Slow Cooker Chicken Tenders
These 3-ingredient slow cooker chicken tenders are an easy, family-friendly dinner for busy weeknights. Made with tender chicken, flavorful barbecue sauce, and chicken broth, this simple Crockpot chicken recipe creates juicy chicken pieces coated in a rich, savory sauce. Serve it over rice, mashed potatoes, pasta, or on sandwich buns for a comforting meal everyone will enjoy.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Chicken Recipe
This easy slow cooker chicken dinner needs minimal prep and uses only a few everyday ingredients. The slow cooker keeps the chicken tenders moist and tender while the barbecue sauce creates a delicious glaze. It is a practical recipe for meal prep, family dinners, potlucks, sandwiches, wraps, tacos, and leftovers.
Ingredients
- 1½ to 2 pounds chicken tenders, fully thawed
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth or water
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Lightly coat the inside of the slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray if desired.
- Arrange the chicken tenders in an even layer in the bottom of the slow cooker. A little overlap is fine.
- Spoon the barbecue sauce evenly over the chicken tenders. Pour the chicken broth around the edges of the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 3½ to 4½ hours, or on HIGH for 2 to 3 hours, until the chicken is tender and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Gently stir the chicken in the sauce until every piece is coated. Taste and season with salt and black pepper if needed.
- Serve hot with extra sauce spooned over the top.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Crockpot chicken tenders over white rice, buttered noodles, mashed potatoes, or roasted potatoes. They also make an easy filling for sandwiches, sliders, wraps, tacos, or baked potatoes. Add green beans, broccoli, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad for a balanced family meal.
Variations and Tips
For shredded barbecue chicken, pull the cooked tenders apart with two forks directly in the slow cooker and stir them into the sauce. For a creamier sauce, stir in a small amount of plain Greek yogurt or sour cream after cooking, with the heat turned off.
You can also add frozen mixed vegetables during the last hour of cooking for a more complete one-pot meal. If the sauce is thinner than you prefer, cook uncovered on HIGH for 20 to 30 minutes, or thicken it with a small cornstarch-and-water slurry.
Benefits of This Easy Crockpot Chicken Dinner
- Uses only three simple ingredients
- Quick preparation with minimal cleanup
- High-protein chicken meal for family dinners
- Great for meal prep and leftover lunches
- Versatile enough for rice bowls, sandwiches, tacos, and wraps
- Budget-friendly slow cooker recipe for busy days
Food Safety Tips
Use fully thawed chicken tenders and keep them refrigerated until cooking. Check the thickest piece with a food thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C). Refrigerate leftovers within two hours and enjoy them within 3 to 4 days.
