The beauty of this 2-ingredient BBQ pulled chicken lies in its simplicity. With just chicken breasts and your favorite barbecue sauce, you get a tender, flavorful dish that feels like comfort food without the extra work. Toss everything into your crockpot, and let the slow cooking do its magic.
Whether you’re making sandwiches, wraps, rice bowls, or prepping for the week ahead, this recipe delivers big on taste and convenience. It’s ideal for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or anyone who wants a fuss-free dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Serve it your way—classic on a bun with slaw, tucked into tacos, or even over mashed potatoes!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
Directions:
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Place chicken breasts in the bottom of a crockpot.
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Pour the barbecue sauce evenly over the chicken.
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Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
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Once cooked through, shred the chicken using two forks right in the crockpot. Mix well so it’s fully coated in the sauce.
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Serve hot on burger buns, over rice, in wraps, or with a salad.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 6 hours (low) or 3 hours (high)
Total Time: 6 hours 5 minutes
Kcal: 210 kcal per serving
Servings: 4 servings
Why You’ll Love This 2-Ingredient Crockpot BBQ Chicken
Simple, flavorful, and unbelievably versatile, this 2-ingredient Crockpot BBQ Chicken recipe is a game-changer for home cooks looking to balance convenience with taste. With just boneless, skinless chicken breasts and your favorite barbecue sauce, you’ll create a dish that’s tender, juicy, and deeply satisfying. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or a seasoned cook looking for a shortcut on busy nights, this recipe delivers every time.
It’s the perfect go-to meal for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, meal prep days, or when you’re just not in the mood to cook but still want something warm, comforting, and homemade. You don’t need fancy ingredients or a long list of seasonings to make this work — the slow cooker does all the heavy lifting.
The Origin and Popularity of Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken
Crockpot cooking became popular in the 1970s when slow cookers emerged as the ultimate “set it and forget it” kitchen appliance. They allowed families, especially working parents, to come home to hot, ready meals without having to cook in real-time. Dishes like pulled pork and BBQ chicken gained major popularity because they translated well to slow cooking — the longer they cook, the more tender and flavorful they become.
This specific BBQ chicken version was popularized through blogs and Pinterest thanks to its two-ingredient magic. It’s now a viral favorite because of its simplicity and reliability. Everyone loves a no-fail recipe, especially one that brings out such bold, classic flavors.
Health Benefits and Nutritional Advantages
While barbecue chicken is often seen as indulgent comfort food, this simplified version can be surprisingly healthy — especially when you choose lean chicken breast and opt for a low-sugar or organic BBQ sauce. Chicken breast is high in protein, low in saturated fat, and a great source of B vitamins and minerals like selenium and phosphorus. When slow-cooked, it becomes incredibly tender without the need for extra oil or butter.
This dish is also gluten-free (check your BBQ sauce label), making it suitable for many dietary needs. It’s a fantastic option for high-protein meal prep, especially when served with nutrient-dense sides like roasted vegetables, salads, sweet potatoes, or whole grains like brown rice or quinoa.
Versatility: More Than Just a Sandwich Filling
What makes this recipe especially great is its versatility. Yes, it’s delicious as a sandwich filling, but it doesn’t stop there:
- Serve it over rice or cauliflower rice for a lighter grain bowl.
- Use it in wraps or tacos with slaw, avocado, and shredded lettuce.
- Add it to a baked potato or sweet potato for a hearty meal.
- Stuff it into quesadillas or enchiladas with cheese for a Tex-Mex twist.
- Toss it into pasta with extra BBQ sauce and shredded cheese.
- Top a salad with it for a high-protein lunch with a southern kick.
Meal prep fanatics love this recipe because it stores well in the fridge or freezer and can be repurposed throughout the week in new ways to avoid mealtime boredom.
Why This Recipe Works (and Always Will)
There are plenty of slow cooker BBQ chicken recipes out there, but what sets this one apart is how incredibly foolproof it is. No need to brown the meat beforehand. No need to add extra broth, onions, or spices unless you want to. The sauce flavors and tender chicken are all you need to create a dish that tastes like it took hours to craft — because it did — but with virtually no hands-on time.
Plus, because it only requires two ingredients, you’re far less likely to make a mistake. It’s one of those rare recipes you can “eyeball” with confidence. Just make sure the chicken is fully cooked and easy to shred, and you’re golden.
Tips for the Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken
- Use high-quality BBQ sauce. Since it’s one of only two ingredients, the flavor of your dish depends on the sauce you use. Go for one you already enjoy or make a homemade version.
- Don’t overcook the chicken. Even though slow cookers are forgiving, overcooking can lead to dry meat. Stick to the 3–4 hour mark on high or 6–7 on low.
- Shred in the pot. Once the chicken is tender, shred it directly in the crockpot to soak up all those delicious juices.
- Add extras (optional). Some people like to stir in a bit of honey, mustard, garlic powder, or chili flakes for an extra layer of flavor — totally your call!
Make It Your Own: Flavor Add-Ins and Variations
Want to elevate this dish? Try adding any of the following to the slow cooker:
- Sliced onions
- Crushed pineapple or pineapple juice for sweetness
- A splash of apple cider vinegar for tang
- Garlic or onion powder
- Chipotle powder or hot sauce for heat
- A spoonful of Dijon or whole grain mustard
You can also switch up the protein entirely — pork shoulder or boneless thighs work beautifully with this method and sauce.
How to Store and Reheat
This recipe keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days and in the freezer for up to 3 months. To store, let the BBQ chicken cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. When reheating, microwave in short bursts with a splash of water or extra sauce to keep it from drying out. It’s just as flavorful the next day!
Perfect for Feeding a Crowd
Hosting a casual get-together, tailgate, or family BBQ? This dish can easily be doubled or tripled to serve a crowd. Make it ahead of time, keep it warm in the slow cooker, and let everyone serve themselves. It’s always a hit when served buffet-style with buns, pickles, coleslaw, and chips.
Conclusion: A Recipe That’s Always a Winner
If you’re looking for the easiest BBQ chicken you’ll ever make — without sacrificing flavor — this 2-ingredient crockpot recipe is for you. It’s customizable, meal-prep friendly, budget-conscious, and beloved by kids and adults alike. With just a few minutes of prep and your slow cooker doing the rest, it proves that sometimes, less really is more.
Try it once, and it’s bound to become a staple in your weekly rotation.