This Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken is super tasty and easy to make! Just toss some chicken breasts in with your favorite BBQ sauce and let it cook all day. The smell is so good!
I love how the chicken turns tender and juicy, just perfect for sandwiches. You can even add some coleslaw on top for a crunchy twist. It’s a family favorite around here! 🥪
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work great here for a tender result. If you’re looking for alternatives, you could use thighs for extra flavor or even swap in some jackfruit for a vegetarian option.
Barbecue Sauce: Choose your favorite BBQ sauce, but if you’re feeling adventurous, you can make your own! Alternatively, a teriyaki or sweet chili sauce could give a fun twist. Just watch out for different spice levels!
Chicken Broth: Instead of chicken broth, you can use vegetable broth for a lighter taste, or just water if you’re low on ingredients. I often add a splash of apple cider vinegar for an extra tang.
Worcestershire Sauce: This adds depth to the dish, but if you don’t have it, soy sauce or tamari can be a good substitute. Just remember, these will bring more saltiness, so adjust seasoning accordingly!
How Do You Get the Chicken Just Right in the Crockpot?
The key to perfect pulled chicken is cooking it long enough so it’s tender but not overcooked. Here’s a breakdown of the process:
- Place chicken breasts flat in the crockpot for even cooking.
- Mix the sauce well before pouring over the chicken to ensure full flavor coverage.
- Cook on low for the best, fall-apart texture, but you can also use the high setting for quicker meals.
- Always check for doneness; it should shred easily with a fork!
How to Make Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your choice)
- ½ cup chicken broth or water
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional for sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for smokiness)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
- Hamburger buns
- Coleslaw (optional, for topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and requires a cooking time of 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high in the crockpot. It’s a perfect hands-off meal that will be ready by dinnertime!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Place the Chicken:
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into the bottom of your crockpot. Don’t worry about cutting them; they’ll cook and shred easily!
2. Make the BBQ Sauce:
In a separate bowl, mix together the barbecue sauce, chicken broth (or water), Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika (for that smoky flavor), and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Stir the ingredients until well combined.
3. Coat the Chicken:
Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the crockpot. Make sure each piece of chicken is nicely coated in that delicious sauce!
4. Cook it Up:
Cover the crockpot with its lid. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and easy to shred. A good sign is when the chicken is tender and can be pulled apart with a fork.
5. Shred and Combine:
Once the chicken is fully cooked, carefully remove it from the crockpot. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken back into the crockpot and stir it well so it’s coated in the sauce again.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Now comes the fun part! Serve the pulled chicken on hamburger buns, and if you like, add a scoop of coleslaw on top for some crunch. Enjoy your delicious BBQ pulled chicken!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts in This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can use frozen chicken breasts directly in the crockpot. Just add an extra hour to the cooking time on low (7-9 hours) or 30 minutes on high (3.5-4.5 hours). Ensure they are properly cooked through before shredding, and always check the internal temperature, which should reach 165°F.
What Can I Substitute for Barbecue Sauce?
If you don’t have barbecue sauce, you can make your own by mixing ketchup with vinegar, sugar, and spices like cayenne or chili powder. You could also use teriyaki sauce or a homemade marinade for a different flavor profile. Just adjust the sweetness and spices according to your taste!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, transfer them to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm on the stovetop or microwave.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prep the sauce and chicken the night before and store them in the fridge. In the morning, just combine them in the crockpot and cook as directed. This is a great way to have a hearty meal ready for a busy day!