Can I double this recipe for a crowd?

Yes, but make sure your slow cooker’s big enough. I once tried it in a smaller one, and let’s just say dinner was delayed while I improvised with the oven. If you double it, add a touch more broth to ensure even coverage.

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, but here’s the catch. It will take longer to reach safe temperature. Cook on low and add an hour or two, and always check that the internal temp hits 165°F. Meanwhile, cooks prefer thawed because it shreds more easily.

What kind of BBQ sauce works best?

A mid-range sweet and tangy sauce gives the best balance. If it’s too sweet, add a splash of apple cider vinegar. If it’s too smoky, lighten it with a touch of honey or extra chicken broth.

How do I make it less sweet for kids?

Use a milder sauce and add a little extra broth. Serve the extra sauce on the side so kids can add more if they want.

Will it dry out if I overcook it?

Not usually. Crockpots favor moist cooking. If it seems dry, add a bit of broth and cover for 10 to 15 minutes. Shredded chicken soaks up sauce, so keep a cup of warm broth on hand if needed.

Easy Zesty BBQ Chicken Crockpot 2026

Name: Zesty BBQ Chicken Crockpot
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 cup BBQ sauce; 1/4 cup chicken broth; 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; Salt and pepper to taste

Description

A comforting slow-cooked BBQ chicken dish that’s easy to prepare and feeds a crowd, perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup BBQ sauce
1/4 cup chicken broth
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot ensuring they are spread out and in a single layer.
In a bowl, mix the BBQ sauce, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, whisking until smooth.
Pour the mixture over the chicken, ensuring it covers the tops of the breasts.
Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 4 hours until the chicken is tender.
Shred the chicken with two forks and mix it with the sauce before serving.

Notes

For a thicker sauce, reduce the sauce after shredding the chicken on the stovetop. Adjust sweetness or tanginess as needed based on your BBQ sauce.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 360 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 350
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 550mg
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 75mg