Slow Cooker Barbecue Chicken recipe with bbq sauce and Dr. Pepper. It is so easy to make, full of flavor, and is sure to become a family favorite!
We’ve been making this recipe for years and it is one my kid’s favorites. I love that it is mainly hand-off since it cooks in the crockpot. Our favorite way to eat it is as barbecue chicken candwiches.
Start by seasoning both sides of the chicken breasts and set them aside. You can find my savory dry rub recipe here.
Why preseason the chicken breasts?
I like to to preseason the chicken breasts before adding them to the slow cooker because it gives them a fabulous flavor boost. Even if some of the seasoning comes off while they are cooking, it still remains in the sauce!
That being said, you can skip the seasoning if you are short on time or don’t have a seasoning mix handy.
What other seasonings can I use?
As I mentioned above I used a savory dry rub to season the chicken. It is a sweet and spicy combination that goes well with the barbecue sauce. You can choose your family’s favorite spice blend or simply use salt and pepper.
Pour the barbecue sauce and Dr. Pepper into the slow cooker and stir to combine.
Can I use Coke instead of Dr. Pepper?
Yes, you can use Coke instead of Dr. Pepper to make this slow cooker barbecue chicken. I’ve also made it using diet soda and it worked just as well.
Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the sauce mixture in the slow cooker.
Cover and cook on high for 2-3 hours or low for 4-6 hours, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165˚F.
Does this barbecue chicken recipe work in an instant pot?
Although I’ve never tried making the slow cooker barbecue chicken in an instant pot instead of a crockpot, I’ve read online that you can do it. I don’t know what the ingredient measurements or cooking time needs to be.
Remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and shred the chicken.
What is the best way to shred chicken?
- Two Forks: Using two forks is the most basic way to shred cooked chicken. This method is the most popular because everyone has forks available. It works best when the chicken is fork-tender.
- Mixer: You can use a stand mixer or hand mixer to shred the chicken. Put the cooked chicken in the mixing bowl and turn the mixer on low to shred the chicken. This is a great way to quickly shred all of the chicken at once.
- By Hand: Chicken can also be shredded by hand. Allow the chicken to cool enough to handle. Use your impeccably clean hands to pull the chicken breasts apart.
Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir until the chicken is coated with the sauce.
Is this slow cooker barbecue chicken gluten-free?
It will be gluten-free as long as you make sure to use a gluten-free spice rub and gluten-free barbecue sauce.
Leave the lid off the slow cooker but keep the heat on high for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will allow some of the excess liquid to escape and let the chicken get more of the barbecue flavor.
Serve the slow cooker barbecue chicken on toasted buns. We enjoy eating them plain but you could also add cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, or coleslaw to your sandwich.
How do you toast sandwich buns?
Toasting the buns before making the pulled barbecue chicken sandwiches makes them about 900% better! I toast the buns as if I were making a grilled cheese sandwich.
Warm a skillet over medium heat. While it is warming up, but the buns in half and spread butter on each of the cut sides. Place the buns, butter side down, in the skillet until golden and toasted.
Can leftover shredded barbecue chicken be frozen?
Yes, the leftover shredded barbecue chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.
The leftovers can also be stored in an airtight container the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave before serving.
How else can slow cooker barbecue chicken be served?
Our favorite way to eat slow cooker barbecue chicken on a toasted bun but that isn’t the only way to eat it. Here are a few more ways to use the chicken:
A Hawaiian Barbecue Walking Taco is easy to make and full of flavor. This walking taco recipe is perfect for feeding a crowd at a backyard bash or party.
This Barbecue Chicken Pizza made with a tortilla crust is topped with shredded cheese, sliced onions, and chopped cilantro.
This Cheesy Barbecue Dip recipe is a delicious appetizer that you can share with friends at a backyard barbecue or bring to holiday parties and potlucks.
Hawaiian Barbecue French Bread Pizza recipe is easy to make in the oven or on the grill. Serve it as an appetizer or enjoy as a family dinner.
Slow Cooker Barbecue Chicken
Slow Cooker Barbecue Chicken recipe with bbq sauce and Dr. Pepper. It is so easy to make, full of flavor, and is sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless, chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp savory dry rub (find my recipe here)
- 2 cup barbecue sauce
- 8 oz Dr. Pepper (diet or regular)
Instructions
- Rub both sides of the chicken breasts with the savory dry rub.
- Pour the barbecue sauce and Dr. Pepper into the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
- Add the seasoned chicken breasts. Cover and cook on high for 2-3 hours until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165˚F.
- Shred the chicken and return to the slow cooker. Stir to coat with the sauce. Leave the chicken in the slow cooker on high uncovered for 20-30 minutes, if time allows, stirring occasionally. This will allow some of the excess liquid to escape and let the chicken get more of the barbecue flavor.
Notes
Coca Cola can be used instead of Dr. Pepper if desired.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 10 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 259Total Fat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 77mgSodium: 650mgCarbohydrates: 26gFiber: 1gSugar: 19gProtein: 29g
Nutrition data is calculated automatically by Nutritionix and isn't always accurate. I am not a certified nutritionist and make no claims to the contrary. Each individual’s dietary needs and restrictions are unique to the individual. You are ultimately responsible for all decisions pertaining to your health.
Amber says
Does it have to be diet soda?
Tonia says
No, it can be regular soda! Best of luck! ~Tonia
Pestroyer says
Can I add potatoes and onions to this?
Amanda says
I can’t wait to try this! I have had the same shredding problem with my mixer. I found using the dough hook works really well for a larger shred. Thanks for the recipe!
Charissa says
How many people does this serve and how much chicken? And how much barbecue sauce?
Tonia says
Hi Charissa,
I’m not sure how many it serves. But it uses about 2 lbs of chicken and about 2 1/2 cups of barbecue sauce. I’ve updated the blog post. This recipe is easily adaptable for however many servings you need. Happy Cooking!
~Tonia
Charissa says
Thank you! Thank you for making such a simple recipe for a beginner cook like me! =)
Charissa says
Okay. If I were to half this recipe and use chicken breasts instead, how many breasts would I use? Sorry, beginner chef here!
Tonia says
I’m happy you are asking! Try using 2 frozen boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound), 1 cup of bbq sauce and 1/2 can of pop. You can always add more bbq sauce when you want (before, during and after cooking). Also, might take less time to cook since there is less chicken in the crockpot, about 3-4 hours on high or 6-7 hours on low. Good luck! ~Tonia
Charissa says
Thank you so much! Big help! =)
Debra Kapellakis says
Something so simple but so delicious, amazing.
Ginger says
That looks soooo yummy! 🙂
Four Marrs and One Venus says
This.Is.Perfect! Thank you for sharing- getting it on the menu next week!! Love my Crocker!
Meg {henninglove} says
oh one of my favorite go to meals when i can’t think of anything else to make! love the cooking is done all day when i am at work. what a timesaver!! i will have to try diet dr. pepper in mine next time
Jennifer @ Delightfully Noted says
Oh your making me hungry Tonia! Looks yummy and I like the simplicity of the recipe. Hope the garage sale is going well!
Evelyn says
How easy is this, I love the pork with Dr Pepper but never thought about using chicken. Just hopping over from the May Day Hop and still love following you. I would love to invite you to visit my blog, and link this yummy post to my brand new hop starting today:)
Jane Craske says
Looks fantastic! Isn’t it great to have dinner after a freakishly busy day?
Anne @ Domesblissity says
Yummo Tonia. You were doing okay until I read those dreaded words, Dr Pepper and then I read on and was pleased you followed it up with Diet Coke! LOL I’ll give it a try. I used to do something similar years ago with Coke and then cream added. Sounds bizarre but it was actually quite tasty.Anne xx
Lindsay says
OH, this looks delicious! I love using my slow cooker! Thanks for recipe!