30 Crockpot BBQ Recipes for Effortless Weeknight Dinners
Diving into the world of crockpot cooking has transformed my weeknight dinner game. There’s something magical about tossing a few ingredients into a slow cooker in the morning and arriving home to the tantalizing aroma of a fully-prepared meal. It’s easy, convenient, and incredibly satisfying.
With "30 Crockpot BBQ Recipes for Effortless Weeknight Dinners," you'll find a variety of mouthwatering BBQ dishes that offer something for everyone. Whether you're a seasoned slow cooker cook or new to the game, these recipes will become instant favorites. From tangy pulled pork to smoky BBQ chicken, get ready to embrace the joy of effortless and delicious weeknight dinners.
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1. BBQ Pulled Pork
This classic pulled pork recipe melts in your mouth and is perfect for sandwiches or over rice.
Ingredients:
- 3 lbs pork shoulder roast
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cups BBQ sauce
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Place the chopped onion in the bottom of your crockpot.
- Rub the pork shoulder with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Place the pork on top of the onions.
- Combine the BBQ sauce, chicken broth, and brown sugar, then pour over the pork.
- Cook on low for 8-10 hours or until the pork is tender and can be easily shredded with a fork.
- Shred the pork and mix it with the residual sauce in the crockpot. Serve warm.
2. BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
Tender and flavorful, these BBQ chicken drumsticks are sure to be a hit.
Ingredients:
- 8 chicken drumsticks
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Place the chicken drumsticks in the crockpot.
- In a bowl, mix together the BBQ sauce, honey, soy sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken drumsticks.
- Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Serve with additional sauce from the crockpot.
3. Smoky BBQ Beef Brisket
A hearty dish, this BBQ beef brisket is perfect for a filling weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
- 3 lbs beef brisket
- 2 cups BBQ sauce
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Place the sliced onions at the bottom of your crockpot.
- Season the beef brisket with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Place the brisket on top of the onions.
- In a bowl, combine the BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. Pour over the brisket.
- Cook on low for 8-10 hours until the brisket is tender.
- Slice brisket against the grain and serve with the sauce from the crockpot.
4. BBQ Pineapple Chicken
The sweetness of pineapple paired with tangy BBQ sauce makes this a standout dish.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 can pineapple chunks, drained
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot.
- Add the pineapple chunks and red bell pepper on top.
- In a bowl, mix together the BBQ sauce, garlic powder, and ground ginger.
- Pour the mixture over the chicken and vegetables.
- Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is cooked through.
- Serve hot.
5. BBQ Meatballs
These tender meatballs are perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a party appetizer.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 cups BBQ sauce
- 1/2 cup grape jelly
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, onion, salt, and pepper.
- Form the mixture into meatballs and place them in the crockpot.
- In a bowl, combine the BBQ sauce and grape jelly. Pour over the meatballs.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the meatballs are cooked through.
- Serve warm, optionally with additional BBQ sauce.
6. BBQ Pork Ribs
Fall-off-the-bone tender, these BBQ pork ribs are a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
- 3 lbs pork ribs
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 2 cups BBQ sauce
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Place the sliced onion at the bottom of the crockpot.
- Season the ribs with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Lay the ribs on top of the onions.
- Combine BBQ sauce and apple cider vinegar in a bowl. Pour over the ribs.
- Cook on low for 8-9 hours until the ribs are tender.
- Serve with extra BBQ sauce on the side.
7. BBQ Shredded Chicken
This versatile shredded chicken can be used for sandwiches, tacos, or salads.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups BBQ sauce
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot.
- Combine the BBQ sauce, chicken broth, brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Pour over the chicken.
- Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender.
- Shred the chicken and mix with the sauce in the crockpot.
- Serve in sandwiches, tacos, or over salads.
8. BBQ Ranch Pork Chops
These pork chops are flavorful and juicy, perfect for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless pork chops
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 2 cups BBQ sauce
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Rub the pork chops with ranch seasoning mix, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the pork chops on both sides.
- Place the pork chops in the crockpot.
- Combine BBQ sauce and chicken broth in a bowl. Pour over the pork chops.
- Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the pork chops are cooked through.
- Serve with extra sauce.
9. Honey BBQ Meatloaf
This meatloaf is incredibly moist and packed with flavor thanks to the BBQ sauce and honey.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, salt, and pepper.
- Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in the crockpot.
- Combine BBQ sauce and honey in a bowl. Pour over the meatloaf.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the meatloaf is cooked through.
- Serve sliced with extra BBQ sauce.
10. BBQ Chicken Tacos
These chicken tacos are packed with flavor and perfect for a fun weeknight meal.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups BBQ sauce
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper
- Tortillas for serving
- Optional toppings: shredded lettuce, cheese, sour cream
Instructions:
- Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot.
- Combine BBQ sauce, lime juice, chicken broth, chili powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Pour over the chicken.
- Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender.
- Shred the chicken and mix with the sauce in the crockpot.
- Serve the chicken in tortillas with your favorite toppings.
11. BBQ Turkey Chili
This hearty chili is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cups BBQ sauce
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can corn, drained
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Brown the ground turkey in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and red bell pepper, cooking until softened.
- Transfer the turkey mixture to the crockpot.
- Add the black beans, kidney beans, corn, BBQ sauce, chicken broth, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Stir to combine, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Serve hot, topped with cheese and sour cream if desired.
12. BBQ Beef and Cheddar Sandwiches
These sandwiches are savory and delicious, perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs chuck roast
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 2 cups BBQ sauce
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper
- 8 sandwich rolls
- Sliced cheddar cheese
Instructions:
- Place the sliced onion at the bottom of the crockpot.
- Season the chuck roast with garlic powder, salt, and pepper, and place on top of the onions.
- Combine BBQ sauce, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce in a bowl. Pour over the roast.
- Cook on low for 8-10 hours until the beef is tender.
- Shred the beef and mix with the sauce in the crockpot.
- Serve on sandwich rolls with slices of cheddar cheese.
13. BBQ Lemon Garlic Chicken
A refreshing twist on BBQ chicken, enhanced with lemon and garlic.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot.
- Combine BBQ sauce, lemon juice, minced garlic, chicken broth, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Pour over the chicken.
- Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender.
- Serve with the sauce from the crockpot.
14. BBQ Sausage and Peppers
This flavorful dish is great served over rice or in a sandwich roll.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb Italian sausage links
- 2 bell peppers, sliced
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 2 cups BBQ sauce
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the sausage links on all sides.
- Place the browned sausages, bell peppers, and onions in the crockpot.
- Combine BBQ sauce and chicken broth in a bowl. Pour over the sausage and vegetables.
- Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the vegetables are tender and the sausage is cooked through.
- Serve over rice or in sandwich rolls.
15. BBQ Sweet and Spicy Chicken
This recipe offers a perfect blend of sweetness and spice.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp sriracha sauce
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Place the chicken thighs in the crockpot.
- Combine BBQ sauce, honey, sriracha sauce, chicken broth, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Pour over the chicken.
- Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender.
- Serve with the sauce from the crockpot.
16. BBQ Black Bean and Corn Salsa Chicken
This healthy recipe is packed with flavor and easy to prepare.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can corn, drained
- 1 jar salsa
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Place the chicken breasts, black beans, and corn in the crockpot.
- Combine salsa and BBQ sauce in a bowl. Pour over the chicken and vegetables.
- Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender.
- Serve with rice or tortilla chips.
17. BBQ Jerk Chicken
A Caribbean twist on BBQ chicken with jerk seasoning.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 2 tbsp jerk seasoning
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot.
- Combine BBQ sauce, lime juice, jerk seasoning, chicken broth, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Pour over the chicken.
- Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender.
- Serve with rice and beans.
18. BBQ Sticky Ribs
These ribs are sticky, sweet, and totally irresistible.
Ingredients:
- 3 lbs pork ribs
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 2 cups BBQ sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Place the sliced onion at the bottom of the crockpot.
- Season the ribs with salt and pepper, and place on top of the onions.
- Combine BBQ sauce, honey, and soy sauce in a bowl. Pour over the ribs.
- Cook on low for 8-9 hours until the ribs are tender.
- Serve with extra sauce.
19. BBQ Chicken and Rice
A simple and delicious one-pot meal.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot.
- Add the chopped onion and bell pepper on top.
- Combine BBQ sauce and chicken broth in a bowl. Pour over the chicken and vegetables.
- Add the rice, and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender and the rice is cooked.
- Serve hot.
20. BBQ Beef Tips
Tender beef tips slow-cooked in a rich BBQ sauce.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef stew meat
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cups BBQ sauce
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Place the chopped onion at the bottom of the crockpot.
- Season the beef stew meat with garlic powder, salt, and pepper, and place on top of the onions.
- Combine BBQ sauce, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce in a bowl. Pour over the beef.
- Cook on low for 8-10 hours until the beef is tender.
- Serve with mashed potatoes or rice.
21. BBQ Chicken Quinoa
A nutritious and delicious meal that’s easy to make.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/2 cup corn kernels
- 1/2 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot.
- Add the quinoa, corn kernels, black beans, and red bell pepper on top.
- Combine BBQ sauce and chicken broth in a bowl. Pour over the chicken and vegetables.
- Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender and the quinoa is cooked.
- Serve hot.
22. BBQ Pork Loin
Juicy and flavorful pork loin cooked to perfection.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs pork loin
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 2 cups BBQ sauce
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Place the sliced onion at the bottom of the crockpot.
- Season the pork loin with salt and pepper, and place on top of the onions.
- Combine BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar in a bowl. Pour over the pork loin.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the pork is tender.
- Slice and serve with the sauce from the crockpot.
23. BBQ Cheesy Chicken Dip
Perfect for parties or as a fun appetizer.
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions
- Tortilla chips for serving
Instructions:
- Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot.
- Pour BBQ sauce over the chicken and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Shred the chicken in the crockpot and mix with the sauce.
- Add ranch dressing and shredded cheddar cheese, stirring to combine.
- Cook on high for an additional 30 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and serve warm with tortilla chips.
24. BBQ Shrimp and Grits
An easy take on a Southern classic with a flavorful BBQ twist.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 cup quick-cooking grits
- 2 cups water
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Place the shrimp in the crockpot.
- Combine BBQ sauce, chicken broth, lemon juice, and smoked paprika in a bowl. Pour over the shrimp.
- Cook on low for 2-3 hours until the shrimp are cooked through.
- Meanwhile, cook grits in water according to package instructions, then stir in shredded cheese.
- Serve the BBQ shrimp over cheesy grits.
25. BBQ Chicken Enchiladas
Easy and delicious, these enchiladas are a perfect family meal.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups BBQ sauce
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn
- 8 flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- Optional toppings: sour cream, chopped cilantro
Instructions:
- Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot.
- Combine BBQ sauce and chicken broth in a bowl. Pour over the chicken.
- Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender.
- Shred the chicken and mix with the sauce, black beans, and corn in the crockpot.
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Fill each tortilla with the BBQ chicken mixture and roll up. Place seam-side down in a baking dish.
- Top with shredded cheese and bake for 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve with optional toppings.
26. BBQ Sweet Potato and Black Bean Chili
A hearty vegetarian chili with a sweet and smoky flavor.
Ingredients:
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 2 cups BBQ sauce
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Place sweet potatoes, black beans, diced tomatoes, onion, and bell pepper in the crockpot.
- Combine BBQ sauce, vegetable broth, chili powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Pour over the vegetables.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the sweet potatoes are tender.
- Serve hot, optionally topped with cheese and sour cream.
27. BBQ Ranch Chicken and Potatoes
A one-pot meal that's hearty and comforting.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 2 cups BBQ sauce
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 4 large potatoes, cut into chunks
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Place the chicken breasts and potato chunks in the crockpot.
- Sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix over the chicken and potatoes.
- Combine BBQ sauce and chicken broth in a bowl. Pour over the chicken and potatoes.
- Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken and potatoes are tender.
- Serve hot with the sauce from the crockpot.
28. BBQ Chicken and Pineapple Skewers
These skewers are sweet, tangy, and perfect paired with rice or a salad.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into chunks
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice
- 1 can pineapple chunks, drained
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 green bell pepper, cut into chunks
- Wooden or metal skewers
Instructions:
- Place chicken chunks, pineapple chunks, and bell pepper chunks in the crockpot.
- Combine BBQ sauce and pineapple juice in a bowl. Pour over the ingredients in the crockpot.
- Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender.
- Thread cooked chicken, pineapple, and bell pepper onto skewers.
- Optionally grill for a few minutes to char slightly before serving.
29. BBQ Pork Macaroni and Cheese
A comforting and satisfying dish combining BBQ pork and creamy mac and cheese.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs pork shoulder
- 2 cups BBQ sauce
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Place the pork shoulder in the crockpot.
- Combine BBQ sauce, chicken broth, brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Pour over the pork.
- Cook on low for 8-10 hours until the pork is tender.
- Shred the pork and mix with the sauce in the crockpot.
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions.
- Combine cooked macaroni, shredded cheddar cheese, and milk, stirring until the cheese is melted.
- Mix the shredded BBQ pork into the macaroni and cheese, and serve hot.
30. BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches
A delicious vegan alternative that's smoky and satisfying.
Ingredients:
- 2 cans young green jackfruit in water, drained and shredded
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- 8 sandwich buns
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion until translucent.
- Place the shredded jackfruit and sautéed onion in the crockpot.
- Combine BBQ sauce and vegetable broth in a bowl. Pour over the jackfruit.
- Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until the jackfruit is tender.
- Stir and mash the jackfruit to achieve a pulled pork-like texture.
- Serve the BBQ jackfruit on sandwich buns.
Conclusion
There you have it, 30 Crockpot BBQ Recipes for Effortless Weeknight Dinners. These recipes are designed to make your weeknight dinners as stress-free and delicious as possible. Enjoy the flavors of BBQ without the hassle and impress your family and friends with these savory delights. Happy cooking!