Here is the easiest recipe you will ever find for Slow Cooker 2-Ingredient BBQ Chicken. It is creamy, tangy, sweet, and perfect for busy weeknights or game day gatherings. You literally need two ingredients and a slow cooker.
Slow Cooker 2-Ingredient BBQ Chicken
This recipe is a lifesaver. It yields incredibly tender, shredded chicken that’s perfect for sandwiches, salads, tacos, or served over rice.
Yield: 4-6 servings
Prep time: 2 minutes
Cook time: 3-4 hours on LOW or 2-3 hours on HIGH
Ingredients
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2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
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1 (18 oz) bottle of your favorite BBQ sauce (about 2 cups)
Optional (for extra flavor, but not required):
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¼ cup of water or chicken broth (to thin slightly)
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A dash of liquid smoke or Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
Step 1: Add Chicken to Slow Cooker
Place the chicken breasts (or thighs) in the bottom of your slow cooker in a single layer.
Step 2: Pour the BBQ Sauce
Pour the entire bottle of BBQ sauce over the chicken. Use a spoon to spread it around so the chicken is mostly covered. If the sauce seems very thick, you can add a splash of water or broth to help it coat the chicken, but this is optional.
Step 3: Slow Cook
Cover and cook on LOW for 3-4 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours. The exact time will depend on your slow cooker and the thickness of the chicken.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken
The chicken is done when it is tender and shreds easily with a fork. Carefully remove the chicken to a cutting board and use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir it into the remaining BBQ sauce. If the sauce seems thin, you can let it cook uncovered on HIGH for an additional 15-20 minutes to thicken slightly.
Serve immediately.
Serving Suggestions
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Classic BBQ Sandwich: Pile the chicken high on a soft hamburger bun or brioche bun with coleslaw on top.
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BBQ Chicken Salad: Serve over a bed of mixed greens with corn, black beans, and avocado.
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BBQ Chicken Tacos: Fill warm corn or flour tortillas with the chicken, and top with pickled red onions and a drizzle of crema.
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BBQ Chicken Baked Potatoes: Stuff a baked potato with the chicken, cheese, and sour cream.
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BBQ Rice Bowl: Serve over white rice or quinoa with steamed broccoli.
Tips and Variations
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Chicken Choice: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are highly recommended. They stay juicier and more flavorful than breasts during the long, slow cooking time.
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Frozen Chicken: You can use frozen chicken breasts or thighs straight from the freezer! Just add an extra hour or so to the cooking time.
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Make it Spicy: Use a spicy BBQ sauce, or add a chopped jalapeño or a teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the sauce before cooking.
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Honey Garlic Twist: Use a honey garlic BBQ sauce for a different flavor profile.
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Add Onions: Slice a large onion and place it in the bottom of the slow cooker before adding the chicken for extra flavor.
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Storage: Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They also freeze beautifully for up to 3 months.
Why This Recipe Works
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Effortless: Truly just two ingredients and a slow cooker.
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Versatile: Use it in sandwiches, tacos, salads, and more.
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Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves tender, saucy BBQ chicken.
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Budget-Friendly: Chicken and BBQ sauce are inexpensive staples.