This crockpot BBQ chicken is only 3 ingredients and 5 minutes prep! Tender, flavorful and juicy shredded BBQ chicken that’s perfect for sandwiches, salads, tacos, pizza and more.
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Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken
When it comes to easy and versatile recipes, this slow cooker BBQ chicken is one of the best. It requires hardly any ingredients, is super quick and tastes delicious. A few other of my favorites are crockpot salsa chicken, kalua pork and Mississippi chicken.
Trust me when I say this BBQ pulled chicken is one of the easiest recipes out there. It only requires 3 ingredients, takes 5 minutes of prep and is made in the slow cooker. I mean…does it get any better than that?!
We often make shredded chicken in the crockpot, but it’s fun to switch it up and add BBQ sauce every now and again. The BBQ sauce paired with the Italian dressing creates an amazing flavor and keeps the chicken super tender and moist. It basically shreds itself. ;)
What I love most about this recipe is how versatile it is. Add it to salads, tacos, sandwiches, pizza and more. The options are endless just like my slow cooker ranch chicken! I love having a few go-to-recipes that I know the whole family will love.
Why I Love It
- Only 3 ingredients! I mean come on, any meal with just 3 simple ingredients is a winner!
- 5 minutes prep. The prep time is so quick! It takes 5 mins. MAX…usually less than that!
- Made in crockpot. Set it and forget it! The crockpot does all of the work for you.
- Easy clean up. Hardly any dishes! Use a slow cooker liner for even easier clean up.
- Versatile. Tastes delicious on salads, sandwiches, tacos, pizza and more.
How to Make BBQ Pulled Chicken in the Crockpot
- Assemble the ingredients. Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Then pour the BBQ sauce and Italian dressing on top.
- Cook in crockpot. Cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 5-6 hours. Can serve whole or shred with 2 forks and place back in the sauce until ready to serve.
- Serve and enjoy! Serve with vegetables, on salads, in a wrap or on a slider roll. Enjoy!
Ways to Serve
There are SO many ways to serve this shredded BBQ chicken. Below are a few of our favorite serving ideas to try.
Serving ideas
- Sliders with coleslaw
- BBQ chicken salad
- BBQ chicken pizza
- Wrap or pita bread sandwich
- Quesadilla
- Over rice
- BBQ chicken tacos
- Layer in a baked potato with toppings
- BBQ nachos
Sides to consider
- Mac and cheese
- Baked potato wedges
- Roasted vegetables
- Sweet potato fries
- Chopped salad
- Corn on the cob
- Broccoli salad
Love BBQ recipes? Make baked BBQ chicken, grilled BBQ chicken or BBQ chicken foil dinner packets next!
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BBQ Pulled Chicken
Equipment
- Slow cooker
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 3 Tablespoons Italian dressing
S&P , to taste
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Then pour the BBQ sauce and Italian dressing over the top.
- Cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 5-6 hours. Can serve whole or shred with 2 forks and place back in the sauce until ready to serve.
- Serve with vegetables, on salads, in a wrap or on a slider roll with coleslaw.
Notes
- For a sweet touch, add 1/4 cup brown sugar when you mix in the BBQ sauce.
- Use a slow cooker liner for even easier clean up.
Nutrition
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.
Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!
Jamielyn Nye is the founder and recipe creator at I Heart Naptime. She is the author of the I Heart Naptime Cookbook and shares easy family-friendly recipes and desserts for every occasion.
I loved how easy this was, but found it to be very salty, and I only added a pinch of salt. I added sugar, but any recommendations to make it less salty next time?
Every BBQ sauce has a different sodium level, so I would recommend one with a lower level. We love to use Staubs!
I’m excited to try this! Any changes for a 6-7 qt crockpot?
Nope it should be fine in a 6 qt, it may just be done a little sooner :)
I’ve made this a few times my husband wasn’t to sure about it at first because he likes a bolder bbq flavor I let the chicken cook, drain the juices then add the bbq Italian dairy free version and brown sugar turns out just how he likes it :) thank you
So happy he loves it! Thanks for your comment and review, Kristin :)
Could I use ready to cook frozen chicken breasts
Sure! You may need to add an extra hour or two of cooking time, so just keep an eye on the chicken and remove when fork tender.
If I double this recipe should I double the cook time?
I usually just add about 60-90 minutes on and that seems to be enough :)
So good! Easy to make! Will make it again!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
Can I use the dry Italian salad dressing
If you mix it into a dressing that should be fine!
The BEST bbq chicken I have ever made. So easy, yet so good!
So glad to hear you liked it! :)
So easy and a winner every time!
I’ve made this a few times, it is fantastic! So easy, so good. It tastes like BBQ pulled pork, but without the annoying fatty chunks you tend to get with pork.
I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
Can you make this and then freeze?
Yes, definitely! :)
I have made this so many times. We love it and it so perfect for those busy nights!
I’m so glad to hear you love it! :)
I’d be happy to eat this any night of the week!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
Looks fantastic! Love how versatile this recipe is, definitely making this!
Yum!!! This is such a great dinner idea. Love it.
I know what I will be making for dinner tomorrow! This looks amazing; can’t wait to give this a try!
What a savory and sweet recipe! This was not only easy, but delicious too! My family is requesting it again for a second time this week!
This looks delicious and easy. The Italian dressing is the liquid salad dressing, correct? Thanks.
Yes it is! Hope you enjoy! :)