This Easy Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken is a real winner! It’s tender, juicy, and full of flavor, thanks to the BBQ sauce that gets all cozy with the chicken as it cooks.
Just toss everything into the crockpot and let it do its magic! It’s perfect for busy days. I love serving it on buns with a side of coleslaw. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: For the best results, use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They stay juicier than breasts. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, chicken drumsticks work well too; just remove the skin after cooking!
BBQ Sauce: Your favorite store-bought BBQ sauce is great, but I also enjoy making homemade sauce. If you want a healthier twist, look for a low-sugar or organic BBQ sauce. You can swap BBQ sauce with buffalo sauce for a spicy kick!
Brown Sugar: This ingredient adds sweetness, balancing the tangy BBQ. If you need to avoid sugar, try coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like honey or maple syrup. Adjust to taste, as these can be sweeter!
Coleslaw: While store-bought coleslaw is convenient, preparing your own with fresh veggies can add a nice crunch. You can also use a simple mix of cabbage, carrots, and a dressing of your choice to keep it healthier.
How Do I Ensure Tender, Shredded Chicken?
The key to tender, shreddable chicken is cooking it low and slow. Using a crockpot is perfect because it locks in moisture. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Start with enough liquid. The chicken will release some moisture, but ensure there’s a good amount of broth or sauce to keep it juicy.
- Cook on low for 6-7 hours instead of high; this creates more tenderness. Always check if it’s cooked when it’s easy to shred with forks.
- Let it rest for a few minutes after removal before shredding. This helps retain some juices!
Enjoy your meal prep! Your pulled chicken sandwiches will turn out deliciously satisfying every time.
Easy Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 4 sandwich buns or hamburger rolls
- 2 cups coleslaw (prepared or homemade, for topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep time, plus 6-7 hours for cooking on low or 3-4 hours on high in the crockpot. Once the chicken is shredded and mixed with the sauce, it’s just a matter of assembling your sandwiches. Perfect for a busy day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the chicken breasts or thighs in the crockpot. Make sure they are arranged in an even layer so they cook uniformly.
2. Mix the Sauce:
In a separate bowl, combine the BBQ sauce, chicken broth or water, and if you want a hint of sweetness, add the brown sugar. Then, sprinkle in the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined.
3. Pour Sauce Over Chicken:
Now, pour the delicious BBQ sauce mixture all over the chicken in the crockpot, ensuring it’s evenly covered. This is where the flavor magic happens!
4. Cook Until Tender:
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. When it’s ready, the chicken should be tender and easily shredable with a fork. Check around the end time to see how it’s doing!
5. Shred the Chicken:
Carefully remove the chicken from the crockpot and use two forks to shred it. It should come apart easily; if it’s not shredding well, it may need a little longer in the crockpot.
6. Mix with Sauce:
After shredding, return the chicken to the crockpot and stir it into the remaining juices and sauce. Let it warm through for another 15 minutes on low so it’s nicely coated.
7. Toast the Buns:
If you like, toast your sandwich buns to give them an extra crunch and warmth. This step adds a delightful texture to your sandwich!
8. Assemble the Sandwiches:
Now it’s time to build your sandwiches! Pile the BBQ pulled chicken generously onto each bun and top it with your favorite coleslaw. Enjoy the crunch and flavor!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your amazing BBQ pulled chicken sandwiches with chips, apple slices, or any other sides you love. Dig in and savor every bite!
Enjoy your juicy, flavorful, and easy-to-make Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken sandwiches!
FAQ for Easy Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just add an extra hour of cooking time if you’re cooking on low. Ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety.
What If I Don’t Have Smoked Paprika?
No worries! If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika will work too. You can also add a pinch of cayenne or any other spices you prefer for extra flavor, like chili powder or cumin.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and sauce a day in advance. Just store the raw ingredients in the fridge and cook them in the crockpot as planned. You can also make the pulled chicken ahead and reheat it before serving!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pulled chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.
