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Home » Recipes » Crock Pot » Slow Cooker Barbecue Chicken

Slow Cooker Barbecue Chicken

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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!

slow cooker barbecue chicken

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.

seasoning chicken breasts

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.

barbecue sauce and dr pepper in slow cooker

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.

chicken breasts in barbecue sauce

Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the sauce mixture in the slow cooker.

cooked chicken breasts in 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.

shredding barbecue chicken

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.
shredded chicken in slow cooker

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.

tongs in barbecue chicken

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.

barbecue chicken sandwich on plate with chips

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.

shredded barbecue chicken

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.

barbecue chicken sandwich on plate with chips

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.

Continue to Content
slow cooker barbecue chicken

Slow Cooker Barbecue Chicken

Yield: 10
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes

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

  1. Rub both sides of the chicken breasts with the savory dry rub.
  2. Pour the barbecue sauce and Dr. Pepper into the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
  3. Add the seasoned chicken breasts. Cover and cook on high for 2-3 hours until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165˚F.
  4. 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.

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

  • Crockpot SCV700-KT Deisgn to Shine 7QT Slow Cooker, Turquoise
    Crockpot SCV700-KT Deisgn to Shine 7QT Slow Cooker, Turquoise
  • Reynolds Kitchens Premium Slow Cooker Liners - 13 x 21 Inch, 12 Packages of 4 Liners (48 Count)
    Reynolds Kitchens Premium Slow Cooker Liners - 13 x 21 Inch, 12 Packages of 4 Liners (48 Count)
  • Sweet Baby Rays Sauce Bbq PACK OF 3 18 OZS
    Sweet Baby Rays Sauce Bbq PACK OF 3 18 OZS
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 10 Serving Size: 1
Amount 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.

© The Gunny Sack
Cuisine: American / Category: Dinner
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Comments

  1. Amber says

    June 20, 2016 at 10:28 am

    Does it have to be diet soda?

    Reply
    • Tonia says

      June 20, 2016 at 10:30 am

      No, it can be regular soda! Best of luck! ~Tonia

      Reply
  2. Pestroyer says

    June 6, 2016 at 9:40 pm

    Can I add potatoes and onions to this?

    Reply
  3. Amanda says

    February 21, 2015 at 3:36 pm

    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!

    Reply
  4. Charissa says

    October 10, 2014 at 3:58 pm

    How many people does this serve and how much chicken? And how much barbecue sauce?

    Reply
    • Tonia says

      October 10, 2014 at 10:22 pm

      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

      Reply
      • Charissa says

        October 14, 2014 at 9:37 am

        Thank you! Thank you for making such a simple recipe for a beginner cook like me! =)

        Reply
      • Charissa says

        October 20, 2014 at 10:48 am

        Okay. If I were to half this recipe and use chicken breasts instead, how many breasts would I use? Sorry, beginner chef here!

        Reply
        • Tonia says

          October 20, 2014 at 11:02 am

          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

          Reply
          • Charissa says

            October 21, 2014 at 7:29 am

            Thank you so much! Big help! =)

  5. Debra Kapellakis says

    May 12, 2012 at 3:41 pm

    Something so simple but so delicious, amazing.

    Reply
  6. Ginger says

    May 10, 2012 at 8:45 pm

    That looks soooo yummy! 🙂

    Reply
  7. Four Marrs and One Venus says

    May 10, 2012 at 7:05 pm

    This.Is.Perfect! Thank you for sharing- getting it on the menu next week!! Love my Crocker!

    Reply
  8. Meg {henninglove} says

    May 10, 2012 at 5:59 pm

    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

    Reply
  9. Jennifer @ Delightfully Noted says

    May 10, 2012 at 5:39 pm

    Oh your making me hungry Tonia! Looks yummy and I like the simplicity of the recipe. Hope the garage sale is going well!

    Reply
  10. Evelyn says

    May 10, 2012 at 5:18 pm

    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:)

    Reply
  11. Jane Craske says

    May 10, 2012 at 2:52 pm

    Looks fantastic! Isn’t it great to have dinner after a freakishly busy day?

    Reply
  12. Anne @ Domesblissity says

    May 10, 2012 at 12:28 pm

    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

    Reply
  13. Lindsay says

    May 10, 2012 at 11:12 am

    OH, this looks delicious! I love using my slow cooker! Thanks for recipe!

    Reply

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Tonia LarsonHi, I'm Tonia, a lover of food and photography! Fill a gunny sack with ingredients, tie on an apron and let's get cooking!
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