This Crock Pot BBQ Chicken is juicy, tender, and oh-so-easy to make! Just toss the chicken in the slow cooker with your favorite BBQ sauce, and let it cook all day for ultimate flavor.
You’ll love how the chicken practically falls apart with a fork. I like to serve it on buns with some coleslaw for a tasty fuss-free dinner. Perfect for busy days!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe as they stay tender while cooking. If you want to switch things up, you can use thighs instead. They are a bit richer and very flavorful.
Barbecue Sauce: Your favorite BBQ sauce can easily make or break this dish. If you’re looking for a healthier choice, try a sugar-free version or make your own sauce with tomato sauce, vinegar, and your favorite spices!
Chicken Broth: This adds moisture and flavor, but you can substitute it with vegetable broth for a different taste, or even water in a pinch. If you’re salt-sensitive, low-sodium broth works too.
Onion: Diced onion adds sweetness and depth. If you’re not a fan, you can omit it or replace it with shallots for a milder flavor.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives a wonderful aroma. If you don’t have fresh garlic, garlic powder can work—just use about 1/4 teaspoon for each clove.
How Do I Ensure the Chicken Stays Juicy and Flavorful?
Getting perfectly cooked, juicy pulled chicken involves a few simple but important steps. First, make sure you coat the chicken well with the sauce mixture before cooking. This helps lock in moisture!
- Set your Crock Pot to low for the best results; it allows the chicken to cook thoroughly and become tender.
- Do not lift the lid too often while cooking—every time you do, steam escapes, which can extend cooking time.
- Once done, be gentle while shredding to keep the chicken moist. Mixing it back into the sauce helps infuse extra flavor!
How to Make Crock Pot BBQ Chicken (Pulled Chicken)
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand)
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Buns (for serving, optional)
- Coleslaw (for serving, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time, plus cook time. You can either cook it on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. After the chicken is done, you’ll need an extra 15-30 minutes to let it soak up all those yummy flavors before serving. So, get ready for a delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of your Crock Pot. Make sure they fit in there nicely!
2. Create the BBQ Sauce Mixture:
In a bowl, mix together the barbecue sauce, chicken broth, diced onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar (if you’re using it). Stir everything well to combine all those tasty flavors.
3. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the Crock Pot. Ensure that the chicken is coated well with the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Cook the Chicken:
Cover the Crock Pot with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is cooked through and super tender.
5. Shred the Chicken:
Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the Crock Pot and shred it using two forks. It should fall apart easily!
6. Soak in the Flavors:
Return the shredded chicken to the Crock Pot and stir it into the sauce. Let it soak up all those delicious flavors for an additional 15-30 minutes while you prepare your buns and coleslaw, if you like.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Now it’s time to enjoy your tasty pulled BBQ chicken! Serve it on buns with coleslaw on the side or on top, if that’s your style. Happy eating!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts directly in the Crock Pot! Just be sure to increase the cooking time by an extra hour or so. It’s a good idea to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safety. If using frozen chicken, skip the step of shredding until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
How to Adjust the BBQ Sauce Flavor?
If you want a spicier kick, feel free to add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or some hot sauce to the sauce mixture before pouring it over the chicken. Conversely, for a sweeter taste, increase the brown sugar by one tablespoon or add honey to your liking. Experiment with different BBQ sauces too—they can greatly change the flavor profile!
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare everything and assemble the ingredients in the Crock Pot the night before. Just refrigerate it overnight, and then cook it in the morning. You can also cook and shred the chicken a day ahead, then store it in the fridge and just reheat before serving.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftover pulled BBQ chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To freeze, place the chicken in a freezer-safe container or bag, and it can last up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm it on the stove or in the microwave. Add a bit of extra BBQ sauce when reheating to keep it moist!
