This Crock Pot BBQ Chicken is super easy and oh-so-tasty! Just toss chicken breasts in the slow cooker with your favorite barbecue sauce, and let it cook until tender.
I love how this dish makes dinner a breeze! You can shred the chicken and serve it on buns, or just enjoy it straight from the pot with some sides. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe. If you prefer dark meat, thighs can be used instead – they’re juicy and flavorful!
BBQ Sauce: Choose your favorite BBQ sauce to customize the flavor. If you don’t have BBQ sauce on hand, you can mix ketchup with Worcestershire sauce and some spices for a quick substitute.
Chicken Broth or Water: Chicken broth adds depth, but if you’re out, plain water works just fine. Low-sodium broth is great for controlling the salt level.
Onion and Garlic: Both are optional, but they add great flavor. If you’re in a hurry, you can use onion powder and garlic powder instead!
Smoked Paprika: This adds a nice smoky flavor. If you don’t have it, regular paprika or even chili powder would work, although the taste will be different.
How Do I Achieve Perfectly Shredded Chicken?
Shredding chicken can sometimes be tricky, but it’s easier than you think! Here’s how to ensure it’s perfectly shredded and mixed with the BBQ sauce:
- After cooking, let the chicken rest in the slow cooker for a few minutes. This helps it stay moist.
- Use two forks to pull the chicken apart gently. Start at one end and work your way through.
- Mix the shredded chicken with the sauce left in the crock pot. This will make every bite tasty!
Enjoy your pulled chicken on a bun with a scoop of coleslaw – it’s a classic combo!
Delicious Crock Pot BBQ Chicken (Pulled Chicken)
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your choice of flavor)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
Optional Ingredients:
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
- Burger buns or bread
- Coleslaw
How Much Time Will You Need?
Total time needed is about 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high in the slow cooker. There’s a little bit of preparation time of about 10-15 minutes, where you’ll be adding the ingredients to the slow cooker. After that, just let it cook until the chicken is tender. So easy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker. If you like, you can add sliced onions and minced garlic right on top of the chicken. These extras will add great flavor!
2. Add the Sauces:
Next, pour your favorite BBQ sauce over the chicken, making sure each piece is nicely coated. Then, add the chicken broth or water—this will keep the chicken juicy as it cooks.
3. Season It Up:
Sprinkle the smoked paprika, salt, and pepper over everything for some extra flavor. Give it a little stir if you like to mix things up!
4. Cook It:
Put the lid on the slow cooker and set it to cook. You can choose to cook it on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. When it’s done, the chicken should be super tender and easy to pull apart.
5. Shred and Serve:
Once the cooking time is up, use two forks to shred the chicken right in the slow cooker. Mix it all together with the BBQ sauce. Now, it’s ready to serve! You can pile the pulled chicken on burger buns and top with coleslaw if you’d like. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes! You can use frozen chicken breasts directly in the slow cooker. Just cook them on high for 4-5 hours or on low for 7-8 hours. No need to thaw beforehand; the slow cooker will handle it. Just ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safety!
What If I Don’t Have BBQ Sauce?
No worries! You can make your own BBQ sauce using a mix of ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, mustard, and your favorite spices. Alternatively, any savory sauce like teriyaki or honey mustard can work in a pinch. Just adjust the seasonings to your taste!
How to Store Leftover Pulled Chicken?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze pulled chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Can I Add Vegetables to the Slow Cooker?
Absolutely! Feel free to toss in bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini along with the chicken. Just make sure to cut them into smaller pieces so they cook evenly. Keep an eye on the cooking time, as adding more ingredients may require a bit longer.
