Chicken cooked slowly in a crock pot absorbs the flavors of your favorite barbecue sauce and turns out juicy and tender. But getting the timing right is key to preventing dried-out or undercooked chicken. Follow this guide to learn exactly how long to cook barbecue chicken in a crock pot for perfect results every time.
Introduction to Cooking BBQ Chicken in a Slow Cooker
Cooking barbecue chicken in a crock pot allows the sauce to penetrate the meat while infusing it with smoky barbecue flavor. The low, slow cooking tenderizes the chicken so it shreds easily right in the pot.
Here are some of the benefits of making bbq chicken in a slow cooker:
- Chicken stays moist and juicy even after hours of cooking.
- Sauces thicken and caramelize, creating rich flavor.
- Minimal hands-on time – just load and turn on!
- Entire meal can cook unattended.
- Makes enough for multiple meals throughout the week.
- Infuses chicken with smoky, tangy barbecue sauce.
While delicious, crock pot barbecue chicken requires paying attention to cook times to ensure food safety. Undercooked chicken can pose health risks.
How Long to Cook Chicken Pieces in a Slow Cooker
Cook times for bbq chicken depend largely on the size and amount of chicken being cooked.
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
Boneless breasts are lean and prone to drying out. Take care not to overcook them.
- 2-3 breasts – Cook on LOW for 3-4 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours.
- 4-6 breasts – Cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours.
- For frozen breasts, add 30-60 minutes to cook time.
Chicken Thighs and Legs
Dark meat with the bone in stays moister. Thighs and legs take longer than white breast meat.
- 2-4 thighs/drumsticks – Cook on LOW 6-8 hours or HIGH 4-5 hours.
- 6-8 thighs/drumsticks – Cook on LOW 8-10 hours or HIGH 5-6 hours.
- For frozen, add 1 hour to cook time.
Whole Chicken
A whole 3-5 pound chicken needs more time to cook through fully.
- Cook on LOW 8-10 hours or HIGH 4-6 hours.
- For frozen, increase cook time by 30-60 minutes.
Chicken Pieces on the Bone
Combination packs of mixed chicken parts will need the longest cook time.
- Cook on LOW 8-12 hours or HIGH 5-10 hours.
- For frozen, add 1-2 hours.
Check chicken is cooked through by taking temperature with a meat thermometer. Chicken should reach 165°F internally.
How to Know When BBQ Chicken in a Crock Pot Is Done
It can be tricky to know when barbecue chicken cooked in a slow cooker is fully cooked, since you can’t easily cut into it to check doneness. Here are some ways to test for perfect crock pot bbq chicken:
- Use a meat thermometer – Insert into thickest part of chicken. It should read 165°F.
- Check juices run clear – Prick chicken with a fork and if juices are no longer pink, it’s done.
- Do a fork tender test – Meat should shred easily with a fork.
- Look for visible bone – Meat should have pulled back from bones.
- Verify safe cook times – Refer to recommended cook times in this article.
If unsure, you can transfer chicken to a baking sheet and broil for 5 minutes until browned and crispy. But staying within suggested cook times will ensure moist, tender results.
Step-by-Step Guide for Cooking BBQ Chicken in a Crock Pot
Follow this simple process for foolproof bbq chicken every time:
1. Prepare Ingredients
- Choose your chicken – Bone-in or boneless, skin-on or off. Breasts, thighs, drumsticks or a whole cut up chicken all work well.
- Pick a sauce – Sweet & tangy, spicy, smoky – find a bbq sauce to complement the chicken.
- Prep aromatics – Onion, garlic, spices.
- ** Chop vegetables** – Peppers, mushrooms etc. for adding in.
2. Brown the Chicken
- Pat chicken dry – This helps it brown and not steam.
- Season all over – Salt, pepper, spices, herb rubs.
- Quickly sear – On stovetop or broil in oven.
- This step is optional but adds flavor.
3. Load Up the Crock Pot
- Add thin layer of sauce on bottom – To prevent sticking.
- Place chicken in pot – Nestle pieces into sauce.
- Add aromatics – Onion, garlic, ginger, herbs.
- Pour over more sauce – Smother chicken fully.
- Toss in vegetables – Around and over chicken pieces.
4. Cook on Low Heat
- Cover and cook on LOW – For time recommended above.
- Resist peeking – Until minimum cook time is up.
- Flip chicken once – About midway through if desired.
5. Finish and Serve
- Check doneness – Temperature and visual tests.
- Shred with forks – Right in the pot.
- Stir to coat – In thickened sauce.
- Adjust seasoning – Add more sauce, salt, pepper etc.
- Serve warm – Heap chicken on buns or over rice.
FAQs About Cooking Time for BBQ Chicken in a Crock Pot
How long should I cook boneless chicken breasts in a slow cooker?
For 2-3 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cook on LOW heat for 3-4 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours. For 4-6 breasts, increase time to 4-6 hours on LOW or 3-4 hours on HIGH.
Can you overcook chicken in a crockpot?
Yes, it is possible to overcook chicken in a slow cooker if cooked longer than recommended. Chicken can turn dry, stringy and mushy if cooked too long. White meat is especially prone to drying out.
How long does it take to cook frozen chicken in a crock pot?
Expect frozen chicken to take about 30-60 minutes longer to cook than fresh in a slow cooker. Add extra time at the beginning to allow frozen chicken to thaw and come up to temperature before continuing to cook through.
Can I cook a whole chicken in a crock pot?
Yes, a 3-5 pound whole chicken can be cooked in a 6-8 quart slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 8-10 hours or HIGH for 4-6 hours. Frozen may take up to an hour longer. Remove giblets first and add liquid to prevent drying out.
Why does crockpot chicken come out dry?
Chicken cooked too long in a crock pot will become dried out. Cooking on HIGH vs LOW can also contribute to dryness. Make sure to stay within recommended cook times and use plenty of sauce. Browning chicken first adds moisture.
How can you tell when crockpot chicken is done without a thermometer?
If juices run clear when chicken is pierced with a fork, it is fully cooked. The meat should shred easily. You should also be able to see where it has pulled away from the bone. Follow cook time guidelines for doneness without a thermometer.
Tips for Moist, Tender Crock Pot BBQ Chicken
- Trim excess fat – To prevent greasiness.
- Use bone-in thighs – More flavorful and moist.
- Brown chicken first – Locks in juices.
- Shred with forks – In the crock pot.
- Add veggies – For moisture and flavor.
- Stir in more sauce at end – If needed.
- Avoid opening lid – Until minimum time is up.
- Don’t overfill pot – Leave room for circulation.
Final Thoughts
Barbecue chicken achieves falling-off-the-bone texture and depth of flavor when made in a crock pot or slow cooker. Allowing the sauce to cook down into succulent chicken pieces results in the ultimate hearty, saucy meal. Just be mindful of proper cook times to prevent dried-out results. For properly moist and safe chicken, stick within the guidelines provided above. Feel free to experiment with your favorite sauces and seasonings for customized barbecue chicken every time. Enjoy this fuss-free way to feed a crowd or stock up the fridge with yummy shredded chicken for sandwiches, tacos and more all week long.