If you are craving a super simple dinner recipe that the whole family can’t get enough of, then you need this Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken! With simple ingredients, this is a breeze to throw together.
I must admit that I love my slow cooker, it is one of the appliances I use most often as I can use it year-round, and it makes recipes so easy to throw together. I love it when I can throw a recipe in the slow cooker like this slow cooker bbq chicken and then forget about it, and at the end of the day, I have this recipe just waiting and ready for me.
That is exactly the reason why we can’t get enough of this easy slow cooker bbq chicken. BBQ Chicken alone is absolutely amazing, and we make it all the time.
But this slow cooker version is one of my favorites. It uses different chicken pieces and a fantastic rub along with BBQ sauce, and everything combined is just delish.
People may say it’s not a slow cooker because it goes into the oven. But trust me, that broiling of the BBQ Sauce on the chicken is what really makes this dish and why we call it STICKY crock pot bbq chicken.
We do the same with some of our other recipes like meatloaf, we like to slow cook it and then throw it in the oven and broil at the end so the topping gets nice and sticky. It is the best and my favorite way to get a sticky glaze.
This is a normal thing that people will do when making slow cooker recipes, if you would rather you can drain the liquid from the slow cooker and just stir in some bbq sauce to coat.
This is one of those recipes that we make all year round as it is excellent all year round, I don’t think BBQ should be a spring and summertime flavor at all – we especially love to make it on game days. Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken is one of those recipes you will put on repeat like we have!
Some of our other favorite BBQ Chicken recipes include BBQ Chicken Nachos, BBQ Chicken Pizza and BBQ Crock Pot Chicken Wings.
WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS:
- You can use various chicken pieces for this slow cooker recipe with only minutes of prep.
- Make your own rub, or use mine that we love that I have included, trust me this is a simple recipe!
- You can make your own BBQ Sauce recipe for this!
INGREDIENTS NEEDED (SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST FOR THE FULL RECIPE CARD):
- Chicken
- Brown sugar
- Smoked paprika
- Kosher salt
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Pepper
- BBQ sauce
HOW TO MAKE SLOW COOKER BBQ CHICKEN:
- Spray the slow cooker with cooking spray. Place the chicken pieces into the slow cooker.
- In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, paprika, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
- Sprinkle the seasoning over the chicken and toss to combine. Once the chicken is fully coated, place the lid on the slow cooker and cook for 4-6 hours on low, or 2-3 hours on high.
- The chicken is ready when an internal temperature reaches 165°F. I like to keep the chicken cooking for a little longer and pull it around 180°F as I feel it is more tender.
- Preheat the broiler to high. Line a sheet tray with foil. Place the chicken pieces on the foil not touching. Brush with the bbq sauce all over the top of the chicken.
- Broil until lightly golden and caramelized, and bubbly; keep watching as this will only take a few minutes. Turn the pieces over, and brush with extra barbecue sauce. Broil again. Repeat one more time until the chicken is caramelized and sticky. The amount of sauce you use depends on your personal preference how saucy you like your chicken, and serve.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS RECIPE:
IS IT OKAY TO PUT RAW CHICKEN IN THE SLOW COOKER?
Yes! This is a very frequently asked question and it is safe to add raw chicken directly into a crock pot or slow cooker.
WHAT KIND OF BBQ SAUCE SHOULD I USE?
You can use any of your favorite BBQ sauces for this, we have tried many different sauces, from sweet to spicy and we love them all, so whatever you like will work perfectly. You can also use our homemade bbq sauce, it works perfectly with this recipe!
WHAT PARTS OF THE CHICKEN SHOULD I USE?
Technically you can use any parts of the chicken that you like, a whole cut-up chicken works perfectly for this and is usually what we use for this crockpot bbq chicken recipe, but we change it up from time to time.
You can use all breasts(works for boneless skinless chicken breasts too), wings, skinless chicken thighs, or chicken legs, totally up to you and your family’s preference.
Just be advised, cooking time may vary on the cuts being used.
CAN I SKIP THE OVEN STEP?
Of course, you can. However, caramelizing the bbq chicken under the broiler is what makes that delicious sticky glaze.
If you have the extra time, I really suggest you do so.
Alternatively, if you wish you can shred the chicken, then mix the bbq sauce into the shredded chicken right in the slow cooker. This makes for fantastic bbq chicken sandwiches! Just place pulled chicken on a hamburger bun and you’re set.
WHAT TO SERVE WITH THIS?
I keep it simple with my sides but here are my favorite options:
- Potato salad – try my classic potato salad.
- Baked potato – check out my slow cooker baked potatoes!
- Baked sweet potato
- Pasta salad
- Baked Beans
- Try making homemade potato chips, like my homemade potato chip recipe.
HOW TO STORE:
Refrigerator: Leftover bbq chicken can be stored in the refrigerator in a zip-top bag or airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
Freezer: To reheat you can place on a low setting in the oven or quickly microwave it until it is heated through, you want your chicken to be 165 degrees F.
DANA’S TIPS AND TRICKS:
- You can use your favorite rub or my homemade rub I have provided.
- Any pieces of chicken will work for this recipe.
- Use your favorite BBQ sauce or make homemade.
- You can double this recipe, just use a large slow cooker but cooking times may vary so check with a kitchen thermometer.
- This can be cooked on low for 4-6 hours or high 2-3 hours.
- Broiling is involved in this so you are able to get the BBQ sauce nice and sticky on that chicken.
- If you don’t want to broil, just drain juices from the slow cooker and stir in BBQ sauce and toss to coat.
Looking for an easy and filling meal that is absolutely delicious and everyone loves? Then you have to make this Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken!
If you like this recipe, you might also like:
If you’ve tried this SLOW COOKER BBQ CHICKEN let me know in the comments how it turned out! You can follow me over on PINTEREST, INSTAGRAM OR FACEBOOK to find some more of our mouthwatering recipes!
Sticky Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken
Ingredients
- 8 pieces of chicken 1 whole chicken cut up or pieces
- 1 tablespoon light brown sugar packed
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1-2 cups bbq sauce
Instructions
- pray the slow cooker with cooking spray. Place the chicken pieces into the slow cooker.
- In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, paprika, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
- Sprinkle the seasoning over the chicken and toss to combine. Once the chicken is fully coated, place the lid on the slow cooker and cook for 4-6 hours on low, or 2-3 hours on high.
- The chicken is ready when an internal temperature reaches 165°F. I like to keep the chicken cooking for a little longer and pull it around 180°F as I feel it is more tender.
- Preheat the broiler to high. Line a sheet tray with foil. Place the chicken pieces on the foil not touching. Brush with the bbq sauce all over the top of the chicken.
- Broil until lightly golden and caramelized, and bubbly; keep watching as this will only take a few minutes. Turn the pieces over, and brush with extra barbecue sauce. Broil again. Repeat one more time until the chicken is caramelized and sticky. The amount of sauce you use depends on your personal preference how saucy you like your chicken, and serve.
Notes
- You can use your favorite rub or my homemade rub I have provided.
- Any pieces of chicken will work for this recipe.
- Use your favorite BBQ sauce or make homemade.
- You can double this recipe, just use a large slow cooker but cooking times may vary so check with a kitchen thermometer.
- This can be cooked on low for 4-6 hours or high 2-3 hours.
- Broiling is involved in this so you are able to get the BBQ sauce nice and sticky on that chicken.
- If you don’t want to broil, just drain juices from slow cooker and stir in BBQ sauce and toss to coat.
Comments & Reviews
Heather says
There isn’t anything better than BBQ!
Cindy @Hun... What's for Dinner? says
OMG this chicken looks SO GOOD!! Thanks for sharing at Simple Supper Tuesday.
Wanda Ann @ Memories by the Mile says
Dana,
Thank you for sharing at Tuesday Trivia. These look delicious, I have to get me some of that rub. Please check back for Friday’s features. Pinned.
Wanda Ann @ Memories by the Mile
Britney @ The Princess & Her Cowboys says
Just wanted to say that I love your new look….polka dots get me every time! Hope you are well and thanks for hosting the party! 🙂
Linda says
Thanks for sharing. Pinned the recipe.
On the to make list. When I make it I’ll link it back to you.
BTW- love the white dish.
Linda
http://bestoflongislandandcentralflorida.blogspot.com/
Julie Corbisiero says
Hi, I love this recipe and I love my crock pot. I pinned this and I am looking forward to trying this recipe! I saw it on great idea thurs.
Julie from julieslifestyle.blogspot.com
At Rivercrest Cottage says
this looks really good. I love slow cooker recipes and look forward to your series. Thanks for making the recipe so printer-friendly too!
Melissa @ My Recent Favorite books says
Love this BBQ chicken recipe! =)
Stopping by from Thursday Favorite Things!
Ginger says
Delicious! And a crock pot recipe – so easy. I’m going to put this one on my menu plan rotation.
If you’re interested, I’d love if you shared this at my Show & Tell party going on right now. http://www.gingerlymade.com/2013/09/show-tell-42.html
Chelsey says
Omgosh, yum! Stopping by from Friday’s Fab link up!
http://chelseypatti.blogspot.com
Jessi @ Practically Functional says
Wow, that chicken looks amazing! Pinned, and thanks for sharing at my party!
Diana Rambles says
Yummy!
antonella says
Yum! Pinned this so I can find it, definitely need to try this recipe.
I linked over from the Practically Functional Link Party where I am participating too and would love it if you’d stop by.
Hugs, Antonella 🙂
Tracy @ Daily Dish Magazine says
This looks great and I am sure that it will be a crowd pleasing recipe. BBQ makes everything better!
Diane Balch says
The chicken really looks super moist. Sounds like a great series. I look forward to it. Thanks for sharing this recipe with us on foodie friday.
Lea Ann (Cooking On The Ranch) says
So glas I found this on the Monday Linky party. I’ve been looking for crockpot recipes for this fall/winter. Pinning this one.
Jayda says
Oh my goodness, this looks amazing! I have a thing for slow cooker chicken. Definitely trying this!
Ginger says
Thanks for sharing this at Gingerly Made’s Show & Tell. You’ve been featured! http://www.gingerlymade.com/2013/09/show-tell-features_10.html
Cathy says
Oh heavens! This looks amazing! Pinning!
Thanks for linking up at the Wondering Brain Weekend Show Off Party! I am co-hosting this week. I hope you will hop over to my place http://apeekintomyparadise.blogspot.com/ for a visit. Enter to win $500 in my Blogiversary Giveaway! Hope you are having a terrific week!
Cathy
Krista Low says
Miss Dana this chicken looks absolutely fabulous! It would disappear in a hurry 🙂 You had the most viewed post this week @ Great Idea Thursday’s! Congratulations 🙂 You are being featured. Krista @ A Handful of Everything