Crock Pot BBQ Chicken Tenders – Easy, Juicy & Crowd-Pleasing
Crock pot BBQ chicken tenders saved me on a rainy Wednesday with no time, no energy, and a fridge full of question marks. I remember opening that fridge after work, staring at a pack of chicken tenders, and thinking, “There’s no way dinner is happening tonight.” But then, I spotted my crock pot.
I threw in those tenders, poured over some sauce, and hoped for the best. Hours later, the whole house smelled like a summer BBQ, even though the grill was collecting dust. One bite in, I was hooked. These weren’t just quick, they were ridiculously tender, saucy, and comforting.
What I love most about crock pot BBQ chicken tenders is how little work they require. It’s a dump-and-go dish with big flavor, perfect for sandwiches, salads, or served alongside mac and cheese. They remind me a bit of the vibes from my BBQ chicken legs in the crock pot, but with even less mess.
If you’re craving a hands-off dinner that feels like comfort food and weekend cookout combined, this one’s for you.
Crock Pot BBQ Chicken Tenders
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Pat chicken tenders dry with paper towels.
- Mix garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- Rub spice blend evenly over all chicken tenders.
- Place tenders into crock pot in a single layer.
- Stir vinegar (optional) into BBQ sauce, then pour over chicken.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 3–4 hours or HIGH for 2 hours.
- Optional: Transfer tenders to foil-lined baking sheet, brush with extra BBQ sauce, and broil for 3–5 minutes.
- Serve hot, with more sauce if desired.
Notes
Table of Contents
Why Crock Pot BBQ Chicken Tenders Just Work
Low Effort, Big BBQ Payoff
Chicken tenders are the underdogs of easy meals. They’re lean, they cook fast, and in a slow cooker, they soak up BBQ flavor like little sponges. All it takes is a quick seasoning blend and your favorite BBQ sauce. No browning, no stirring, just set and forget.
The magic happens in that long slow cook. Unlike grilling (which requires watching every second), slow cooking ensures the chicken stays moist without drying out. That’s the beauty of dishes like barbecue chicken drumsticks crock pot style, and it’s the same here.
After 3–4 hours on low or 2 on high, the tenders are fork-tender and ready to shred, slice, or serve whole. Want crispy edges? Just broil them with a fresh glaze of sauce for 3–5 minutes. The results are legit good.
Family-Friendly, Meal-Prep Gold
Let’s talk convenience. These crock pot BBQ chicken tenders are a meal prep dream. Make a double batch and use them in sandwiches, tacos, salads, or sliders all week. They’re also freezer-friendly and reheat like a charm without losing texture.
They’ve become a go-to in my house right alongside frozen chicken in the crock pot and other slow cooker staples I lean on during chaotic weeks. Kids love them, picky eaters approve, and cleanup is basically nonexistent. Win-win.
Prepping Crock Pot BBQ Chicken Tenders for Maximum Flavor
What You’ll Need to Make It Happen
You won’t need anything fancy to bring this meal together. That’s the beauty of crock pot BBQ chicken tenders, you can make them with pantry basics and whatever BBQ sauce you’ve got on hand.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1.5 to 2 pounds of chicken tenders (fresh or thawed)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (for that “grilled” flavor)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ¾ to 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- Optional: 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or Worcestershire sauce for added depth
Start by patting the chicken tenders dry so the seasoning sticks well. Mix your spices and rub over the tenders evenly. Then place them directly into your crock pot.
For a flavor boost, I like to stir a splash of vinegar into the BBQ sauce before pouring it over the chicken. It adds tang and brightness to balance the sweetness of the sauce. You can also toss in a bit of hot sauce or chili flakes if you’re craving heat, kind of like the kick I use in jerk chicken in a crock pot.
Layer, Sauce, and Let It Cook
Once the chicken tenders are seasoned and in the pot, pour the BBQ sauce over top. You want just enough to coat, don’t drown it. The chicken will release moisture as it cooks, thinning the sauce a bit, so go easy at first. You can always add more at the end.
Cover and cook on LOW for 3–4 hours or HIGH for 2 hours. Avoid overcooking, tenders are lean, and they’ll stay juiciest when you check them on time.
When done, they’ll be fork-tender, juicy, and perfect for shredding or slicing. I sometimes take them out, brush with a little more sauce, and give them a quick broil to caramelize the edges, just like I do with marry me chicken in the crock pot for a finishing flourish.
Flavor Variations & Creative Ways to Serve Crock Pot BBQ Chicken Tenders
Mix It Up: Sauces and Seasonings That Hit Different
One of the best parts of cooking crock pot BBQ chicken tenders is how flexible the flavor can be. Want it smoky and bold? Go for a hickory or mesquite-style BBQ sauce. Prefer something sweet and kid-friendly? Use a honey BBQ or brown sugar blend. Want some heat? Stir in chipotle powder, cayenne, or a splash of your favorite hot sauce.
For a Southern-style twist, I love adding a spoonful of mustard-based BBQ sauce for tang. Or make it Hawaiian-inspired with a dash of pineapple juice mixed into the sauce, it adds a tropical sweetness that pairs beautifully with the tender texture.
You can even make it creamy by stirring in a bit of ranch dressing at the end (yes, really). Think along the lines of crack chicken in the crock pot, but BBQ-style. It’s indulgent, rich, and totally unexpected.
Keep experimenting with spices too. A touch of cinnamon or ground cumin can deepen the flavor in surprising ways. It’s your BBQ, make it sing your way.
Serve It Your Way: Bowls, Sandwiches, or Straight from the Crock
Once your tenders are cooked, the ways to serve them are nearly endless. Here are some of my favorites:
- BBQ Chicken Sandwiches: Pile shredded tenders on a toasted bun with slaw or pickles.
- BBQ Chicken Bowls: Serve with rice, black beans, corn, and avocado for a balanced meal.
- BBQ Sliders: Mini buns + cheese + broiled tenders = party hit.
- BBQ Nachos: Chop and layer over chips with melted cheese and scallions.
- BBQ Tacos: Soft tortillas, tangy slaw, and a drizzle of extra sauce.
These variations make crock pot bbq chicken tenders a great way to stretch a meal over multiple days, just like chicken and dumplings in the crock pot gives you cozy leftovers.
And if you’re feeding a crowd, simply double the recipe and layer the chicken tenders with sauce in batches. Use a 6- to 7-quart slow cooker for best results.
Not sure what to do with extras? Leftovers store beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze up to 3 months. Reheat gently with a little extra sauce to keep them juicy and delicious.
FAQs
How do you BBQ chicken in a crock pot?
It’s all about low and slow. Season the chicken tenders, place them in the crock pot, and pour over just enough BBQ sauce to coat. Cook on LOW for 3–4 hours or HIGH for 2 hours until tender and juicy. For that classic sticky BBQ finish, brush with extra sauce and broil for a few minutes before serving. It’s the same foolproof process I use in my crock pot chicken divan, let the pot do the work.
How long does it take for chicken tenders to cook in the crock pot?
Chicken tenders cook faster than other cuts. On LOW, they take about 3 to 4 hours, and on HIGH, about 2 hours. Always check for doneness, tenders should reach 165°F internally and be easy to shred or slice. Don’t overcook, or they’ll dry out.
Can I put barbecue sauce in a crock pot?
Absolutely! Barbecue sauce works great in a slow cooker, but less is more. Since chicken releases moisture during cooking, too much sauce early on can make it watery. Start with about ½ to ¾ cup, then add more at the end if needed. This technique helps preserve rich, bold BBQ flavor, just like in my bbq chicken legs in the crock pot.
Do you put barbecue sauce on chicken before or after cooking?
Both! Start with a light coat of sauce for cooking. Once the tenders are cooked through, brush on more BBQ sauce before serving, or broiling, for that thick, sticky, caramelized finish. It’s the perfect way to add depth, like I do with chicken in a crock pot from frozen where finishing touches really matter.
Final Tips for Crock Pot BBQ Chicken Tenders Success
Crock pot BBQ chicken tenders check every box. They’re fast, flexible, flavorful, and incredibly easy to pull off. Whether you’re meal prepping, feeding a hungry family, or just want something comforting with zero fuss, this recipe delivers every single time.
No grilling required. No hours spent watching the stove. Just bold BBQ flavor, a tender texture, and a meal that makes your kitchen smell amazing while you do something else.
So go ahead, grab your slow cooker, toss in your chicken, and let this recipe bring the BBQ to you.
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