Craving that smoky, saucy, melt-in-your-mouth goodness but skipping the pork? This Slow Cooker Barbecue Chicken delivers all the flavor and none of the fuss. Whether you’re meal prepping or feeding a crowd, this recipe brings maximum comfort with minimum effort.

Juicy chicken thighs are slow-cooked until fork-tender, then drenched in a rich, tangy BBQ sauce that clings to every shred. From sandwiches to tacos and everything in between, this dish is a true MVP of easy dinners.

ultra-close-up, high-quality image of a single serving of slow cooker barbecue chicken, capturing the glistening, shredded texture coated in rich BBQ sauce. The chicken is served in a soft sandwich bun with a light toast, sitting on a white plate. The background is softly blurred and completely plain. Natural lighting emphasizes the glossy sauce and tender fibers of the meat. Garnished subtly with fresh parsley, with no other elements in the frame.

Ingredients and Preparation Steps

This Slow Cooker Barbecue Chicken comes together with just a handful of pantry staples. No complicated steps—just set it, shred it, and enjoy!

Ingredients:

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
¾ cup apple cider vinegar
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 cup BBQ sauce (alcohol-free, your favorite style)

Step 1: Season and Add to Slow Cooker

First, place your chicken into the slow cooker and pour the apple cider vinegar over it. Season generously with salt and black pepper to enhance the flavor as it cooks low and slow.

ultra-close-up view of raw chicken thighs placed in a white ceramic slow cooker insert on a marble countertop. A hand is shown pouring apple cider vinegar from a clear measuring cup. The lighting is bright and natural, highlighting the clean setup.

Step 2: Let It Slow Cook

Next, cover the slow cooker and set it on LOW for 6–8 hours (or HIGH for 3–4 hours). The chicken should become incredibly tender, practically falling apart when done.

ultra-close-up view inside the slow cooker as chicken simmers gently in liquid. Steam softly rises from the slightly ajar lid. The lighting highlights the glossy surface of the broth forming around the meat.

Step 3: Shred the Chicken

Then, remove the cooked chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Discard most of the cooking liquid, leaving just enough to keep the chicken moist.

ultra-close-up of shredded chicken being pulled apart by two forks on a wooden cutting board. Steam is still visible. Lighting is warm and highlights the juicy texture of the meat.

Step 4: Add BBQ Sauce and Finish Cooking

Finally, return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker. Stir in your favorite alcohol-free BBQ sauce and let it cook on LOW for an additional 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to marry beautifully.

ultra-close-up of shredded chicken inside the slow cooker, now coated in rich BBQ sauce. A wooden spoon is stirring the mixture. Lighting captures the glossy texture of the sauce and the even coating on the chicken.

Peak Enjoyment Moment with Slow Cooker Barbecue Chicken

When you lift the lid and catch that first whiff of smoky, tangy barbecue, you’ll know dinner is about to hit different. The chicken is juicy and coated in a sticky-sweet BBQ glaze that clings to every bite. The aroma alone will draw your crew into the kitchen.

Serve it piled high on toasted sandwich buns, stuffed into tacos, or scooped onto a baked sweet potato. Pair with crisp coleslaw, sweet corn, or even this Baked Ziti with Sausage for a hearty combo that satisfies every craving.

Slow Cooker Barbecue Chicken FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work just as well and will still shred beautifully. Keep an eye on the cooking time to avoid dryness.

Is this recipe healthy?

This slow cooker barbecue chicken is lower in fat than traditional pulled pork. Opt for a low-sugar BBQ sauce to make it even healthier. For more wholesome comfort food, try our Healthier Beef Stroganoff.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. This dish is perfect for meal prep and keeps well in the fridge for several days. It also freezes beautifully for future quick dinners.

What BBQ sauce should I use?

Choose your favorite alcohol-free BBQ sauce. Whether it’s smoky, sweet, or spicy, the slow-cooked chicken will soak it up beautifully. Homemade sauces also work great, like this one from AllRecipes.

Pro Tips

Use chicken thighs for maximum flavor and moisture. They’re less likely to dry out and deliver a richer texture than breasts.
Toast your buns. A quick toast on the stovetop or in the oven adds crunch and keeps them from getting soggy.
Drain wisely. Don’t skip removing most of the cooking liquid before adding BBQ sauce—it ensures the final dish isn’t watery.
Customize your sauce. Add a dash of smoked paprika or garlic powder for an extra flavor kick.
Batch it. Double the recipe and freeze half for an easy meal another night.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or BBQ sauce to restore moisture.
Freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months for easy meal planning.
Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture and flavor.

Perfect Pairings

Crispy coleslaw or tangy vinegar slaw
Grilled corn on the cob with dairy-free butter and herbs
Baked sweet potatoes or roasted root vegetables
Whole wheat sandwich buns or lettuce wraps for low-carb options
Iced herbal tea or sparkling lemonade for a refreshing sip

Let the Slow Cooker Do the Work—And Enjoy Every Bite!

With just four simple ingredients and one trusty slow cooker, this slow cooker barbecue chicken is a game-changer for weeknight dinners, casual gatherings, or even meal prep Sundays. It’s juicy, flavorful, and endlessly versatile—ready to slide into sandwiches, tacos, or rice bowls.

Want to switch it up? Try swapping in turkey thighs for a lean twist or spoon it over quinoa with avocado for a nourishing bowl. No matter how you serve it, it’s bound to be a family favorite.

If you tried this recipe, we’d love to hear how you served it! Tag us on social media, share your BBQ moment, and subscribe for more easy, wholesome recipes sent straight to your inbox.

Slow Cooker Barbecue Chicken

Author: Amara
Total Time: 6 hrs 40 mins
Yield: 8

Print Recipe

Description

Missing pulled pork but want to skip the pork? This Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken is your ultimate answer! Juicy, tender, and slow-cooked to perfection, it soaks up all the tangy-sweet BBQ flavor with none of the hassle. Just toss in your ingredients, let it go low and slow, then shred and serve however you like—sandwiches, tacos, bowls, or straight from the crock!

Ingredients

– 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
– ¾ cup apple cider vinegar
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– 1 cup BBQ sauce (alcohol-free, your fave style!)

Instructions

1. First, place chicken in your slow cooker and pour vinegar over it. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Next, cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours (or HIGH for 3–4 hours) until the chicken is tender.
3. After that, remove chicken and shred with two forks. Discard most of the cooking liquid, keeping just a splash for moisture.
4. Finally, return shredded chicken to the cooker, stir in BBQ sauce, and cook on LOW for 30 minutes more.

Notes

Toast your sandwich buns before serving for that perfect crunch, or pile it onto a baked sweet potato for a smoky-sweet twist!

Category: Comfort Food

Nutrition

Calories: 497
Fat: 30g
Carbohydrates: 33g
Protein: 26g

5 Irresistible Reasons to Love This Slow Cooker Barbecue Chicken