2-Ingredient Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Breast

This 2-Ingredient Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Breast is the ultimate no-fuss recipe. Juicy chicken breasts slow-cooked in your favorite barbecue sauce until tender and flavorful—it’s as simple as it gets. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or feeding a crowd, this dish brings maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a game-changer for those who want a delicious, homemade meal with barely any prep time. Here’s why you’ll love it:

• Requires only two ingredients
• Hands-off cooking thanks to the slow cooker
• Great for sandwiches, wraps, salads, or on its own
• Customizable with different BBQ sauces
• Ideal for meal prepping or batch cooking
• No special cooking skills needed
• Comes out tender and juicy every time
• Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing
• Easily doubled or tripled
• Minimal cleanup

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)

Directions

1. Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker.
2. Pour the BBQ sauce over the chicken, ensuring it’s well coated.
3. Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
4. Once done, shred the chicken using two forks right in the slow cooker and mix it with the sauce.
5. Serve warm as desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes approximately 4 servings.
Cooking time: 6–7 hours on low or 3–4 hours on high
Prep time: 5 minutes
Total time: 6 hours 5 minutes (on low) or 3 hours 5 minutes (on high)

Variations

• Spicy BBQ Chicken: Use a spicy BBQ sauce or add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
• Sweet BBQ Chicken: Add a tablespoon of honey or brown sugar for a sweeter flavor.
• Smoky Twist: Stir in a dash of liquid smoke or use a smoked BBQ sauce.
• Pulled Chicken Sandwiches: Serve on buns with coleslaw for a quick meal.
• Tex-Mex Style: Mix in some canned corn, black beans, and taco seasoning.
• Buffalo Style: Mix BBQ sauce with buffalo wing sauce for a tangy kick.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Reheat gently in the microwave or in a saucepan over low heat until warmed through. Add a splash of water or extra BBQ sauce if needed to keep it moist.

FAQs

How can I tell when the chicken is done?

The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and shreds easily with a fork.

Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but increase the cooking time by 1–2 hours and make sure they reach a safe internal temperature.

What kind of BBQ sauce works best?

Any BBQ sauce you enjoy will work—sweet, smoky, spicy, or tangy. Choose based on your flavor preferences.

Can I make this with chicken thighs?

Absolutely. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work great and stay extra juicy.

Can I cook this on the stovetop?

Yes, but it will require more attention. Simmer the chicken in BBQ sauce on low heat until fully cooked and tender.

How can I prevent the chicken from drying out?

Cooking on low and not overcooking the chicken are key to keeping it moist. Also, keep the lid on while cooking.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

That depends on the BBQ sauce. Use a gluten-free certified BBQ sauce if needed.

Can I add onions or garlic?

Yes, you can add sliced onions, garlic, or other aromatics to the slow cooker for extra flavor.

What’s the best way to shred the chicken?

Use two forks or a hand mixer on low speed for quick and easy shredding.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just make sure your slow cooker can accommodate the increased volume, and adjust the cooking time slightly if needed.

Conclusion

With just two ingredients and a slow cooker, you can create a flavorful, tender BBQ chicken dish that’s as versatile as it is simple. Whether you’re feeding your family or prepping meals for the week, this 2-Ingredient Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Breast is a go-to recipe you’ll come back to again and again.

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