This Easy Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken is a crowd-pleaser! Just toss some chicken into the slow cooker with your favorite BBQ sauce and let it do the work for you. Simple and tasty!
I love serving this on buns for a fun meal that everyone enjoys. Plus, my house smells amazing all day while it cooks. Who could resist that? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this recipe. If you’re looking for alternatives, chicken thighs work well too. They tend to be juicier and add extra flavor.
Barbecue Sauce: Use your favorite BBQ sauce for a personal touch. If you’re trying to make it healthier, opt for a low-sugar BBQ sauce. Homemade sauce can also be great—just blend your favorite ingredients!
Chicken Broth: If you don’t have chicken broth, plain water will do just fine. Broth adds flavor, but the BBQ sauce will carry the taste, so it’s not essential.
Coleslaw: You can use store-bought coleslaw or make your own with shredded cabbage and carrots. For a healthier twist, consider a yogurt-based dressing instead of mayonnaise.
How Do I Get Tender, Shredded Chicken Every Time?
The key to tender, shreadable chicken is cooking it low and slow. This method breaks down the chicken fibers, making them easy to shred. Here are some tips:
- Always cook with the lid on to keep the moisture in.
- If you’re short on time, cooking on high for 3-4 hours still gives good results, but low and slow is best!
- Using forks to shred allows you to control the texture. Shredding is easier when the chicken is super hot right out of the cooker.
Follow these tips, and you’ll have juicy BBQ pulled chicken that’s perfect for sandwiches!
Easy Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 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 pepper, to taste
- 6 sandwich buns or slider rolls
- Coleslaw (prepared or homemade), for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for preparation and then cooks in the crockpot for 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. So, in total, set aside around 6 to 8 hours if you’re cooking on low, or about 4 to 5 hours if you prefer the high setting. Perfect for a busy day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the chicken breasts in the crockpot. Make sure they are in a single layer for even cooking.
2. Mix the Sauce:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce, chicken broth, brown sugar (if using), smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This mixture will create a tasty sauce for your chicken!
3. Cook the Chicken:
Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the chicken breasts. Cover your crockpot and set it to low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is tender and pulls apart easily.
4. Shred the Chicken:
After your chicken has 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 be super tender and easy to pull apart!
5. Combine with Sauce:
Return the shredded chicken back into the crockpot and stir it in with the remaining sauce to fully coat the chicken.
6. Assemble Your Sandwiches:
Take your sandwich buns or rolls and generously spoon the pulled chicken mixture onto them. Top it off with a handful of coleslaw for added crunch and flavor.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Enjoy your delicious pulled chicken sandwiches right away! Optionally, serve with potato chips and apple slices for a fun, tasty meal.
Dig into your tender, flavorful BBQ pulled chicken sandwiches and 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 will need a longer cooking time. If using frozen breasts, cook on high for at least 4-5 hours or low for 8-9 hours. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F before shredding.
What Barbecue Sauce Should I Use?
You can use any barbecue sauce you love! Whether it’s sweet, tangy, or smoky, feel free to use store-bought or make your own. Just keep the overall flavor profile in mind to match your taste preferences.
How Do I Store Leftover Pulled Chicken?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze pulled chicken for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating, and enjoy it again!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and sauce the day before, then store it in the fridge. Simply reheat in the crockpot on low until warmed through before serving. Perfect for meal prep or a busy weeknight!
