This Easy Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken is a tasty treat that needs minimal effort! Just toss some chicken, BBQ sauce, and spices into your slow cooker, and let it do the work.
I love that it makes dinner so simple. Serve it in a bun or over rice, and you’ll be the dinner hero of the night! Who wouldn’t want that? 😄
Plus, it’s so juicy and flavorful; even leftovers are a hit! I usually make extra to enjoy the next day; trust me, it gets better with time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: I like using boneless, skinless chicken breasts because they get tender and juicy in the crockpot. If you prefer dark meat, go for boneless thighs; they add a richer flavor!
BBQ Sauce: Using your favorite BBQ sauce makes this dish special! If you’re looking for a healthier option, try sugar-free or low-sodium sauces. Homemade BBQ sauce is lovely if you have time!
Chicken Broth: Chicken broth adds moisture and depth to the dish. You can replace it with vegetable broth or even water in a pinch. Just remember, a good broth enhances the flavor!
Apple Cider Vinegar: This adds a nice tang. If you don’t have it, white vinegar or lemon juice works too. It keeps everything bright and tasty!
How Do I Make Sure My Chicken Is Tender and Easy to Shred?
The key to perfectly tender chicken is cooking it low and slow. The crockpot does the heavy lifting! Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with good quality chicken. Fresh or properly frozen works best.
- Use the low setting for 6-7 hours; this allows the chicken to break down beautifully.
- When shredding, let the chicken cool slightly. This will prevent burns and make it easier!
- Once shredded, return the chicken to the sauce to soak in extra flavor!
Just follow these tips, and you’ll have delicious BBQ pulled chicken for your sandwiches! Enjoy!
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
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 sandwich buns (potato buns or similar)
- Coleslaw for topping (store-bought or homemade)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious BBQ Pulled Chicken will need about 10 minutes for prep and will cook for 6-7 hours on low (or 3-4 hours on high) in the crockpot. So, you can set it and forget it until it’s time to eat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of your crockpot. Make sure they are spread out evenly.
2. Mix the Sauce:
In a medium bowl, mix together the barbecue sauce, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well combined.
3. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the crockpot, ensuring that the chicken is well coated with the flavorful sauce.
4. Set it to Cook:
Cover the crockpot with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. You want the chicken to be very tender and easy to shred.
5. Shred the Chicken:
When the cooking time is up, carefully remove the chicken from the crockpot and shred it using two forks. It should fall apart easily!
6. Mix it Back In:
Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir it into the sauce for another 15-20 minutes on low. This helps the chicken soak up even more flavor!
7. Create Your Sandwich:
To serve, pile the flavorful BBQ pulled chicken onto sandwich buns and top generously with coleslaw. It adds a nice crunch!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your BBQ pulled chicken sandwiches immediately with sides like potato chips or apple slices for a complete meal. Enjoy every delicious bite!
With these steps, you’ll have a fantastic BBQ pulled chicken ready to impress at your next meal! Enjoy! 🍽️
FAQ for Easy Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but be sure to thaw it first! For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge. If you’re short on time, you can use the cold water method—submerge the sealed chicken in cold water, changing it every 30 minutes until thawed.
Is There a Way to Make This Recipe Spicier?
Absolutely! If you like a kick, consider adding a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños to the sauce mixture before cooking. You can also use a spicy BBQ sauce for an extra boost of flavor!
How Can I Store Leftovers?
To store leftovers, place the pulled chicken in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll keep for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months; just make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe bag or container!
What Can I Serve with BBQ Pulled Chicken?
This dish pairs wonderfully with classic sides like coleslaw, potato chips, or baked beans. You could also serve it with a simple salad or roasted vegetables for a lighter option!
