This Easy Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken is a real crowd-pleaser! Just toss chicken in the slow cooker with your favorite barbecue sauce, let it cook, and it’s ready to shred and serve.
It’s perfect for busy days when you want a tasty meal without the hassle. I love serving it on buns with a side of coleslaw—talk about a winning combo!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a must for tender pulled chicken. If you have thighs on hand, they work great too! They give extra flavor and moisture.
BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite brand, or make your own for a personal touch. If you’re looking for lighter options, a sugar-free BBQ sauce can easily substitute. I also love adding a splash of apple cider vinegar for a tangy kick!
Chicken Broth: Instead of chicken broth, you can use water. It won’t affect the flavor much since the BBQ sauce is packed with flavor. If you prefer, vegetable broth works well too!
Spices: Garlic and onion powder bring essential flavors. Feel free to add other spices like cumin or chili powder if you like a little heat. Just adjust the amounts based on your taste!
Coleslaw: Store-bought coleslaw saves time, but homemade is easy and tasty. You can also swap it for a different salad like a cucumber salad for a fresh twist.
How Do You Shred Chicken Easily?
Shredding chicken can sometimes feel tricky, but I’ve got some tips to make it easier:
- After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before shredding. This helps preserve the moisture!
- Use two forks—hold one fork to steady the chicken and use the other to pull the meat apart.
- If you’re in a hurry, you can shred the chicken right in the crockpot with an electric mixer on low speed. This works like a charm!
Just make sure you coat the shredded chicken well with the sauce once it’s done. This step truly pulls the flavors together!
Easy Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 1/2 cups BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional for smoky flavor)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 hamburger buns, split and toasted
- 2 cups coleslaw (store-bought or homemade)
- Optional sides: apple slices, potato chips
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time, plus 3-7 hours of cooking time depending on whether you use the low or high setting on your crockpot. You’ll be able to enjoy a delicious meal with minimal effort!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot. Make sure they’re spread out evenly so they cook well!
2. Mix the BBQ Sauce:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika (if you’re using it), salt, and pepper. This mixture is what will make the chicken super flavorful!
3. Combine in the Crockpot:
Pour the BBQ sauce mixture evenly over the chicken in the crockpot. Make sure the chicken is well coated with the sauce!
4. Cook the Chicken:
Cover the crockpot and cook the chicken on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be tender and shred easily when it’s done.
5. Shred the Chicken:
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the crockpot. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. It’s okay if some BBQ sauce sticks to the chicken!
6. Mix and Keep Warm:
Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir to coat it well in the sauce. Keep the crockpot on low to keep everything warm while you prepare to serve.
7. Serve the Pulled Chicken:
To serve, pile a generous amount of the BBQ pulled chicken onto each toasted bun. Top with a scoop of coleslaw—this adds a nice crunch and freshness!
8. Add Sides:
Enjoy your sandwiches with apple slices and potato chips for a tasty and classic BBQ meal that everyone will love!
Enjoy this effortless, flavorful pulled chicken sandwich that’s perfect for casual dinners or entertaining!
FAQ for Easy Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s important to cook it on the high setting for 4-5 hours instead of low to ensure it gets cooked through. Just be aware that it may release extra moisture, so you might want to adjust the amount of broth slightly.
What Can I Substitute for BBQ Sauce?
If you don’t have BBQ sauce, you can use a homemade mix of ketchup, apple cider vinegar, and a bit of brown sugar for a quick substitute. If you’re looking for a healthier option, a mix of mustard, vinegar, and honey can also do the trick!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. You can add a splash of extra BBQ sauce to keep it moist during reheating!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and BBQ sauce the night before and refrigerate it in the crockpot insert. Just take it out in the morning and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking on the desired setting.
