This Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken is super easy and super tasty. Just toss chicken breast, BBQ sauce, and spices in the slow cooker and let it work its magic!
I love serving this on buns for a fun meal that’s ready when I am. Plus, the cleaning is a breeze—one pot to wash! Can’t get any easier than that! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect here, but thighs could add more flavor and moisture if you like. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can also use turkey breast.
BBQ Sauce: Choose your favorite for a personal touch! If you’re okay with a homemade version, a combination of ketchup, vinegar, and spices can work. For a healthier choice, opt for a low-sugar BBQ sauce.
Chicken Broth: This adds moisture and flavor. Feel free to substitute with vegetable broth for a lighter meal or even water in a pinch. Just keep in mind that it may alter the flavor a bit.
Spices: Garlic and onion powder add depth. If you’re out, fresh minced garlic and onions work well too. The smoked paprika gives a nice smokiness, but regular paprika can level up your dish too!
Apple Cider Vinegar: This is optional but adds a tangy kick. You can swap it with red wine vinegar or lemon juice for a similar brightness.
How Can I Achieve Perfectly Shredded Chicken?
Shredding the chicken is a key step and can be easily done! Once your chicken is cooked, it should easily fall apart. Here’s how to make it super simple:
- Use two forks to pull the chicken apart. If it’s not shredding easily, it may need a few more minutes in the cooker.
- Mix it back into the remaining BBQ sauce in the crockpot for all-over flavor.
- Make sure to shred it while it’s warm; it will be tougher if cooled down.
It’s all about patience and a little muscle, but the delicious pulled chicken will be worth it!
How to Make Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
For the BBQ Sauce Mixture:
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional, for extra tang)
For Serving:
- Hamburger buns
- Coleslaw (for topping, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, and then you’ll let the crockpot do the work for 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. You can enjoy the wonderful aroma as it cooks, and before you know it, you’ll have some tasty pulled chicken ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep the Chicken:
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of your crockpot. No need to thaw them if they’re frozen, but you can if you prefer. Just make sure they fit snugly in the pot!
2. Mix the BBQ Sauce:
In a medium bowl, combine the BBQ sauce, chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, and apple cider vinegar (if using). Give it a good stir until everything is well combined and it looks tasty!
3. Coat the Chicken:
Pour the BBQ sauce mixture over the chicken, making sure the chicken is well coated. This will ensure every bite is packed with flavor. Yum!
4. Cook the Chicken:
Cover your crockpot with the lid and set it to cook. Choose the low setting for 6-8 hours or the high setting for 3-4 hours. The chicken is done when it’s cooked through and effortlessly shreddable.
5. Shred the Chicken:
Once the cooking time is up, use two forks to shred the chicken right in the crockpot. Mix it all together with the BBQ sauce to coat it nicely. It should fall apart easily!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Grab your hamburger buns and pile on the delicious pulled chicken. If you like, top it with coleslaw for some crunch. Enjoy your homemade BBQ pulled chicken—you’ve earned it!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just make sure to increase the cooking time to about 8-10 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high. It’s important that the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
What Can I Substitute for BBQ Sauce?
If you’re out of BBQ sauce, you can make a simple substitute by mixing ketchup with a bit of honey, vinegar, and your favorite spices. Alternatively, use a store-bought marinara or teriyaki sauce for a different flavor profile!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pulled chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge before reheating!
Can I Add Vegetables to the Crockpot?
Absolutely! You can add chopped onions, bell peppers, or even carrots to the crockpot for extra flavor and nutrition. Just keep in mind that this may slightly adjust the cooking time, so make sure everything is tender before shredding the chicken.
