This Easy Ninja Foodi Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Recipe is tender, juicy, and full of smoky-sweet flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights, sandwiches, or meal prep — just set it and forget it!

Slow cooker BBQ chicken shredded with barbecue sauce on a plate with a fork.
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This Easy Ninja Foodi Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken is the ultimate no-fuss dinner! With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll get juicy, tender chicken coated in rich, smoky barbecue sauce — all made right in your Ninja Foodi or Ninja Foodi Possible Pro Cooker.

It’s perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or even meal prep.

Pile it high on buns, serve it over rice, or enjoy it with your favorite sides for a classic comfort meal that practically cooks itself.

Tender shredded BBQ chicken cooked in the Ninja Foodi and served on a bun with extra barbecue sauce.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

  • Set it and forget it – The Ninja Foodi slow cooker does all the work while you kick back and relax.
  • Tender, fall-apart chicken – Every bite is juicy, flavorful, and perfectly coated in sweet, tangy BBQ sauce.
  • Great for meal prep – Use it in sandwiches, wraps, tacos, or salads all week long.
  • Family favorite – Even picky eaters go back for seconds (and maybe thirds).
  • Minimal ingredients, maximum flavor – Just a few pantry staples come together for an easy, crowd-pleasing dinner.

Ingredients Needed

Ingredients needed for Easy Ninja Foodi Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken on kitchen table.
  • Chicken breasts – Boneless, skinless, tender cuts perfect for shredding.
  • BBQ sauce – Sweet, smoky, and tangy sauce for bold flavor.
  • Brown sugar – Adds caramel sweetness and deepens the BBQ taste.
  • Apple cider vinegar – Balances sweetness with a touch of tang.
  • Onion powder – Gives subtle savory depth without chopping onions.
  • Garlic powder – Infuses rich, warm flavor into every bite.
  • Smoked paprika – Adds a hint of smoke and mild spice.
  • Salt and pepper – Simple seasoning that brings everything together.
  • Buns or rolls – Soft sandwich base for serving pulled BBQ chicken.

How To Make Easy Ninja Foodi Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken

Pouring rich BBQ sauce mixture over chicken breasts in the Ninja Foodi, coating each piece evenly for slow cooking.

Step 1: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into the Ninja Foodi pot. You don’t need to cut them — they’ll shred easily once cooked.

Step 2: In a small bowl, combine BBQ sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well until everything’s blended.

Step 3: Pour the BBQ sauce mixture over the chicken, making sure each piece is coated evenly.

Step 4: Set your Ninja Foodi to Slow Cook – LOW for 6–7 hours, or until the chicken easily falls apart.

Step 5: Once done, remove the chicken and shred it with two forks. Return it to the pot and stir to coat in all that saucy BBQ goodness.

Juicy BBQ chicken cooked in the Ninja Foodi slow cooker, coated in rich barbecue sauce and ready to serve.

Easy Ninja Foodi Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Recipe Tips

  • Choose the right cut of chicken: Bone-in thighs or drumsticks stay juicier in the slow cooker, but boneless breasts work too—just reduce cooking time slightly.
  • Layer for flavor: Place chicken at the bottom of the cooker so it cooks in the BBQ sauce, absorbing maximum flavor.
  • Adjust sweetness and spice: Taste your BBQ sauce before adding—it’s easy to tweak with a bit of honey, brown sugar, or hot sauce to match your preference.
  • Don’t overcook: Slow cookers vary; check chicken for doneness around the last 30 minutes to avoid dry meat.
  • Serve with style: Let the chicken rest a few minutes after cooking, then spoon extra sauce over the top before serving for maximum flavor.

Storing, Freezing & Reheating Instructions

  • Storing: Let the BBQ chicken cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Freezing: Place cooled chicken in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months, separating layers with parchment paper if needed.
  • Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or in a covered skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through. Add a splash of BBQ sauce or a few tablespoons of water to keep the chicken moist.
Slow cooker BBQ chicken in a Ninja Foodi, coated in rich barbecue sauce, served on a plate.

Ninja Foodi Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Recipe Faqs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Yes! Chicken thighs are juicier and will cook beautifully in the Ninja Foodi slow cooker. Adjust cooking time slightly if using bone-in thighs.

Can I make this recipe in a regular slow cooker? Absolutely! Simply follow the same instructions and cook on low for 4–6 hours or high for 2–3 hours.

Can I freeze the cooked BBQ chicken? Yes, store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How can I make this recipe spicier? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, chili powder, or hot sauce to the BBQ sauce before cooking. Adjust to taste.

Can I use store-bought BBQ sauce? Yes, any store-bought BBQ sauce works perfectly. You can also mix in honey, brown sugar, or spices to customize the flavor.

Can I shred the chicken for sandwiches? Yes! After cooking, shred with two forks and serve on buns, tacos, or over rice for a versatile meal.

More Easy Ninja Foodi Recipes

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Slow cooker BBQ chicken shredded with barbecue sauce on a plate with a fork.

Easy Ninja Foodi Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken

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Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 7 hours
Total Time: 7 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings

Description

Tender, juicy chicken cooked to perfection in the Ninja Foodi slow cooker and smothered in sweet and tangy BBQ sauce. This easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or a simple family dinner. Serve with rice, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Ingredients 

  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 ½ cups BBQ sauce, your favorite brand
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar, optional
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  • Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into the Ninja Foodi pot. You don’t need to cut them — they’ll shred easily once cooked.
  • In a small bowl, combine BBQ sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well until everything’s blended.
  • Pour the BBQ sauce mixture over the chicken, making sure each piece is coated evenly.
  • Set your Ninja Foodi to Slow Cook – LOW for 6–7 hours, or until the chicken easily falls apart.
  • Once done, remove the chicken and shred it with two forks. Return it to the pot and stir to coat in all that saucy BBQ goodness.

Equipment

  • Ninja Foodi, or Ninja Foodi Possible Pro Cooker
  • Tongs

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 372kcalCarbohydrates: 23gProtein: 32gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 89mgSodium: 1411mgPotassium: 595mgFiber: 0.2gSugar: 18gVitamin A: 165IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 17mgIron: 3mg

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