This Easy Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken is perfect for busy days! Just toss some chicken in the slow cooker with BBQ sauce, and let it do the work while you relax.
When it’s done, the chicken is super tender and full of flavor. I love serving it on buns with a side of coleslaw—it’s a hit every time! Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I recommend boneless, skinless chicken breasts as they shred easily and stay moist. If you’re looking for alternatives, chicken thighs work well too, adding a bit more flavor and juiciness.
BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite store-bought BBQ sauce, or try making a simple homemade one with ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, and spices. If you’re watching your sugar intake, opt for a sugar-free sauce or a mix of tomato paste and vinegar with spices.
Chicken Broth: This adds depth to the sauce, but you can substitute it with water or even vegetable broth if you prefer a vegetarian option. Just remember to adjust the seasoning a bit if needed!
Apple Cider Vinegar: This boosts flavor, giving a nice zing. Lemon juice can be used as a substitute if you don’t have vinegar on hand. It brings a similar brightness to the dish.
Spices: Garlic and onion powders are great for extra flavor. If you prefer fresh, use minced garlic or chopped onions. For a twist, you can also add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder for some heat!
How Do I Get Perfectly Shredded Chicken?
Shredding chicken after it’s cooked can sometimes be tricky. Here’s my method for getting tender, shred-worthy chicken:
- First, ensure your chicken is fully cooked—if it easily pulls apart with a fork, it’s ready!
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes in the crockpot. This helps it retain moisture.
- Using two forks, hold one piece steady and use the other fork to pull apart the chicken. Go with the grain of the meat for cleaner shreds.
- If you find it hard to shred, consider using a stand mixer with the paddle attachment for a few seconds—it works like magic!
After shredding, return the chicken to the sauce for even more flavor. Enjoy your pulled chicken sandwiches!
Easy Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 6 hamburger buns or sandwich rolls
- Coleslaw (store-bought or homemade) for topping
Time Needed:
This delicious BBQ pulled chicken recipe takes about 10 minutes for prep time and then you can let it cook in the crockpot for 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. Perfect for a busy day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your crockpot. It’s best to use fresh or thawed chicken for even cooking.
2. Make the BBQ Sauce Mixture:
In a separate bowl, combine the BBQ sauce, chicken broth (or water), apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined.
3. Combine with Chicken:
Pour this flavor-packed sauce mixture over the chicken in the crockpot. Make sure to coat each piece of chicken thoroughly so it absorbs all that delicious goodness.
4. Cooking Time:
Cover the crockpot with its lid and let it cook. If you are using the low setting, let it cook for 6-7 hours. If you’re in a hurry, the high setting works in about 3-4 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is very tender and easy to shred with a fork!
5. Shred the Chicken:
Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the chicken from the crockpot. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
6. Mix Back into Sauce:
Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir it well to ensure every piece is coated in the BBQ sauce.
7. Prepare the Buns:
If you like, you can toast the hamburger buns lightly in a toaster or on a skillet for extra texture and flavor. It’s totally up to you!
8. Assemble Your Sandwiches:
Spoon a generous amount of the BBQ pulled chicken onto each bun. Top with a nice helping of coleslaw for crunch and extra flavor.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Sandwich the coleslaw between the bun lids and serve your delicious BBQ pulled chicken sandwiches with chips and slices of apples or your favorite side. Enjoy each bite of this tasty meal!
Happy Cooking! Enjoy your tender, flavorful BBQ pulled chicken sandwiches!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s best to thaw it first for even cooking. Thaw your chicken in the refrigerator overnight or by placing it in a sealed plastic bag and submerging it in cold water for a quicker option.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can cook the pulled chicken in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just reheat it on the stovetop or microwave before serving on buns.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of BBQ sauce if it seems dry.
What Can I Use Instead of BBQ Sauce?
If you’re out of BBQ sauce or looking for a healthier option, you can mix tomato sauce with a bit of honey, apple cider vinegar, and spices like chili powder and cumin for a tasty substitute. Feel free to adjust the ingredients to suit your taste!
