This Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken is tender, juicy, and packed with flavor. Just toss in chicken and your favorite BBQ sauce, and let the slow cooker do the magic!
It’s perfect for busy days when you want a yummy meal without fuss. I love serving it on buns with coleslaw on top—talk about a delicious sandwich! 😋
You’ll find it so easy! Just set it and forget it, and soon you’ll have tasty pulled chicken ready for family or friends. Enjoy the BBQ goodness without any stress!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: I love using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe because they’re lean and easy to shred. If you’re looking for something richer, thighs would work well too—they’re juicier!
BBQ Sauce: You can pick any BBQ sauce you like. Sweet, tangy, or smoky, it’s up to your preference! If you’re out of BBQ sauce, a mix of tomato sauce with a bit of vinegar and honey can be a quick substitute.
Chicken Broth: Chicken broth adds moisture and flavor. If you don’t have it, vegetable broth works just as well. You can also use water, but the taste will be milder.
Spices: Garlic and onion powder add depth. If you’re fresh out, minced garlic and finely chopped onion can also do the trick. Just adjust the amounts to taste!
Cayenne Pepper: This is optional if you want to add heat. If you’re not a fan of spice, you can completely omit it, or use a sprinkle of black pepper for a milder flavor.
How Do I Shred Chicken Easily?
Shredding chicken is simple, but here are some tips to make it a breeze. After cooking, remove the chicken and let it cool for a few minutes. This way, you won’t burn your fingers!
- Use two forks: Hold one fork in each hand. With one fork, grab a piece of chicken and pull it toward you. The second fork helps to hold the piece steady.
- Shred it into bite-sized pieces: You want the chicken to mix well with the sauce, so keep it small.
- Don’t fret about perfection: No one will notice if it’s not perfectly uniform.
How to Make Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite flavor)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Spices:
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
Serving:
- Buns or tortillas for serving
- Coleslaw (optional, for topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take you about 10 minutes of prep time and then you just set your crockpot! Cook it on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. By the end, you’ll have delicious pulled chicken ready to enjoy!
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 lay flat for even cooking.
2. Make the Sauce:
In a medium bowl, mix together the BBQ sauce, chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if you’re using it. Stir until everything is well combined.
3. Combine it All:
Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken breasts in the crockpot. Make sure every piece of chicken is nicely coated with that tasty sauce!
4. Cook the Chicken:
Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. You want the chicken to be fully cooked and easy to shred with a fork.
5. Shred the Chicken:
Once the chicken is cooked through, carefully remove it from the crockpot and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. It should come apart easily!
6. Mix it Back In:
Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir it into the sauce. Let it cook for an additional 30 minutes on low to soak up even more flavor—your kitchen will smell amazing!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Now it’s time to eat! Serve the pulled chicken on buns or tortillas. If you like, top it off with some crunchy coleslaw for a tasty crunch. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s best to thaw it first for even cooking. Thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight or use a quick method by sealing the chicken in a plastic bag and submerging it in cold water for a couple of hours. This ensures it cooks properly and shreds easily!
What BBQ Sauce Should I Use?
You can choose any BBQ sauce you love! Sweet, tangy, smoky, or spicy varieties all work great. If you’re looking for a healthier option, consider a sauce with lower sugar content. Feel free to experiment until you find your favorite flavor combination!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the pulled chicken in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave before serving. If you’d like, you can also freeze the leftover pulled chicken for up to 3 months—just make sure to let it cool completely before freezing!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pulled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Make sure it’s cooled down to room temperature before storing. Reheat on low heat to avoid drying it out, adding a splash of chicken broth if necessary to maintain moisture.
