This Easy Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken is perfect for a busy day! Just toss chicken with BBQ sauce in the slow cooker and let it cook. It’s tender, flavorful, and super simple!
Who doesn’t love a meal that does the work for you? I serve it on buns for the ultimate sandwich or just enjoy it straight from the bowl. Yum!
I love this recipe because I can set it and forget it! After a few hours, I have delicious pulled chicken ready for dinner—so satisfying and easy to make!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe as they stay tender while cooking. If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs work great too! You could even use leftover rotisserie chicken for quicker prep.
BBQ Sauce: The choice of BBQ sauce can change the flavor profile. Sweet, smoky, or tangy varieties offer different tastes. Need a substitute? Make a simple mix using ketchup, apple cider vinegar, and a bit of honey or brown sugar!
Chicken Broth: This ingredient helps to keep your chicken moist. If you’re out, water works fine! You can also use vegetable broth for a lighter flavor.
Coleslaw: For topping, you can use pre-packaged coleslaw for convenience. Or mix your own using cabbage and carrots with a bit of mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, and seasonings for a homemade touch!
How Can I Make Sure My Chicken Comes Out Tender?
To achieve that perfectly tender chicken, timing is key! Cooking on low temperature for a longer time (6-7 hours) allows the chicken to break down and soak up the sauce better. If you’re in a hurry, cooking on high (3-4 hours) also works, just be sure to check for tenderness before shredding.
- Start with fresh or thawed chicken for even cooking.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken rather than mixing in the crockpot to ensure even coating.
- Let the shredded chicken rest in the sauce for 10-15 minutes after cooking; this enhances the flavor!
Enjoy these tips for a smooth cooking experience, and prepare to savor every bite of your BBQ pulled chicken!
Easy Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
- 1 tbsp brown sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 sandwich buns, for serving
- 1 cup coleslaw (store-bought or homemade) to top the sandwiches
- Optional sides: sliced apples, potato chips or fries
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and then you can set the crockpot to cook. Allow 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high for a perfect tender chicken. After cooking, it’s just a few more minutes to shred and serve, making it a total of around 7-8 hours from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Begin by placing the boneless skinless chicken breasts into the bottom of your crockpot. Sprinkle them with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder to add flavor. No need for precise measurements—just seasoning to your taste!
2. Mix the Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine the BBQ sauce, chicken broth (or water), and brown sugar if you’re using it. Stir until everything is mixed well. Pour this tasty mixture over the chicken in the crockpot, covering it completely.
3. Cook the Chicken:
Cover your crockpot with the lid and set it to cook. Choose low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is nicely tender and fully cooked through.
4. Shred the Chicken:
Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the chicken from the crockpot using tongs or a slotted spoon. Place it on a cutting board or a large plate. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
5. Combine with Sauce:
Return the shredded chicken back into the crockpot and mix it well with the BBQ sauce. This helps the chicken soak up all that delicious flavor. Let it sit for about 10-15 minutes to allow all the flavors to meld together.
6. Toast the Buns (Optional):
If you like your sandwich buns toasted, now’s the time! Toast them in a toaster or on a skillet until they’re golden and warm.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Assemble your delicious sandwiches by piling the BBQ pulled chicken onto the toasted buns. Top generously with coleslaw to give it a nice crunch. Serve the sandwiches immediately with optional sides like sliced apples or crispy potato chips or fries for a complete meal!
Enjoy your juicy, flavorful BBQ pulled chicken sandwiches with crunchy coleslaw — an easy and comforting dish made effortlessly in your crockpot!
FAQ
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s essential to thaw it first for even cooking. Thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave. Cooking from frozen can also lead to longer cooking times, so plan accordingly!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and sauce mixture in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking. Just combine it in the crockpot in the morning for a hassle-free dinner!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pulled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just thaw and reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove when you’re ready to enjoy it again!
What Should I Serve with BBQ Pulled Chicken?
This dish pairs well with a variety of sides! Consider serving it with classic options like coleslaw, potato chips, or fries. Fresh fruits like apple slices offer a refreshing contrast, or you could also serve it with baked beans or corn on the cob for a more hearty meal!
