This Easy Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken is a winner for busy days! Just toss chicken breasts and your favorite BBQ sauce into the slow cooker, and let it do all the work.
The chicken comes out super tender and packed with flavor. I love serving it on buns with coleslaw for a delicious meal. It’s the easiest dinner that feels like a feast!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for this recipe as they shred easily. Feel free to use thighs for a richer flavor or any leftover cooked chicken you have.
Barbecue Sauce: Pick a BBQ sauce you love. It’s the star of the dish! For a healthier or different flavor option, use a homemade version or a low-sugar BBQ sauce.
Chicken Broth: Chicken broth adds moisture and depth. If you don’t have it on hand, water works fine, although broth gives a better taste.
Coleslaw: This adds a nice crunch and creaminess. If you’re in a hurry, store-bought coleslaw is convenient. You could also use a mix of shredded carrots and cabbage for a fresh twist.
How Can I Ensure My Chicken Shreds Perfectly?
Getting perfectly shredded chicken is all about timing. Once your cooking time is up, use two forks to shred the chicken gently but decisively in the slow cooker for maximum flavor. Here’s how:
- Remove the chicken and place it on a cutting board if easier.
- Holding a fork in each hand, pull the chicken apart with the forks moving in opposite directions.
- Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and mix it in with the sauce for even more flavor!
Give it about 10 more minutes to soak up those tasty BBQ flavors from the sauce. Your pulled chicken will be tender and scrumptious every time!
Easy Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for extra smoky flavor)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 8 hamburger buns or sandwich rolls
- 2 cups coleslaw (store-bought or homemade)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe is super easy and requires about 15 minutes of prep time! You’ll then need 6-7 hours for slow cooking on LOW or 3-4 hours on HIGH. After cooking, just a few minutes to shred the chicken and get everything ready to serve. It’s perfect for busy days!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker. Make sure they are spread out evenly so they cook properly.
2. Make the BBQ Sauce Mixture:
In a small bowl, mix together your barbecue sauce, chicken broth (or water), garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. This mixture is going to flavor your chicken beautifully! Pour it evenly over the chicken in the slow cooker.
3. Cook the Chicken:
Cover the slow cooker with the lid. Set it to cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours. You’ll want it to cook until the chicken is tender and can be easily shredded with a fork.
4. Shred the Chicken:
Once done, carefully remove the chicken from the crockpot and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the chicken into pieces. Don’t worry if it looks a bit messy; that’s what makes it delicious!
5. Combine with BBQ Sauce:
Return the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker and stir it well with the BBQ sauce, letting it heat through for an extra 10-15 minutes on low. This helps to soak in all that tasty flavor!
6. Assemble the Sandwiches:
To serve, take a bottom half of a bun and spoon a generous amount of BBQ pulled chicken on it. Top with a heap of coleslaw for that perfect crunch, and place the top bun on. So simple!
7. Enjoy Your Meal:
Serve immediately and enjoy with some crunchy chips and fresh fruit, like sliced apples, for a complete meal. Delightful and satisfying!
Enjoy this effortless, juicy BBQ pulled chicken sandwich paired with a creamy crunch of coleslaw that makes each bite a delightful treat!
FAQ for Easy Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just make sure to increase the cooking time. Frozen chicken typically takes about 1-2 hours longer. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for safety.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and BBQ sauce mixture the night before and store it in the fridge. Just combine everything in the slow cooker in the morning; it will cook nice and fresh while you’re out!
What Other Sauces Can I Use?
While BBQ sauce is traditional for this recipe, you can try using other sauces like honey mustard, teriyaki, or even a spicy buffalo sauce to change things up. Just adjust the spices to complement your chosen sauce!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them on the stovetop or in the microwave. If it’s too thick after refrigerating, add a splash of water or chicken broth for moisture when reheating.
