Easy Tender 3-Ingredient Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken
A simple and flavorful slow cooker BBQ chicken recipe using just three ingredients that yields tender, juicy chicken perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or quick meals.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 to 6 hours
- Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes to 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 to 1¼ cups BBQ sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Pat 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs dry with paper towels.
- In a bowl, combine 1 to 1¼ cups of your favorite BBQ sauce with 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar and stir well.
- Place the chicken pieces in the slow cooker in a single layer if possible.
- Pour the BBQ sauce mixture evenly over the chicken, coating each piece.
- Cover and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours, or until the chicken is fork-tender and shreds easily (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
- Shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker using two forks or shredding claws and stir to soak up the sauce.
- Optional: Remove the lid and cook on high for 15-20 minutes to thicken the sauce if desired.
- Serve warm on buns, over rice, or with roasted vegetables.
Notes
Use chicken thighs for juicier, more tender meat. Avoid opening the slow cooker lid frequently to retain heat. Shred chicken while warm for best texture. To thicken sauce, cook uncovered on high for 15-20 minutes. For gluten-free or low-sugar versions, choose appropriate BBQ sauces. Frozen chicken can be used but requires 1-2 extra hours cooking time on low.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 4 oz (110 gram
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 8
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 6.5
- Saturated Fat: 1.5
- Carbohydrates: 10
- Protein: 30
Keywords: slow cooker BBQ chicken, easy BBQ chicken, 3-ingredient chicken, crockpot chicken, tender BBQ chicken, simple chicken recipe