This Easy Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken is a simple way to enjoy tender and tasty chicken! Just toss in some chicken breasts, your favorite BBQ sauce, and let the slow cooker do the magic.
It’s perfect for busy days when you want a delicious meal waiting for you. I often serve it on buns with a crunchy slaw—it’s a hit every time! Plus, the leftovers are great for the next day’s lunch!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this dish due to their tendency to remain juicy. But if you’re looking for dark meat, chicken thighs work wonderfully too!
Barbecue Sauce: Use your favorite brand to make this dish personal. If you want a healthier option, consider making your own BBQ sauce—it’s easier than you think! You can also use a sugar-free version.
Chicken Broth: This adds extra flavor and moisture. If you’re out, water works fine too! For a richer taste, vegetable broth can also be a good substitute.
Seasonings: Garlic and onion powder give the chicken a nice background flavor. If you’re out of these, fresh minced garlic and onion can work in a pinch. A dash of cayenne can add some heat if you like it spicy.
How Do I Shred Chicken Perfectly?
Shredding the chicken after cooking is so easy and makes a big difference in texture. Here’s how to do it right:
- Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the Crockpot and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Use two forks to pull apart the chicken. Hold one fork in each hand and use them to shred the meat by pulling it apart in different directions.
- For an even easier method, you can use a hand mixer! Just place the cooked chicken in a large bowl and mix on low speed until shredded.
This will give you perfectly shredded chicken every time, ready to soak up that delicious BBQ sauce!
Easy Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4-6 hamburger buns or sandwich rolls
- Coleslaw (store-bought or homemade) for topping
- Potato chips and fruit slices (e.g. apple wedges) for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This easy recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time, and then your Crockpot will do the rest! You’ll need to cook it on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, but after that, dinner is ready!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the chicken breasts into the bottom of your Crockpot or slow cooker. Make sure they’re spread out evenly for even cooking.
2. Mix the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together the barbecue sauce, chicken broth (or water), garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine everything and get those flavors blending!
3. Coat the Chicken:
Pour the BBQ sauce mixture over the chicken, making sure to coat the chicken evenly. This will help infuse the chicken with yummy barbecue flavor as it cooks.
4. Let It Cook:
Cover the Crockpot and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be cooked through and nice and tender when it’s done.
5. Shred the Chicken:
Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the Crockpot and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. It should fall apart easily!
6. Return to the Sauce:
Take the shredded chicken and put it back into the Crockpot. Stir it into the remaining sauce to ensure it gets flavored all over.
7. Serve It Up:
Grab your hamburger buns and pile on the pulled chicken. Add a generous scoop of coleslaw on top for a tasty crunch. The coleslaw offers a nice contrast to the tender chicken!
8. Enjoy Your Meal:
Optionally, serve your BBQ pulled chicken with potato chips and fruit slices (like apple wedges) on the side for a well-rounded meal. Dig in and enjoy your delicious, easy dinner!
This recipe yields tender, flavorful BBQ pulled chicken that is perfect for easy weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. The addition of coleslaw adds crunch and freshness that pairs perfectly with the tangy barbecue sauce. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just keep in mind that cooking times will be longer. If using frozen chicken breasts, cook on high for about 4-5 hours or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Ensure it’s cooked all the way through before shredding.
What Barbecue Sauce Should I Use?
Feel free to use your favorite brand! You might prefer sweet, smoky, or tangy varieties depending on your taste preferences. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even make your own BBQ sauce at home for a unique flavor!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pulled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. If it seems dry, add a splash of broth or more BBQ sauce when reheating!
Can I Make This Recipe Spicy?
Absolutely! If you want a kick, consider adding some chili powder, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce to the BBQ sauce mixture before cooking. You can also top your pulled chicken with jalapeños for an extra spicy touch!
