BBQ Chicken Pasta

BBQ Chicken Pasta is a delightful dish that combines the smoky flavors of barbecue sauce with tender chicken and al dente pasta. It’s an easy recipe that comes together in a crockpot, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want a comforting meal without much effort.

This dish is not only tasty but also versatile. You can customize it with your favorite vegetables or pasta type, and the slow cooking allows the flavors to meld beautifully. It’s a crowd-pleaser and sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked pasta
• 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 1/2 cup red onion, diced
• 1 cup corn, frozen or fresh
• 1/2 cup bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Slow Cooker: Lightly grease the slow cooker with olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Combine Ingredients: In the slow cooker, mix the shredded chicken, BBQ sauce, red onion, corn, and bell pepper. Stir until everything is well coated.
3. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or until the vegetables are tender. If using frozen corn, you can add it halfway through the cooking time.
4. Add Pasta and Cheese: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the cooked pasta and top with shredded cheese. Cover and let it melt.
5. Serve: Once the cheese has melted, mix everything together and season with salt and pepper if needed. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious BBQ Chicken Pasta!

BBQ Chicken Salad

This BBQ Chicken Salad is a winner for anyone looking to enjoy a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The smoky sweetness of the barbecue sauce combined with fresh greens and crunchy toppings makes for a refreshing dish that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. Plus, it’s as simple as tossing everything in your slow cooker and letting it do the work!

The tender BBQ chicken pairs beautifully with crisp veggies and can easily be customized to your liking. You can add ingredients like corn, black beans, or even crunchy tortilla strips for some extra texture. This salad is not only tasty but also a great way to sneak in some healthy veggies!

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 6 cups mixed salad greens
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup diced cucumber
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 avocado, diced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker and pour the BBQ sauce over them. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
2. Once done, shred the chicken using two forks and mix it with the sauce.
3. In a large bowl, combine the salad greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and avocado.
4. Top the salad with the shredded BBQ chicken and sprinkle cheese on top.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and enjoy your delicious BBQ Chicken Salad!

Final Thoughts

These crockpot BBQ chicken recipes prove you don’t need fancy equipment or complicated techniques for seriously delicious results. With just a few minutes of prep in the morning, you’ll have juicy, flavor-packed chicken ready to pile on buns, toss with pasta, or serve over rice – no babysitting the grill or heating up the kitchen required. They’re the ultimate solution for busy days when you want maximum flavor with minimum effort, proving that sometimes the easiest meals are also the most satisfying. Keep these recipes in your back pocket for those nights when you’d rather let your slow cooker do all the work while you relax!