Crock Pot BBQ Chicken is super easy and oh-so-tasty! You just toss chicken in the slow cooker with your favorite BBQ sauce and let it cook until it’s perfectly tender.
This dish is a real crowd-pleaser! I love serving it on buns with a side of coleslaw. It makes for a simple meal that everyone enjoys—plus, it practically cooks itself!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe because they cook evenly and shred easily. If you prefer dark meat, you can substitute with boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They add more flavor and stay moist.
BBQ Sauce: The choice of BBQ sauce can really change the flavor profile of your dish. If you want something spicier, go for a hot BBQ sauce. For a sweeter vibe, choose a honey-based one. Homemade sauce is also an option if you want to control the ingredients.
Chicken Broth: Chicken broth helps keep the chicken moist. If you don’t have any, vegetable broth or even water can work in a pinch. Be mindful that water may dilute the flavor a bit, so you might want to add extra seasonings.
Apple Cider Vinegar & Brown Sugar: These ingredients add a nice tang and sweetness. If you’re watching your sugar intake, you can skip the brown sugar. Lemon juice can replace the vinegar for a different kind of tang.
Spices: Garlic and onion powders are easy to use, but you could also use fresh garlic and onions. Just remember that about a tablespoon of fresh equals one teaspoon of powder. Adding a pinch of smoked paprika can also enhance the flavor!
How do I ensure the chicken is perfectly shredded?
Shredding the chicken easily requires it to be fully cooked and tender. After cooking in the Crock Pot, follow these simple steps:
- Use two forks to pull apart the chicken gently. Start at one end and work your way to the other.
- If it feels tough, it may need more cooking time. Check the Crock Pot; for frozen chicken, you may need a little extra time.
- Once shredded, mix it back into the sauce so every bite is flavorful!
Remember, the longer you let it sit in the sauce after shredding, the more flavor it will soak up. Enjoy your pulled chicken!
How to Make Crock Pot BBQ Chicken (Pulled Chicken)
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your choice of flavor)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional for added tang)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional for sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
- Buns or rolls
- Coleslaw (optional topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious pulled BBQ chicken takes about 10 minutes of prep time. You’ll need to cook it in the Crock Pot for 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. So, total time is about 7-8 hours depending on your cooking method!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts right in the bottom of your Crock Pot. It’s the star of this dish, so make sure they are all lined up nicely!
2. Mix the Sauce:
In a mixing bowl, combine your BBQ sauce, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir until everything is well mixed and looks yummy!
3. Coat the Chicken:
Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken, making sure every piece is covered. This is what will give the chicken that delicious BBQ flavor!
4. Cook It!
Now, cover the Crock Pot. You can set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. When it’s done, the chicken should be fully cooked and easily shredded with a fork. It’s going to smell amazing!
5. Shred the Chicken:
Once your chicken is cooked, take it out of the Crock Pot and use two forks to shred it into pieces. Don’t worry if it looks messy; that’s just the way pulled chicken is supposed to look! After shredding, return the chicken to the pot and stir it into the remaining sauce.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Now it’s time to eat! Serve the pulled BBQ chicken on buns or rolls. If you like, top it with some coleslaw for an extra crunch. Enjoy your delicious meal with family and friends!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts! Just make sure to increase the cooking time. If you’re cooking on low, plan for 8-9 hours; on high, it may take about 5-6 hours. Always ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F before shredding!
What Can I Use Instead of BBQ Sauce?
If you don’t have BBQ sauce on hand, feel free to use a combination of tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and a bit of honey or brown sugar for sweetness. This will create a tangy alternative that works well in this recipe!
How Do I Store Leftover Pulled Chicken?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage. Just be sure to reheat it thoroughly in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving!
Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
Absolutely! For some heat, add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños to the sauce mixture. If you’re a fan of smoky flavors, consider adding a bit of chipotle sauce or smoked paprika for an extra kick.
