This Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken is super easy to make! Just toss chicken in the slow cooker with barbecue sauce and let it do its magic. Tender, tasty, and perfect for sandwiches!
I love how this dish makes my house smell amazing all day long! Serve it with some coleslaw or on a bun for a delicious meal that everyone will enjoy. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Using boneless, skinless chicken breasts gives you tender and lean meat. If you want, you can substitute with thighs for a richer flavor or even use turkey for a leaner option.
Barbecue Sauce: Choose your favorite BBQ sauce – sweet, smoky, or spicy. If you’re out, make a quick homemade version using ketchup, vinegar, and spices. Just tailor it to your taste!
Chicken Broth: This adds depth to the flavor. If you don’t have any on hand, water works as a fine substitute, but you might want to add more seasonings to enhance the taste.
Apple Cider Vinegar: This gives a tangy kick. You can swap it with lemon juice or white vinegar if needed, but keep the flavors balanced.
Brown Sugar: It adds sweetness. If you want to cut down on sugar, use a sugar substitute or skip it altogether, especially if your BBQ sauce is already sweet.
How Can I Ensure My Chicken Is Perfectly Shredded?
The key to tender, shoppable chicken lies in slow cooking. This method allows the chicken to absorb all the flavors from the sauce and become tender enough to shred easily. Always check for doneness before shredding!
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Once cooked, remove the chicken carefully and let it cool slightly before shredding with two forks. This process should be easy if it’s fully cooked.
Easy Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
For the BBQ Sauce Mixture:
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your choice)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional for sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
- Burger buns
- Coleslaw (for topping, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This comforting dish takes about 10 minutes to prepare and then cooks in the crockpot for 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. Get everything ready in the morning, and you’ll be enjoying BBQ pulled chicken for dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts right at the bottom of your crockpot. This will be the delicious base for your meal!
2. Make the BBQ Sauce Mixture:
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the barbecue sauce, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar (if you like it sweet), onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and a little salt and pepper. Stir everything together until well mixed. This sauce will give your chicken that amazing BBQ flavor!
3. Combine Everything in the Crockpot:
Pour the BBQ sauce mixture over the chicken in the crockpot. Make sure the chicken is nicely coated with the sauce—this will help keep it juicy while it cooks.
4. Cook the Chicken:
Cover the crockpot with its lid and set it to cook. If you have time, cooking on low for 6-8 hours is great, but if you’re in a rush, high for 3-4 hours works too. The chicken is done when it’s really tender and easy to shred.
5. Shred the Chicken:
Carefully remove the cooked chicken from the crockpot and use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and mix everything together with the sauce for that flavorful BBQ goodness!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Now, it’s time to dig in! Serve the pulled chicken on burger buns, and top with coleslaw if you like a crunchy bite. Enjoy your delicious BBQ pulled chicken with family and friends!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts! However, it’s important to note that cooking times may need to be adjusted. If cooking on low, plan for about 8-10 hours, and on high, around 5-6 hours. Ensure that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F before shredding.
Can I Substitute the Barbecue Sauce?
Absolutely! You can substitute with homemade barbecue sauce, a spicy barbecue sauce for an extra kick, or even a teriyaki sauce for a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that the taste of the pulled chicken will slightly vary based on your choice of sauce.
How to Store Leftover Pulled Chicken?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze the pulled chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight, then warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of barbecue sauce if necessary!
Can I Add Vegetables to the Crockpot?
Definitely! Vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, or carrots can be added to the crockpot. Just chop them up and place them at the bottom before adding the chicken and sauce. This will enhance the flavor and add some nutritional value to your dish!
