The BEST Sticky Slow Cooker Barbecue Chicken Recipe

If you are craving a super simple dinner recipe that the whole family can’t get enough of, then you need this Slow Cooker Barbecue Chicken! With simple ingredients, this is a breeze to throw together.

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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 barbecue 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 Barbecue Chicken is one of those recipes you will put on repeat like we have!

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1. You can use various chicken pieces for this slow cooker recipe with only minutes of prep.
2. Make your own rub, or use mine that we love that I have included, trust me this is a simple recipe!
3. You can make your own BBQ Sauce recipe for this!

• Chicken
• Brown sugar
• Smoked paprika
• Kosher salt
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Pepper
• BBQ sauce

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1. Spray the slow cooker with cooking spray. Place the chicken pieces into the slow cooker.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, paprika, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.

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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!

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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! J

ust 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.

ANY ADDITIONS?

You better believe it! Try a thing or two from this list:

• Liquid Smoke: Add a tiny splash to the sauce ingredients for a smoky flavor—just be careful, a little goes a long way.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Stir in a dash for a savory bite that pairs well with the type of bbq sauce you choose.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: If you like tangy sauces, a tablespoon or so can bring out a perfect amount of heat and flavor.
• Chili Powder: For those who love a spicy kick, mix in a pinch or two with your dry rub or sauce.
• Shredded Cheese: After broiling, sprinkle a little cheese on top for an extra creamy finish.
• Sliced Jalapeños: For an extra punch of heat and color, lay a few slices on top before serving.
• Pineapple Chunks: Mix these into the bottom of the slow cooker for a tropical twist—perfect for summer months.
• Brown Sugar: If you want a sweeter sauce, toss in a spoonful or two, especially if you’re making a homemade barbecue sauce.
• Sweet Potatoes: Serve roasted sweet potatoes on the side—next time, you might even add them right into the slow cooker for a complete meal.

ANY SUBSTITUTIONS?

Yeppers! Let me know in the comments how these go for you!

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs in place of the chicken pieces if you prefer juicy chicken with dark meat—a crockpot bbq chicken recipe favorite.
• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast for those looking for a leaner protein—just keep an eye on cooking times so they don’t dry out.
• Homemade Barbecue Sauce instead of store-bought, or try a different type of bbq sauce if you like variety in your slow cooking.
• Cup of Chicken Broth in the slow cooker if you want more liquid (and less sauce) to shred it later for sandwiches—great for meal prep.
• Olive Oil for the rub if you prefer it over a dry mixture; helps the spices stick for a delicious recipe every time.
• Instant Pot or air fryers in place of a slow cooker if you’re short on time. The method changes, but the sauce ingredients can stay the same for that perfect bbq chicken experience.

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.

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Looking for an easy and filling meal that is absolutely delicious and everyone loves?

Then you have to make this Slow Cooker Barbecue Chicken!

If you’ve tried this SLOW COOKER BARBECUE 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!
 

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4.97 from 28 votes

The BEST Sticky Slow Cooker Barbecue Chicken Recipe

Author Dana DeVolk

Prep: 5 minutes mins

Cook: 6 hours hrs

Total: 6 hours hrs 5 minutes mins

If you are craving a super simple dinner recipe that the whole family can’t get enough of, then you need this Slow Cooker Barbecue Chicken! With simple ingredients, this is a breeze to throw together.

Servings 4 servings

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Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• ▢ 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

• Spray the slow cooker with cooking spray. Place the chicken pieces into the slow cooker.
  8 pieces of chicken
• In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, paprika, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
  1 tablespoon light brown sugar, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon 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.
  1-2 cups bbq sauce
• 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

1. You can use your favorite rub or my homemade rub I have provided.
2. Any pieces of chicken will work for this recipe.
3. Use your favorite BBQ sauce or make homemade.
4. You can double this recipe, just use a large slow cooker but cooking times may vary so check with a kitchen thermometer.
5. This can be cooked on low for 4-6 hours or high 2-3 hours.
6. Broiling is involved in this so you are able to get the BBQ sauce nice and sticky on that chicken.
7. If you don’t want to broil, just drain juices from slow cooker and stir in BBQ sauce and toss to coat.

Nutrition

Calories: 143kcal | Carbohydrates: 33g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 0.1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Trans Fat: 0.003g | Cholesterol: 2mg | Sodium: 1176mg | Potassium: 195mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 27g | Vitamin A: 411IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 30mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition Disclaimer

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

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