This Crock Pot BBQ Chicken is an easy delight! Just toss chicken breasts in your favorite BBQ sauce, and let it cook low and slow. It turns out tender and full of tasty flavor!
I love serving it on buns for a quick dinner. Bonus points if you have some coleslaw on the side—so yummy! You can even use leftovers for tacos or salads. What a treat!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this dish, but you can also use thighs for more flavor and tenderness. If you have leftover rotisserie chicken, just shred it and add it to the sauce for a quicker option.
Barbecue Sauce: Choose your favorite BBQ sauce for flavor. If you’re looking for a healthier option, use a sugar-free sauce or make your own with tomato sauce, vinegar, and spices. My go-to is a nice smoky flavor that pairs well with the spices.
Chicken Broth: Chicken broth adds moisture. You can substitute with vegetable broth for a lighter taste, or even use water if you’re out of broth. However, using broth adds more depth and richness.
Spices: Garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika help build flavor. If you’re out of smoked paprika, try regular paprika or even a touch of cayenne for a kick. I love the smokiness it brings to the dish!
How Do I Ensure My Chicken is Perfectly Shredded?
Shredding chicken can sometimes be tricky, but here’s an easy way to get it just right. Make sure your chicken is fully cooked and tender before shredding. Using two forks works well for this, but you can also use your hands if the chicken is cool enough to handle.
- Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and place it in a bowl.
- Use the two forks to pull apart the chicken in opposite directions. Start shredding at the thicker parts for a more even texture.
- Once shredded, return the chicken to the slow cooker and mix it with the sauce to soak up all that delicious flavor!
How to Make Crock Pot BBQ Chicken (Pulled Chicken)
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your choice)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
- Hamburger buns
- Coleslaw (optional, for topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, plus 6-7 hours of cooking on low or 3-4 hours on high. After cooking, you’ll spend an extra 10-15 minutes shredding the chicken and letting it soak up the flavorful sauce. It’s a perfect dish for a busy day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Sauce:
In your slow cooker, pour in the barbecue sauce and chicken broth. Add in the Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika (if using), and a little salt and pepper. Stir everything together until well combined.
2. Add the Chicken:
Take the boneless, skinless chicken breasts and place them into the slow cooker. Make sure the chicken is nicely coated with the sauce mixture. This will keep it flavorful and moist while cooking!
3. Cook the Chicken:
Cover the slow cooker with its lid. If you’re cooking on low, set the timer for 6-7 hours. If you’re in a hurry, you can cook it on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken is done when it’s fully cooked and tender.
4. Shred the Chicken:
Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the slow cooker using tongs. Place it on a cutting board and shred it with two forks. Once shredded, return the chicken back to the slow cooker and mix it thoroughly with the remaining sauce.
5. Absorb the Flavor:
Allow the pulled chicken to simmer in the sauce for another 10-15 minutes. This helps all those delicious flavors soak into the chicken!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, pile the pulled BBQ chicken onto hamburger buns. If you like, top it with some coleslaw for extra crunch. Enjoy your tasty meal!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to adjust the cooking time! If cooking on low, add an extra hour, and for high, an extra 30 minutes. Just ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
What If I Don’t Have Worcestershire Sauce?
No worries! You can substitute Worcestershire sauce with soy sauce or a mix of soy sauce and a splash of vinegar. This will maintain the savory flavor in your BBQ chicken!
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the pulled chicken for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating!
What Can I Serve with Pulled BBQ Chicken?
Besides serving it on hamburger buns, you can enjoy this pulled chicken in tacos, over a baked potato, or as a topping for nachos. Pair it with a side of corn on the cob or potato salad for a great meal!
