This Easy Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken is a super simple dish that makes family dinners a breeze. Just toss chicken in the slow cooker, add your favorite BBQ sauce, and let it cook low and slow!
You can serve it on buns, with coleslaw, or just on its own—so much yum! I love how I can set it and forget it. It’s perfect for busy days or lazy weekends. 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are best for this recipe, but thighs work too if you prefer dark meat. They add a richer flavor and are juicier.
BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite BBQ sauce for the best taste! If you’re looking for a healthier option, try a sugar-free or homemade version to control the ingredients.
Chicken Broth: If you don’t have chicken broth, water works just fine. However, broth adds more flavor to the chicken. You can also use vegetable broth for a different taste.
Brown Sugar: This is optional, but I find it adds a nice sweetness. You can leave it out altogether or substitute with honey or maple syrup for a similar effect.
Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices based on your taste. A bit of cayenne pepper can add a kick, or you could use a barbecue seasoning blend if you have it on hand.
How to Ensure Your Chicken is Perfectly Shredded?
One challenge with pulled chicken is getting it shredded just right. Cooking it until it’s tender is key. Here’s how:
- Cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours. Check if it pulls apart easily with a fork.
- Remove the chicken and let it rest for a few minutes to cool slightly before shredding.
- Use two forks—one to hold the chicken in place and the other to shred it apart. It should come apart with little effort!
Mix it back in with the sauce for a flavor-packed filling. Enjoy these sandwiches on a busy night or serve them at a gathering!
Easy Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional for extra sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 6 hamburger buns or sandwich rolls
- Coleslaw (store-bought or homemade) for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and then cooks for either 6-7 hours on LOW or 3-4 hours on HIGH in the crockpot. It’s the perfect set-it-and-forget-it meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your crockpot. This will be the base for your delicious BBQ chicken.
2. Mix the BBQ Sauce:
In a medium bowl, combine the BBQ sauce, chicken broth (or water), brown sugar (if using), smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed.
3. Pour Over the Chicken:
Take the sauce mixture and pour it evenly over the chicken breasts in the crockpot. Make sure the chicken is well coated!
4. Cook:
Cover the crockpot with its lid and set it to cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours. You want the chicken to be very tender and fully cooked through.
5. Shred the Chicken:
Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the crockpot and place them on a plate. Use two forks to shred the chicken into delicious pieces.
6. Mix with Sauce:
Return the shredded chicken back to the crockpot and stir it around to fully coat it with that tasty BBQ sauce.
7. Prepare the Buns:
If you like, lightly toast the hamburger buns to give them a little crunch for serving.
8. Assemble the Sandwiches:
Take a generous portion of the BBQ pulled chicken and pile it onto each bun. Top with a hearty scoop of coleslaw for some extra flavor and crunch!
9. Serve & Enjoy:
Serve your sandwiches immediately, perhaps with some crunchy chips or your favorite side dish. Enjoy your delicious, juicy BBQ pulled chicken sandwiches!
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or a fun gathering with friends. Enjoy every bite!
FAQ for Easy Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s best to thaw it first for even cooking. Thaw the chicken overnight in the fridge or if you’re short on time, submerge the sealed chicken in cold water for quick thawing. Make sure it’s fully thawed before adding it to the crockpot!
What BBQ Sauce Should I Use?
Use your favorite BBQ sauce for the best results! Whether it’s sweet, smoky, or tangy, go for a flavor you love. You can also experiment with different types to find the perfect taste that suits you and your family!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and sauce mixture ahead of time, keep it in the refrigerator, and cook it the next day. Just make sure to cook it within 1-2 days for the best flavor and safety.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just warm it up in the microwave or on the stove. Add a splash of extra BBQ sauce if needed to keep it moist and flavorful!
