This Easy Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken is a hit for any meal! Just toss chicken, BBQ sauce, and your favorite spices into the slow cooker and let it do its magic.
It’s super tender and bursting with flavor. I love serving it on buns with coleslaw for a perfect casual dinner—who doesn’t enjoy a BBQ feast with minimal effort? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work great here. If you prefer, you can use thighs for a richer flavor. If you’re vegetarian, chickpeas or jackfruit can be good alternatives!
Barbecue Sauce: Use your favorite BBQ sauce for convenience. If you’re looking for lower sugar options, try sugar-free BBQ sauce instead. You can also make your own with ketchup, vinegar, and spices!
Chicken Broth: Chicken broth adds moisture and flavor, but water is just fine if you don’t have it. Vegetable broth can work too, especially if using a meat substitute.
Seasonings: Garlic powder and onion powder are my go-tos for easy flavor. Feel free to add your favorite spices, maybe a dash of cayenne for heat, or a bit of brown sugar for sweetness!
How Do I Get My Chicken Shredded Perfectly?
Shredding the chicken can be tricky if you’re not sure when it’s ready. After cooking, the chicken should be very tender—this is key! Here’s how to do it right:
- Use two forks to pull the chicken apart gently; it should shred easily.
- If it’s tough, it might need more cooking time, so feel free to return it to the cooker for a bit longer.
- Mix the shredded chicken back into the sauce to soak up all those delicious flavors before serving!
Don’t worry if the chicken looks a bit saucy—it’s meant to be! The BBQ sauce helps keep it juicy and packed with taste. Enjoy assembling your sandwiches!
Easy Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for smoky flavor)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 sandwich buns (for serving)
- Coleslaw (pre-made or homemade, for topping)
Time Estimate:
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and will cook in your crockpot for either 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. After that, all you need is a few more minutes to shred the chicken and assemble your delicious sandwiches!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in your slow cooker. You want to ensure they’re spread out nicely to cook evenly.
2. Mix the Sauce:
In a medium bowl, combine the barbecue sauce, chicken broth (or water), apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed.
3. Pour the Sauce Over the Chicken:
Take the sauce mixture and pour it over the chicken in the slow cooker. Make sure the chicken is coated well with the sauce for the best flavor.
4. Cook the Chicken:
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook for 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is very tender and can be easily shredded with a fork!
5. Shred the Chicken:
Once the chicken is done, carefully remove it from the slow cooker. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. It should pull apart easily!
6. Mix Back into the Sauce:
Return the shredded chicken back to the slow cooker and stir it into the remaining sauce. This helps the chicken soak up all that delicious BBQ flavor.
7. Assemble Your Sandwiches:
To serve, scoop the BBQ pulled chicken onto your sandwich buns. Top them generously with coleslaw for a fresh, crunchy contrast to the juicy chicken.
8. Enjoy Your Meal:
Pair your sandwich with some tasty sides like potato chips, apple slices, or your favorite pickles for a complete meal. Enjoy the easy and delicious BBQ pulled chicken!
FAQ for Easy Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just keep in mind that it may take longer to cook. Set your slow cooker to high and allow it to cook for 5-6 hours or until the chicken is tender and shreds easily.
What Can I Use Instead of Barbecue Sauce?
If you don’t have barbecue sauce on hand, you can make your own by mixing ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, and your favorite spices. Alternatively, a teriyaki or sweet chili sauce can also be used for a different flavor profile.
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
To add some heat, consider mixing in a teaspoon of chili powder, cayenne pepper, or even your favorite hot sauce into the BBQ sauce mixture. Adjust according to your heat preference for the perfect kick!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover BBQ pulled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a bit of water or extra BBQ sauce to keep it moist and flavorful.
