Crockpot BBQ Shredded Chicken (+ Instant Pot Instructions)

Name: Crockpot BBQ Shredded Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 360 min
Total time: 370 min
Ingredients: 3 pounds boneless (skinless chicken breasts); ½ cup brown sugar; 1 cup ketchup; ¼ cup balsamic vinegar; ¼ cup water; 1 small sweet or yellow onion (peeled and coarsely chopped); 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce; 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard; 1 tablespoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; ½ teaspoon chili powder; 2 tablespoons avocado oil; Lettuce; Burger buns; Red onion

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This Crockpot BBQ Shredded Chicken is juicy, smoky, and saucy with just the right hint of sweetness. Made with boneless skinless chicken breasts simmered in a homemade barbecue sauce, it’s an easy set-it-and-forget-it dinner that works for sandwiches, salads, or wraps.

Hand using two forks to shred BBQ chicken inside a crockpot with sauce.

BBQ chicken is one of those classics that never gets old, and making it in the slow cooker makes life so much easier. I love how the chicken comes out tender enough to shred with a fork, all while soaking up every bit of that tangy, smoky sauce. The best part is that you do not need bottled barbecue sauce here. The homemade version blends up in minutes and tastes so much fresher.

If slow cooker chicken dinners are your thing, you’ll love my Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken and these Crockpot Chicken Fajitas.

Recipe Overview

Skill Level

Beginner

Prep Time

10 mins

Cook Time

6 hrs

Ingredients needed

Below is a list of the ingredients you will need to make this shredded BBQ chicken. Full measurements are listed in the recipe card further down below.

ingredients to make shredded BBQ chicken.

Chicken Breast: I used chicken breast, but if you prefer chicken thighs, you can use chicken thighs.
Brown sugar: Light or brown will work.
Ketchup: This works best unless you plan on using store-bought bbq sauce- see notes section.
Balsamic vinegar, or white vinegar if you must. But balsamic works so well for this.
Water, or chicken broth
Sweet or yellow onion: peeled and coarsely chopped
Worcestershire sauce
Dijon mustard: or honey mustard wil also work
Seasonings: Smoked paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, and kosher salt
Avocado oil: or olive oil

How to Make Crockpot BBQ Shredded Chicken

Here’s how to get perfect results every time:

Process shot to make the BBQ sauce in a blender.

Make the BBQ sauce: Add all the sauce ingredients to the blender. Blend the sauce until it is completely smooth and thick.

✏️ You can skip all the ingredients to make the BBQ sauce from scratch if you want to use your favourite store-bought BBQ sauce.

process shot to add the chicken breast in the crockpot and pouring the bbq sauce over it.

Add the chicken: Cut each chicken breast into three large chunks and place them in the crockpot.

✏️ Cutting them first helps the chicken cook evenly and shred easily.

Pour and Cook: Pour the BBQ sauce over the chicken, stirring to coat well. Cover and cook on HIGH for 2-3 hours or LOW for 6-7 hours, until the chicken reaches 165°F internally.

process shot to shred the bbq chicken in crockpot and serving.

Shred the chicken and fill the buns: Once cooked, shred the chicken directly in the crockpot and mix it into the sauce. Spoon the shredded BBQ chicken into soft brioche buns.

✏️ Shredding while warm makes the meat pull apart effortlessly.

Add the toppings: Layer on lettuce, fresh herbs, and sliced red onion for crunch and freshness. Finish with the top of the bun and serve while warm.

Open-faced bun loaded with BBQ shredded chicken and sliced red onion, with another sandwich in the background.

How to make Shredded BBQ Chicken in the Instant Pot

Place the chicken chunks in the Instant Pot and pour the homemade BBQ sauce over the top. Secure the lid and set the valve to sealing. Select Pressure Cook (or Manual) and cook on high pressure for 12 minutes.
Once the timer is done, carefully quick-release the steam by switching the valve to venting. Open the lid, shred the chicken right in the pot, stir it back into the barbecue sauce, and serve hot.

Common Questions

Can I use frozen chicken?

For the slow cooker, it is best to thaw the chicken first, since cooking from frozen can keep it in the unsafe temperature zone for too long. In the Instant Pot, you can safely cook frozen chicken, but you will need to add a few extra minutes of cook time.

What is the best way to shred chicken?

Two forks or a pair of tongs work perfectly and give you nice, big pieces that hold the sauce well.

Why is my chicken dry?

It usually means it was cooked a little too long. Check the internal temperature early, then shred once it reaches 165°F.

What kind of buns are best for BBQ chicken sandwiches?

Brioche buns are my favorite because they’re soft, slightly sweet, and sturdy enough to hold all that saucy chicken without falling apart.

Juicy shredded BBQ chicken inside a crockpot, with metal tongs in it.

Variations & Tips

You can swap the homemade sauce for your favorite bottled BBQ sauce if you need a shortcut.
Add a little heat by mixing cayenne pepper or hot sauce into the barbecue sauce.
Serve the shredded chicken over salads, in wraps, or tucked into baked potatoes.
Set out toppings like coleslaw, pickles, or jalapeños so everyone can customize their sandwich.

Storage & Reheating

Fridge: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Warm gently in the microwave or oven until heated through, adding a splash of water or extra sauce if needed.

What to serve with Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken

This shredded BBQ chicken makes an easy main dish, and it gets even better with a fresh and flavorful side. From crisp salads to light veggie fries, these recipes balance the smoky sweetness of the barbecue perfectly. You can also browse more side dish recipes for ideas.