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There’s something incredibly satisfying about sinking your teeth into tender, juicy chicken with a smoky, tangy barbecue flavor.
With the help of your trusty crockpot, you can effortlessly create mouthwatering BBQ chicken tenders that are perfect for any occasion.
Whether you’re hosting a family dinner, prepping meals for the week, or looking for an easy dinner idea, crockpot BBQ chicken tenders are a game changer.
They’re quick to prepare, super versatile, and most importantly, absolutely delicious.
In this blog post, we’ve curated over 29 amazing crockpot BBQ chicken tender recipes that you can make with ease.
From classic smoky BBQ to exciting variations like mango habanero or ranch-infused BBQ, there’s a recipe to suit every palate.
Get ready to fill your home with the comforting aroma of slow-cooked BBQ chicken and enjoy these delicious, crowd-pleasing dishes.
29+ Irresistible Crockpot BBQ Chicken Tender Recipes for Every Meals
Crockpot BBQ chicken tenders are a fantastic option for anyone looking for a convenient, flavorful meal that requires minimal effort.
The variety of recipes available means you can easily customize your BBQ experience, from sweet and tangy to spicy and bold.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just enjoying a quiet evening at home, these 29+ recipes will ensure you never run out of tasty ideas.
So, grab your crockpot, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a deliciously tender BBQ chicken meal that will keep your taste buds satisfied!
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Sweet and Smoky BBQ Chicken Tenders
Perfect for busy weeknights, these sweet and smoky BBQ chicken tenders require minimal prep but deliver maximum flavor. The slow cooking process ensures the chicken is tender and infused with a deep barbecue taste. This recipe combines a touch of brown sugar and smoked paprika for that signature sweet and smoky flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs chicken tenders
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand)
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions:
- In a small bowl, mix the barbecue sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Place the chicken tenders in the crockpot. Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated.
- Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or on high for 2–3 hours until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
- Once cooked, gently shred the chicken if desired or serve the tenders whole. Drizzle extra sauce on top before serving.
The sweet and smoky flavors in this recipe are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Pair these tender chicken bites with coleslaw, cornbread, or roasted vegetables for a comforting, well-rounded meal.
Honey Mustard BBQ Chicken Tenders
This recipe combines the tangy sweetness of honey mustard with the bold flavors of barbecue sauce, creating a unique twist on classic BBQ chicken. Slow-cooked to perfection, the chicken is juicy, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs chicken tenders
- ¾ cup barbecue sauce
- ¼ cup Dijon mustard
- 3 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce, Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Arrange the chicken tenders in the crockpot. Pour the honey mustard BBQ sauce over the chicken, making sure each piece is coated.
- Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or on high for 2–3 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- For a thicker sauce, transfer the liquid to a small saucepan and simmer until reduced. Serve the chicken topped with the thickened sauce.
The combination of honey mustard and barbecue sauce creates a rich, zesty flavor profile that makes this dish unforgettable. It pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes or a crisp green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
Tangy Pineapple BBQ Chicken Tenders
Transport your taste buds to a tropical paradise with this tangy pineapple BBQ chicken recipe. The sweetness of pineapple complements the smoky barbecue sauce, creating a delightful balance of flavors that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs chicken tenders
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- ½ cup pineapple juice
- 1 cup crushed pineapple (canned or fresh)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp ginger powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp chili flakes (optional for heat)
Instructions:
- In a medium bowl, mix the barbecue sauce, pineapple juice, crushed pineapple, soy sauce, ginger powder, garlic powder, and chili flakes.
- Place the chicken tenders in the crockpot and pour the pineapple BBQ sauce mixture over them.
- Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or on high for 2–3 hours, until the chicken is tender.
- Serve the tenders with a garnish of fresh pineapple chunks or cilantro for added flavor and presentation.
This tangy pineapple BBQ chicken recipe is a tropical twist on a classic dish. It’s perfect for serving over rice, in tacos, or alongside grilled vegetables. The vibrant flavors are sure to brighten any meal!
Maple Bourbon BBQ Chicken Tenders
Infused with the rich flavors of maple syrup and bourbon, this recipe elevates classic BBQ chicken to a sophisticated, mouthwatering dish. Slow-cooked to perfection, it’s sweet, smoky, and perfect for gatherings or cozy dinners.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs chicken tenders
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 3 tbsp maple syrup
- 2 tbsp bourbon
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions:
- In a bowl, combine barbecue sauce, maple syrup, bourbon, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
- Arrange the chicken tenders in the crockpot and pour the sauce mixture over them, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Cook on low for 4–5 hours or on high for 2–3 hours until the chicken is tender and the flavors have melded.
- Serve the chicken with extra sauce drizzled on top and pair it with roasted vegetables or mashed sweet potatoes.
The maple and bourbon combination creates a rich, caramelized flavor that’s irresistible. This dish is versatile, elegant, and perfect for impressing guests.
Spicy Chipotle BBQ Chicken Tenders
If you love a little heat, this spicy chipotle BBQ chicken recipe is perfect for you. The smoky heat from chipotle peppers adds depth to the barbecue sauce, making these tenders bold and flavorful.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs chicken tenders
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 2 tbsp adobo sauce (from canned chipotle peppers)
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp cumin
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp smoked paprika
Instructions:
- Combine barbecue sauce, adobo sauce, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and smoked paprika in a mixing bowl.
- Place the chicken tenders in the crockpot and pour the spicy chipotle BBQ mixture over them.
- Cook on low for 4–5 hours or on high for 2–3 hours until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
- Serve with rice, tortillas, or a creamy coleslaw to balance the heat.
This spicy chipotle BBQ chicken is bold, zesty, and full of flavor. It’s an excellent choice for those who enjoy a fiery kick in their meals.
Brown Sugar and Mustard BBQ Chicken Tenders
The combination of brown sugar and mustard gives these chicken tenders a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors. The slow-cooking process ensures the chicken is tender and juicy.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs chicken tenders
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
Instructions:
- Mix barbecue sauce, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and onion powder in a bowl.
- Arrange chicken tenders in the crockpot and pour the sauce mixture over them.
- Cook on low for 4–5 hours or on high for 2–3 hours until the chicken is tender and the flavors are infused.
- Serve alongside roasted potatoes or a fresh garden salad.
The sweet and tangy combination of brown sugar and mustard makes this recipe a family favorite. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings.
Cajun BBQ Chicken Tenders
Bring a taste of the South to your table with these Cajun BBQ chicken tenders. Packed with bold spices and slow-cooked to perfection, they’re flavorful and satisfying.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs chicken tenders
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
Instructions:
- Combine barbecue sauce, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder in a bowl.
- Place the chicken tenders in the crockpot and coat them evenly with the sauce.
- Cook on low for 4–5 hours or on high for 2–3 hours.
- Serve with cornbread or rice for a hearty meal.
These Cajun BBQ chicken tenders bring a burst of flavor and spice to your plate. Pair them with Southern sides for a complete and satisfying meal.
Apple Cider BBQ Chicken Tenders
This recipe combines the tangy sweetness of apple cider with smoky barbecue sauce for a fall-inspired dish. The result is tender, flavorful chicken that’s perfect for cozy dinners.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs chicken tenders
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- ½ cup apple cider
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp cinnamon (optional)
Instructions:
- Mix barbecue sauce, apple cider, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, and cinnamon in a bowl.
- Place the chicken tenders in the crockpot and pour the sauce mixture over them.
- Cook on low for 4–5 hours or on high for 2–3 hours.
- Serve with mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables.
The apple cider adds a unique tangy sweetness to this dish, making it a delightful option for a comforting meal.
Garlic Herb BBQ Chicken Tenders
This recipe combines classic barbecue flavors with the freshness of garlic and herbs. It’s a simple yet delicious dish that will leave your family asking for seconds.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs chicken tenders
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 2 tsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- ½ tsp rosemary
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix barbecue sauce, minced garlic, thyme, parsley, and rosemary.
- Arrange the chicken tenders in the crockpot and coat them with the sauce mixture.
- Cook on low for 4–5 hours or on high for 2–3 hours.
- Serve with rice or roasted vegetables for a wholesome meal.
The combination of garlic and herbs elevates this BBQ chicken recipe, making it a flavorful and satisfying dish. It’s perfect for both casual and formal dining occasions.
Lemon Garlic BBQ Chicken Tenders
For a zesty and aromatic twist on BBQ chicken, these lemon garlic BBQ chicken tenders offer the perfect balance of tangy lemon and savory garlic. The citrusy flavors brighten the chicken while the slow-cooking method ensures juicy, tender results.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs chicken tenders
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce, lemon juice, garlic, lemon zest, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Arrange the chicken tenders in the crockpot and pour the lemon garlic sauce over them.
- Cook on low for 4–5 hours or on high for 2–3 hours until the chicken is tender and infused with the lemony goodness.
- Serve the tenders with a fresh green salad or roasted potatoes for a light yet satisfying meal.
The tangy lemon and savory garlic blend perfectly with the smoky barbecue sauce in this recipe, providing a refreshing take on traditional BBQ chicken. It’s ideal for those looking for a flavorful dish with a hint of brightness.
Tropical BBQ Chicken Tenders
A perfect fusion of tropical fruits and BBQ flavors, this recipe features pineapple and mango to create a sweet and tangy glaze for the chicken. Slow cooking ensures the chicken is perfectly tender while absorbing the vibrant tropical flavors.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs chicken tenders
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- ½ cup pineapple juice
- ½ cup mango puree (or mashed mango)
- 1 tsp lime juice
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp chili flakes (optional for a kick)
Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, combine barbecue sauce, pineapple juice, mango puree, lime juice, garlic powder, and chili flakes.
- Place the chicken tenders in the crockpot and pour the tropical BBQ mixture over the chicken.
- Cook on low for 4–5 hours or on high for 2–3 hours until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Serve the chicken with a side of coconut rice or a tropical fruit salad for a refreshing meal.
This tropical BBQ chicken is a fun and flavorful variation of classic BBQ, perfect for summer gatherings or when you want to transport your taste buds to a tropical paradise.
Balsamic BBQ Chicken Tenders
For a tangy and slightly sweet twist on BBQ chicken, balsamic vinegar adds a depth of flavor that pairs beautifully with the richness of the barbecue sauce. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for a gourmet yet simple dinner.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs chicken tenders
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp dried basil
Instructions:
- In a bowl, whisk together barbecue sauce, balsamic vinegar, honey, garlic powder, and dried basil.
- Place the chicken tenders in the crockpot and pour the balsamic BBQ sauce mixture over the chicken.
- Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or on high for 2–3 hours until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
- Serve with roasted vegetables or a side of quinoa for a wholesome meal.
The balsamic vinegar and honey balance each other beautifully, creating a tangy yet sweet glaze that enhances the chicken’s natural flavors. It’s a fantastic option for anyone looking to add a little sophistication to their BBQ meals.
Sriracha Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders
For those who enjoy a spicy-sweet combination, this recipe pairs the heat of Sriracha with the sweetness of honey to create a bold BBQ sauce that takes the chicken to the next level. The result is spicy, sweet, and irresistibly tasty.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs chicken tenders
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 2 tbsp Sriracha sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Instructions:
- Mix barbecue sauce, Sriracha sauce, honey, soy sauce, and garlic powder in a bowl.
- Place the chicken tenders in the crockpot and pour the spicy BBQ sauce over them.
- Cook on low for 4–5 hours or on high for 2–3 hours until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
- Serve the chicken with a side of rice or cool cucumber salad to balance the heat.
The spicy kick from the Sriracha paired with the sweetness of honey makes this recipe unforgettable. It’s perfect for those who like their BBQ with a little heat and a touch of sweetness.
Peach BBQ Chicken Tenders
The sweetness of ripe peaches pairs perfectly with tangy barbecue sauce, creating a flavorful and fruity BBQ dish. This slow-cooked chicken is tender and infused with peachy goodness.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs chicken tenders
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- ½ cup peach preserves or peach jam
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp ginger powder
- ½ tsp salt
Instructions:
- In a bowl, combine barbecue sauce, peach preserves, apple cider vinegar, ginger powder, and salt.
- Place the chicken tenders in the crockpot and pour the peach BBQ sauce over the chicken.
- Cook on low for 4–5 hours or on high for 2–3 hours until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
- Serve with a side of grilled vegetables or a fresh salad for a well-rounded meal.
Peach and barbecue sauce combine beautifully to create a sweet and tangy glaze that enhances the chicken’s flavor. This recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a fruit-forward twist on classic BBQ chicken.
Cilantro Lime BBQ Chicken Tenders
This recipe is bursting with fresh flavors from cilantro and lime, combining them with barbecue sauce for a light, fresh, and tangy BBQ chicken. It’s a perfect choice for warm-weather meals.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs chicken tenders
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp lime zest
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
- ½ tsp garlic powder
Instructions:
- In a bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce, lime juice, lime zest, cilantro, and garlic powder.
- Place the chicken tenders in the crockpot and pour the cilantro lime BBQ sauce over them.
- Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or on high for 2–3 hours until the chicken is tender.
- Garnish with extra cilantro and serve with rice, tacos, or grilled vegetables.
The fresh, zesty flavors of lime and cilantro paired with smoky barbecue sauce make this recipe a standout. It’s perfect for a light and flavorful meal that’s still packed with all the comforting goodness of BBQ.
Buffalo BBQ Chicken Tenders
A fusion of tangy buffalo sauce and sweet BBQ sauce, this recipe brings together the best of both worlds. The spicy kick from buffalo sauce perfectly complements the smoky richness of BBQ sauce, creating a bold and exciting flavor profile.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs chicken tenders
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- ½ cup buffalo sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
Instructions:
- In a bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce, buffalo sauce, honey, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper.
- Place the chicken tenders in the crockpot and pour the sauce mixture over them.
- Cook on low for 4–5 hours or on high for 2–3 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Serve with celery sticks and a side of blue cheese or ranch dressing for a true buffalo-inspired experience.
This recipe combines the best of buffalo and BBQ flavors, creating a unique and exciting dish. It’s perfect for game days, casual dinners, or when you crave something spicy and savory.
Ranch BBQ Chicken Tenders
For a creamy and herby BBQ experience, this ranch BBQ chicken recipe offers the perfect blend of ranch dressing and BBQ sauce. The result is a rich, flavorful sauce that coats the chicken, making it incredibly tender and mouthwatering.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs chicken tenders
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix the barbecue sauce, ranch dressing, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Place the chicken tenders in the crockpot and pour the ranch BBQ mixture over them.
- Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or on high for 2–3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Serve with mashed potatoes or a simple green salad for a comforting meal.
The creamy richness of ranch dressing combined with smoky BBQ sauce makes this dish comforting and satisfying. It’s a great choice for a crowd-pleasing meal with a creamy, flavorful twist.
Mango Habanero BBQ Chicken Tenders
For a tropical kick with a bit of heat, this mango habanero BBQ chicken recipe blends sweet, fruity mango with fiery habanero peppers and smoky BBQ sauce. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and spicy, creating a thrilling flavor experience.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs chicken tenders
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- ½ cup mango puree
- 1 tbsp habanero hot sauce (adjust to your spice tolerance)
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Instructions:
- In a bowl, combine barbecue sauce, mango puree, habanero hot sauce, lime juice, and garlic powder.
- Arrange the chicken tenders in the crockpot and pour the mango habanero sauce over them.
- Cook on low for 4–5 hours or on high for 2–3 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
- Serve with a side of rice or a cooling cucumber salad to balance the heat.
This dish offers an exciting burst of tropical sweetness followed by a fiery kick, making it a perfect choice for those who enjoy bold, spicy flavors. It’s an excellent choice for a lively, flavorful dinner.
Sweet Chili BBQ Chicken Tenders
A delightful blend of sweet and spicy, this recipe uses sweet chili sauce to create a tangy BBQ sauce with a bit of heat. The slow-cooked chicken becomes tender and flavorful, coated in a sauce that’s both sweet and slightly spicy.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs chicken tenders
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp ginger powder
Instructions:
- In a bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce, sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, garlic powder, and ginger powder.
- Place the chicken tenders in the crockpot and pour the sweet chili BBQ sauce over them.
- Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or on high for 2–3 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Serve with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables for a flavorful meal.
The sweet chili sauce adds a perfect balance of heat and sweetness to this BBQ chicken, making it a delicious and unique dish. It pairs well with many sides and is sure to become a family favorite.
Curry BBQ Chicken Tenders
For a bold, exotic twist on classic BBQ, curry powder adds a warm, aromatic flavor to this chicken dish. The spices in the curry blend beautifully with the smoky BBQ sauce, giving the chicken a rich and complex flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs chicken tenders
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 tbsp curry powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp ginger powder
- ½ tsp turmeric (optional for extra color and flavor)
Instructions:
- In a bowl, combine the barbecue sauce, curry powder, garlic powder, ginger powder, and turmeric.
- Place the chicken tenders in the crockpot and pour the curry BBQ sauce over them.
- Cook on low for 4–5 hours or on high for 2–3 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
- Serve with basmati rice, naan, or a side of roasted vegetables to complete the meal.
The warm, aromatic spices of curry add depth and richness to the BBQ chicken, creating a unique and flavorful dish. It’s perfect for those looking to explore new flavors while enjoying the comfort of slow-cooked BBQ.
Zesty Orange BBQ Chicken Tenders
Orange brings a bright, tangy twist to BBQ chicken, making it both refreshing and flavorful. The combination of orange juice and BBQ sauce creates a citrusy glaze that coats the chicken beautifully, infusing it with a sweet and tangy flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs chicken tenders
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- ½ cup orange juice
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Instructions:
- In a bowl, combine the barbecue sauce, orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, and garlic powder.
- Place the chicken tenders in the crockpot and pour the orange BBQ sauce over them.
- Cook on low for 4–5 hours or on high for 2–3 hours until the chicken is tender.
- Serve with a fresh citrus salad or a side of couscous to enhance the citrus flavors.
This zesty orange BBQ chicken brings bright, refreshing flavors to the table, making it perfect for a light, flavorful meal. It’s ideal for those who love citrus-infused dishes and a tangy twist on traditional BBQ.
Note: More recipes are coming soon!