Meet your new favorite weeknight hero: this Shredded BBQ Chicken Recipe is the definition of easy comfort food, bringing melt-in-your-mouth chicken coated in tangy, smoky, and slightly sweet barbecue sauce to your table with next to no effort. Whether you’re feeding a busy family, dishing up for game day, or just craving something hearty and delicious, this recipe hits all the right notes. We’re talking minimal prep, maximum flavor, and a versatility that shines in sandwiches, tacos, or even straight from the slow cooker. If you love tender, saucy chicken that’s ready to pile onto whatever you please, this dish is about to become a staple in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Shredded BBQ Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Get ready for a lineup of simple ingredients that come together to create downright crave-worthy results. Nothing fancy here, just classic flavors blending for juicy, deeply flavored shredded chicken that holds its own in any meal. Each ingredient has a role to play, adding either moisture, zing, depth, or that signature smoky barbecue bite.

Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless breasts absorb all the flavors and shred beautifully for the perfect texture in your Shredded BBQ Chicken Recipe.
Barbecue sauce: Your favorite BBQ sauce sets the overall flavor profile, so go with a bold, smoky, or sweet version depending on your mood.
Chicken broth: Adds moisture and helps the chicken stay tender during the slow cook—low-sodium is great to control saltiness.
Brown sugar: Just enough to give a touch of caramel sweetness that balances the tangy and smoky notes of the sauce.
Smoked paprika: Gives that irresistible barbecue smokiness without firing up the grill.
Garlic powder: Offers savory depth that you’ll taste in every bite—so much easier than chopping cloves!
Onion powder: Adds a subtle sweetness and a burst of flavor that ties everything together.
Black pepper: A kick of gentle heat that makes all the flavors pop, without overpowering anything.

How to Make Shredded BBQ Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Lay your chicken breasts in an even layer in the bottom of your slow cooker. If any are extra thick, consider flattening them a bit for even cooking—this tiny step ensures every chunk gets wonderfully tender and easy to shred.

Step 2: Mix Up That Signature Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together barbecue sauce, chicken broth, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper until smooth and glossy. You’ll end up with a sauce that already smells irresistible, promising layers of flavor in the final Shredded BBQ Chicken Recipe.

Step 3: Coat and Cook

Pour the barbecue sauce mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker, making sure every piece is thoroughly coated. Pop the lid on and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours (or high for 3 to 4 hours). Go about your day, while the slow cooker does all the hard work for you!

Step 4: Shred to Perfection

Once the chicken is falling-apart tender, grab two forks and shred it right in the slow cooker. Stir everything together so the chicken soaks up every drop of sauce. You’ll see how easily those tender pieces soak up all the bold barbecue goodness.

Step 5: Time to Serve!

Scoop your Shredded BBQ Chicken Recipe onto toasted buns, spoon it over fluffy rice, stuff into tacos, or just devour it as is. Each serving delivers that magical mix of juicy chicken and sticky-sweet barbecue tang—the only hard part is deciding how to enjoy it first!

How to Serve Shredded BBQ Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

A handful of fresh chopped parsley or thinly sliced green onions adds a pop of color and freshness that beautifully balances the rich, saucy chicken. For extra zing, try a sprinkle of pickled red onion, a few dill pickle slices, or a swirl of creamy coleslaw right on top—each garnish amps up both taste and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

This Shredded BBQ Chicken Recipe is just begging for classic, cozy sides! Think buttery corn on the cob, a scoop of tangy coleslaw, crunchy potato chips, or even oven-baked fries. If you want something a bit lighter, a crisp green salad or roasted veggies offer lovely contrast to the saucy, flavorful chicken.

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t stop at sandwiches! Pile your juicy chicken onto baked sweet potatoes for an unexpected twist, spoon it into warm tortillas for BBQ chicken tacos, or layer it over a bed of steamed rice or cauliflower rice for a simple bowl meal. You can even use it as an easy pizza topping, or stuff it into slider buns for a party bite everyone will rave about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Shredded BBQ Chicken Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge! Pack cooled chicken in an airtight container and store for up to 4 days. The sauce continues to infuse the meat, so leftovers taste just as good (if not better) the next day.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze your shredded BBQ chicken in zip-top bags or freezer containers—just be sure to squeeze out excess air! It’ll keep well for up to 3 months and makes a great quick-fix for future meals. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the chicken in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or extra BBQ sauce to loosen things up. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring in between for even warming. The chicken stays juicy and delicious either way!

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a fantastic substitute in this Shredded BBQ Chicken Recipe. They stay extra juicy and offer an even richer flavor—just trim any excess fat before cooking.

How can I make this dish spicier?

If you love a little kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño to the sauce mix before cooking. You can also drizzle with your favorite hot sauce right before serving.

What’s the best way to shred the chicken?

The classic two-fork method works great, but if you’re making a big batch, use a hand mixer on low right in the slow cooker for fuss-free shredding—it makes quick work and gets those perfect pulled pieces.

Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?

Definitely! For stovetop directions, simply simmer the chicken and sauce in a covered skillet for 25 to 30 minutes until cooked through, then shred and toss in the sauce as usual for that same mouthwatering Shredded BBQ Chicken Recipe experience.

What’s the best BBQ sauce to use?

Use a barbecue sauce you genuinely enjoy, since it’s a major flavor player. Whether you love smoky, spicy, sweet, or a blend, your favorite brand or even homemade sauce will work beautifully.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something so satisfying and crowd-pleasing about this Shredded BBQ Chicken Recipe, with its effortless cooking process and endlessly adaptable presentation. Give it a try—you’ll love how it slots right into busy routines or special gatherings, always serving up bold, comforting flavor with every bite!

Shredded BBQ Chicken Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 20 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 6 hours 5 minutes (low) or 3 hours 5 minutes (high)
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Shredded BBQ Chicken recipe is a delicious and easy way to enjoy tender, flavorful chicken with a smoky barbecue twist. Perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or served over rice, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup barbecue sauce
½ cup chicken broth
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

Place chicken in slow cooker: Add chicken breasts to the slow cooker.
Mix barbecue sauce: In a small bowl, combine barbecue sauce, chicken broth, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
Cook chicken: Pour the sauce over the chicken, ensuring it’s fully coated. Cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours until tender.
Shred chicken: Using two forks, shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker and mix well with the sauce.
Serve: Serve the shredded BBQ chicken on buns, rice, or in tacos.

Notes

You can cook the chicken on the stovetop by simmering it in the sauce for 25–30 minutes covered.
For a smokier flavor, add a splash of liquid smoke to the sauce.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours (low) or 3 hours (high)
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American