Servings: 6
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 4–6 hours (LOW) or 2½–3½ hours (HIGH)
Total Time: ~6 hours
This 3-Ingredient Slow Cooker Saucy Chicken is the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it recipe. Tender chicken breasts cook low and slow in a simple sauce made from bottled barbecue sauce or marinade, creating juicy, flavor-packed shredded chicken that’s perfect for sandwiches, rice bowls, wraps, or salads.
Ingredients
2–2½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 (12–16 oz) bottle barbecue sauce or sweet & tangy marinade
½ cup chicken broth (or water)
Directions
Prepare the Slow Cooker
Lightly spray the inside of the slow cooker with cooking spray or rub with oil to prevent sticking.
Add the Chicken
Place the raw chicken breasts in a single layer in the slow cooker. Slight overlapping is fine.
Mix the Sauce
In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the barbecue sauce (or marinade) and chicken broth until smooth.
Cook
Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken, nudging the pieces so the sauce gets underneath.
Cover and cook on LOW for 4–6 hours or HIGH for 2½–3½ hours, until the chicken is fork-tender and easy to shred.
Shred & Coat
Shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker using two forks. Stir well so every piece is coated in sauce.
Rest & Serve
Taste and adjust if needed. For extra sweetness, add a spoonful of honey or brown sugar; for tang, add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice.
Switch the slow cooker to WARM and let rest for 10–15 minutes before serving.
Serving Ideas
Spoon over rice or mashed potatoes
Pile onto buns for sandwiches or sliders
Use in tacos, wraps, or quesadillas
Add to salads or grain bowls
Tips & Variations
Use thighs: Boneless chicken thighs work just as well and stay extra juicy.
Spicy version: Add hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Extra saucy: Stir in an additional ¼ cup barbecue sauce before serving.
Meal prep: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
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