This Easy Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken is so tasty and simple! Just toss chicken in the slow cooker with your favorite barbecue sauce, and let it cook while you relax.
Shredding the chicken is the best part, especially when it’s so juicy and flavorful! I love serving it on buns with extra sauce—great for a quick dinner or a fun gathering! 🍗🍔
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work great for this recipe, but thighs are juicier and full of flavor. You can even use frozen chicken; just increase the cooking time by 1-2 hours for best results.
Barbecue Sauce: Choose your favorite BBQ sauce or make your own. If you’re looking for a healthier option, low-sugar or homemade sauces are fantastic substitutes. I love using a smoky sauce for an extra kick!
Chicken Broth: You can swap chicken broth for water if you’re short on it. For more flavor, try using vegetable broth, or even apple juice for a sweet twist.
Brown Sugar: This adds a touch of sweetness, but you can leave it out or replace it with honey or maple syrup, depending on your taste. For a sugar-free option, consider using a sugar substitute.
How Do I Ensure the Chicken Is Tender and Juicy?
The key to tender and juicy pulled chicken is low and slow cooking. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Make sure the chicken pieces are evenly coated with sauce to keep them moist.
- Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Check around the 3-hour mark on high or after 5 hours on low to avoid overcooking.
- Once ready, shred the chicken gently using two forks. Return it to the juices in the crockpot to absorb even more flavor.
By following these steps, you’ll have perfectly tender pulled chicken every time! Enjoy your meal! 🍽️
Easy Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 1/2 cups barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
- 1 tbsp brown sugar (optional, for sweetness)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 6 sandwich buns or rolls
- Coleslaw (store-bought or homemade) for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This scrumptious recipe takes about 10 minutes for prep and then needs to cook in the crockpot for either 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. Just set it and forget it until you’re ready to enjoy a delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing your chicken breasts or thighs at the bottom of the crockpot. It doesn’t need to be fancy; just lay them flat and let them be the star of the show!
2. Mix the Sauce:
In a bowl, combine the barbecue sauce, chicken broth (or water), brown sugar (if you’re using it), smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Stir everything well until it’s nicely blended.
3. Cover the Chicken:
Now pour that delicious sauce mixture all over the chicken, making sure each piece is well coated. We want every bite to be packed with flavor!
4. Cook It Up:
Cover your crockpot with its lid and set it to cook. Choose the low setting for 6-7 hours or the high setting for 3-4 hours. It’s done when the chicken is tender and pulls apart easily.
5. Shred the Chicken:
Once it’s cooked, carefully take out the chicken from the crockpot. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. It should fall apart nicely if it’s cooked well!
6. Mix It Back In:
Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and mix it with all those tasty cooking juices. This keeps the chicken moist and flavorful—yum!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
To serve, pile that BBQ pulled chicken onto sandwich buns. Top it off with coleslaw for a crunchy, fresh taste that complements the BBQ perfectly.
8. Add a Side:
If you like, serve your sandwiches with chips or apple slices on the side for a complete meal. Enjoy every bite of this easy and delicious BBQ Pulled Chicken!
Bon appétit! 🍗🥪
FAQ
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just keep in mind that you need to increase the cooking time. If using frozen chicken, cook on low for about 8-9 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until the chicken is tender and shreddable.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pulled chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to keep it moist.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prep the chicken and sauce the night before, place them in the crockpot, and simply start cooking in the morning. It’s a great way to have a stress-free dinner ready when you get home!
What Can I Serve with Pulled Chicken?
This BBQ pulled chicken is fantastic on sandwiches, but you can also serve it over rice, on nachos, or in a salad. It pairs well with sides like coleslaw, baked beans, or corn on the cob for a complete meal!
