This slow cooker BBQ chicken for two is one of the easiest dinners you can make. With just chicken breasts and your favorite barbecue sauce, the slow cooker does all the work and creates tender, flavorful shredded chicken perfect for sandwiches.
This simple recipe is part of the Slow Cooker Recipes for Two collection, where you’ll find more cozy, small-batch crockpot meals.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 3–4 hours (High) or 5–6 hours (Low)
Total Time: About 4 hours
Servings: 2–3 sandwiches
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Only 2 main ingredients
• Perfect budget-friendly dinner
• Great for busy days when you don’t want to cook
• Makes delicious BBQ chicken sandwiches
• Easy to double if feeding more people
Ingredients for Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1½ cups BBQ sauce
• Hamburger buns for serving
Ingredient Notes
Chicken breasts
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for shredding, but chicken thighs can also be used if you prefer darker meat.
BBQ sauce
Use any barbecue sauce you enjoy. Sweet, smoky, or spicy varieties all work well and slightly change the flavor of the finished dish.
Hamburger buns
Soft sandwich buns are perfect for serving this shredded BBQ chicken. Toasting the buns adds extra texture.
How to Make Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken
- Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of a small 2–3 quart slow cooker.
- Pour the BBQ sauce over the chicken, making sure it is fully coated.
- Cover and cook on High for 3–4 hours or Low for 5–6 hours, depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts.
- Shred the chicken using two forks and stir it back into the sauce.
- Serve warm on hamburger bun
Kitchen Tools You Will Need
⭐ Slow Cooker (4 quart) – perfect size for cooking meals for two
⭐ Measuring Cups – for measuring the BBQ sauce
⭐ Chicken Shredder – for shredding the cooked chicken
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Options
• Add sliced onions to the slow cooker for extra flavor.
• Stir in a little honey for a sweeter BBQ sauce.
• Add a dash of hot sauce or chili flakes for heat.
Tips
• If the sauce becomes too thin, leave the lid off for the last 15 minutes of cooking.
• Toasting the buns lightly keeps them from getting soggy.
• This chicken also works well for BBQ chicken sliders.
Serving Suggestions
Serve BBQ chicken sandwiches with simple sides like:
- Chips and dip
- Raw vegetables (carrots, broccoli, celery) with dip
- French fries or roasted potatoes
- Crispy Parmesan Baked Potatoes for Two
Storage
Store leftover BBQ chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop. Add a little extra BBQ sauce if needed to keep the chicken moist.
Budget Tips
This is a great budget meal because it uses only two main ingredients.
• Buy chicken breasts in family packs and freeze extras.
• Store brand BBQ sauce works just as well as name brands.
• Serve on simple sandwich buns for an inexpensive meal.
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken?
It’s best to thaw chicken before slow cooking for even cooking and food safety.
Can I use chicken thighs instead?
Yes. Boneless chicken thighs work great and will produce slightly juicier shredded chicken.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Cook and shred the chicken, then store it in the refrigerator and reheat when ready to serve.
Try These Next
• Slow Cooker Smothered Pork Chops for Two
• Slow Cooker Sausage and Potatoes for Two
• Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Pasta for Two
• Slow Cooker Mississippi Chicken for Two
Plan Your Meals With Ease
My Meal Planner with Grocery List for Cooking for Two helps you organize weekly meals, create efficient shopping lists, reduce food waste, and save money on groceries. Perfect for couples, empty nesters, and small households who want simple, budget-friendly meal planning without stress.
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