This Easy Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken is the perfect weeknight meal! With tender chicken soaking in sweet barbecue sauce, it’s super simple and full of flavor.
The best part? You just pop the ingredients in the slow cooker and let it do the work. In a few hours, you’ll have a tasty dish that’s great on buns or with rice!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for extra moisture, but breasts work too. If you’re looking for a healthier option, skinless chicken can reduce fat, but thighs are often more flavorful.
Barbecue Sauce: Your choice of BBQ sauce makes a big difference! Feel free to use your favorite brand or make homemade sauce if you have the time. For a tangy flavor, opt for vinegar-based sauces, while sweet sauces add richness.
Chicken Broth: If you’re short on chicken broth, water works just fine for added moisture. You could also try vegetable broth if you’re aiming for a different flavor profile.
Brown Sugar: The brown sugar is optional but adds a nice sweetness to balance the BBQ sauce’s tang. You can replace it with honey or maple syrup if you prefer natural sweeteners.
How Do I Shred Chicken Easily?
Shredding chicken might seem tricky, but it’s actually pretty simple! After cooking, the chicken should be tender enough to pull apart easily. Here’s how to do it:
- Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and let it rest for a few minutes to cool slightly.
- Use two forks: hold one fork steady and use the other to tug at the chicken, pulling it apart into shreds.
- If you have leftover sauce in the slow cooker, mix the shredded chicken back in for extra flavor!
By using this method, you’ll have perfectly shredded chicken ready for your sandwiches!
Easy Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite kind)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional, for added sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 6-8 hamburger buns or slider rolls
- Coleslaw (pre-made or homemade) for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious BBQ pulled chicken requires about 10 minutes of prep time and then 6-7 hours in the slow cooker on low or 3-4 hours on high. It’s a perfect ‘set it and forget it’ recipe!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Seasoning the Chicken:
Start by seasoning your chicken breasts or thighs. Sprinkle them evenly with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika for a little extra flavor.
2. Placing in the Slow Cooker:
Put the seasoned chicken into your crockpot, making sure it’s spread out nicely. This will help it cook evenly.
3. Mixing the Sauce:
In a separate bowl, mix the barbecue sauce, chicken broth (or water), and brown sugar if you’re using it. Stir until combined and smooth.
4. Combining it All:
Pour this yummy barbecue sauce mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker, making sure to coat all the chicken pieces.
5. Cooking:
Cover the slow cooker lid and set it to cook. Choose low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The chicken is ready when it’s super tender and shreds easily.
6. Shredding the Chicken:
Once done, carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
7. Mixing Back In:
Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker. Mix well with the remaining sauce, and let it cook on low for another 15-20 minutes to soak in more flavor.
8. Serving:
Scoop the BBQ pulled chicken onto hamburger buns or slider rolls. Top it off with some crunchy coleslaw for a delicious finish!
9. Enjoy!
This dish pairs wonderfully with sides like potato chips or fresh apple slices. Dig in and enjoy the amazing flavors!
This recipe gives you a delightful mix of tender pulled chicken and tangy BBQ sauce, just like the images suggest—perfect for any meal!
FAQ for Easy Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken
Can I Substitute the Chicken for Another Protein?
Absolutely! You can use boneless pork shoulder or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as pork may take a bit longer to become tender.
Can I Use Store-Bought BBQ Sauce?
Yes, store-bought BBQ sauce is a great time-saver and can add a lot of flavor! Feel free to choose your favorite brand, or try mixing a couple of different sauces for a unique taste.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat the pulled chicken in the microwave or on the stove, adding a little water or extra BBQ sauce to keep it moist.
Can I Freeze this Pulled Chicken?
Definitely! You can freeze the shredded BBQ chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating for a quick meal later on.
