The Ultimate 2-Ingredient Crockpot BBQ Chicken: An Effortless Slow Cooker Recipe for Delicious Meals

Welcome to your new favorite weeknight dinner solution! This 2-Ingredient Crockpot BBQ Chicken isn’t just easy; it’s a culinary dream come true for busy individuals and families. Imagine a mouth-watering meal that requires only two main ingredients – chicken and your favorite BBQ sauce – and a slow cooker to do all the heavy lifting. Paired perfectly with a refreshing side of homemade kale slaw, this “dump and go” recipe promises tender, flavorful chicken every single time. Get ready to enjoy maximum flavor with minimal effort, transforming your dinner routine into a stress-free experience.

Essential Ingredients and Smart Substitutions for Crockpot BBQ Chicken

Creating this incredibly simple yet satisfying Crockpot BBQ Chicken doesn’t require a trip to a specialty store. You likely have most of these items already on hand. Here’s a detailed look at the core ingredients and how you can easily adapt them to suit your preferences or what’s available in your pantry.

• Olive oil: This is used primarily to prevent sticking and add a subtle flavor. If you don’t have olive oil, any neutral cooking oil will work perfectly, such as grapeseed oil or avocado oil.
• Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a lean and popular choice for this slow cooker BBQ chicken. However, for an even juicier and more flavorful result, especially if you prefer dark meat, feel free to substitute with boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They tend to stay moist even if cooked a little longer.
• BBQ sauce: The secret weapon! The beauty of this 2-ingredient recipe lies in your choice of BBQ sauce. Use your absolute favorite bottled BBQ sauce – whether it’s a smoky, sweet, spicy, or tangy variety. This is where you infuse most of the flavor into your slow cooker BBQ chicken. If you’re feeling ambitious, you can also make your own homemade BBQ sauce for a truly personalized touch.
• Kale coleslaw mix: This provides a fresh, crunchy contrast to the rich BBQ chicken. While kale slaw offers a slightly more robust texture, broccoli slaw or a traditional cabbage coleslaw mix are excellent alternatives and will work just as well for your side.
• Vinegar: A crucial component for the slaw dressing, white vinegar or apple cider vinegar are the best choices. They provide the necessary tang to cut through the richness of the BBQ chicken and balance the slaw’s flavors.
• Sugar: Used to sweeten the coleslaw dressing and balance the vinegar. You can swap this out for a sugar substitute like erythritol or stevia if you’re mindful of sugar intake, or omit it entirely for a less sweet, more tart slaw.
• Salt & pepper: Essential seasonings for both the chicken and the coleslaw, adjust these to your personal taste preference to enhance all the flavors.

This simple list ensures your crockpot BBQ chicken recipe is both accessible and adaptable, making it a reliable choice for any meal plan.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Crockpot BBQ Chicken

Making this easy slow cooker BBQ chicken is so straightforward, it barely counts as cooking! Follow these simple steps to prepare a delicious, tender shredded chicken that’s perfect for meal prep or a family dinner.

1. Prepare the Crockpot: Start by lightly greasing your slow cooker insert with the olive oil. This helps prevent the chicken from sticking and adds a bit of flavor. Arrange the chicken breasts evenly at the bottom of the pot.
2. Add the BBQ Sauce: Pour the entire bottle of your chosen BBQ sauce over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are well coated. There’s no need to stir or mix at this stage; the slow cooker will work its magic.
3. Slow Cook to Perfection: Secure the lid on your crockpot. Cook on high for 4 hours for a quicker meal, or on low for 8 hours for a hands-off, all-day cooking experience. Both settings will yield incredibly tender and juicy chicken. Avoid lifting the lid too often to maintain consistent cooking temperature.
4. Shred the Chicken: Once the cooking time is complete, the chicken will be fork-tender. Carefully remove the chicken breasts from the crockpot onto a cutting board. Using two forks, easily shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. This process should be effortless due to the slow cooking.
5. Combine and Coat: Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, stirring it thoroughly with the BBQ sauce. Allow it to sit in the warm sauce for a few minutes to absorb all the rich flavors, making every strand of chicken bursting with taste.
6. Prepare the Coleslaw: While the chicken is cooking, or while it’s resting in the sauce, prepare your kale slaw. In a medium bowl, combine the kale coleslaw mix, vinegar, sugar, a drizzle of olive oil, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss everything together until well combined and the kale softens slightly.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Your delicious 2-ingredient crockpot BBQ chicken is now ready! Serve it hot with the fresh kale slaw on the side. This meal is fantastic on its own, in sandwiches, or as part of a larger spread. Enjoy the ease and amazing flavor of your homemade slow cooker BBQ chicken.

Beyond the Plate: Creative Ways to Use Your Crockpot BBQ Chicken

The beauty of this slow cooker BBQ chicken recipe isn’t just its simplicity but its incredible versatility. Once you have a batch of this tender, saucy shredded chicken, a world of meal possibilities opens up. Here are some fantastic and delicious suggestions to incorporate your Crockpot BBQ chicken into a variety of meals, simply by substituting it for other meats in these recipes:

• Elevate your meal prep lunch: Say goodbye to boring desk lunches! This BBQ chicken is perfect for adding flavor and protein to your weekly meal prep. For a quick and nutritious option, add a generous portion to your Mason Jar Instant Noodles. The flavors meld beautifully, offering a satisfying and easy-to-transport meal that you can prep several days in advance.
• Craft delightful burritos: Transform your family’s Mexican-themed food nights with homemade burritos featuring this savory shredded chicken. Simply use your Crockpot BBQ chicken in place of the pulled chicken in my Pulled Chicken Burritos recipe. Load them up with your favorite burrito toppings like rice, beans, cheese, and salsa for a truly customizable and exciting meal.
• Make irresistible sliders or flatbreads: Who can resist classic comfort food? The rich, tangy flavor of slow cooker BBQ chicken makes it an ideal filling. Use it to create mouth-watering BBQ chicken sliders on soft buns with a dollop of fresh coleslaw, or spread it over a pizza crust for a delectable BBQ chicken flatbread, topped with red onion and mozzarella.
• Host a memorable BBQ taco night: Family taco night is always a hit, and introducing BBQ pulled chicken tacos will make it even more special. The sweet and savory notes of the BBQ chicken are a fantastic complement to traditional taco fixings. Just substitute the chicken in my Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Pulled Chicken Tacos recipe for an exciting twist.

With these ideas, your simple 2-ingredient crockpot BBQ chicken becomes a versatile staple, making meal planning and preparation both easy and exciting.

Frequently Asked Questions About Crockpot BBQ Chicken

Here are some common questions to help you master this incredibly easy and delicious slow cooker BBQ chicken recipe. Understanding these details will ensure you get perfect results every time.

Storing and Reheating Your Delicious BBQ Chicken

Proper storage is essential to keep your crockpot BBQ chicken fresh and safe for future meals. Once cooked, allow the shredded BBQ chicken to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. When properly stored in the refrigerator, this chicken will maintain its delicious flavor and texture for up to 5 days. For reheating, simply place a portion in a microwave-safe bowl and heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until it is heated through evenly. The accompanying kale slaw also keeps well in the fridge for 3 to 5 days, maintaining its crispness if stored separately or in a well-sealed container.

Freezing This Easy Crockpot BBQ Chicken for Later

This 2-ingredient crockpot BBQ chicken is an excellent freezer-friendly meal, making it perfect for batch cooking and future convenience. To freeze, ensure the cooked and shredded chicken has cooled completely. Divide it into meal-sized portions, then place them into durable, freezer-safe containers, such as glass meal prep bowls, or heavy-duty freezer bags. If using freezer bags, gently press out any excess air and flatten the bags. This not only saves valuable freezer space but also allows for quicker thawing. The cooked BBQ chicken will remain fresh and flavorful in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply transfer the frozen chicken to the fridge to thaw overnight. Once thawed, reheat it in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s piping hot. This convenient storage method ensures you always have a delicious, homemade meal ready to go!

More Delicious Crockpot Chicken Recipes to Try

If you loved the simplicity and flavor of this 2-ingredient crockpot BBQ chicken, you’ll be thrilled to explore more easy slow cooker chicken dishes that bring comfort and convenience to your kitchen. Here are a few more favorites:

• Creamiest Crockpot Chicken and Rice: A hearty and comforting one-pot meal that’s rich, flavorful, and incredibly easy to prepare.
• Crockpot Chicken Tacos with Pineapple Salsa: A sweet and savory twist on taco night, featuring tender chicken and a vibrant tropical salsa.
• The Easiest Crockpot Chicken Fajitas: Achieve restaurant-quality fajitas with minimal effort, perfect for a lively family dinner.

Essential Meal Prep Tools for This Recipe and Beyond

To make your cooking and meal prepping even smoother, consider investing in these helpful kitchen tools. They’ll simplify the process of making not just this Crockpot BBQ chicken, but many other delicious meals as well.

• Grab some glass meal prep bowls if you plan on turning this Crockpot BBQ Chicken into your weekly lunches. They are durable, microwave-safe, and perfect for organized meal planning.
• I get all my high-quality, free-range chicken from Butcher Box, conveniently delivered to me frozen. It’s a fantastic way to ensure you always have premium meat on hand.
• Slow cooker liners are an absolute game-changer for easy cleanup, helping you avoid a huge mess after your meal is cooked.
• Get a meat thermometer to make sure your chicken is cooked through to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before shredding.
• Use these Ziploc bag holders if you’re marinating the chicken ahead of time or freezing it in bags; they make filling mess-free.
• Freeze this chicken in glass microwave-safe bowls for up to 3 months, ensuring your freezer stash is well-organized and ready when you are.