This Crock Pot BBQ Chicken is super easy and oh-so-tasty! You just pop chicken in the slow cooker with your favorite BBQ sauce and let it cook low and slow until it’s tender and juicy.
The best part? Shredding the chicken is a fun task—just grab two forks and go to town! I love serving it on buns for a simple meal that’s always a hit with family and friends.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect here for a lean pulled chicken. If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs work too! They will add more flavor and juiciness.
BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite BBQ sauce for the best flavor. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can choose a low-sugar BBQ sauce or even make your own. Homemade BBQ sauce can really enhance the dish!
Chicken Broth: This ingredient adds moisture and depth to the sauce. If you don’t have chicken broth, vegetable broth or even water can be used, though the flavor might be a bit lighter.
Apple Cider Vinegar: This ingredient adds a lovely tang. If you’re out, feel free to swap with white vinegar or lime juice. They still give that zesty kick!
Brown Sugar: For a touch of sweetness, brown sugar is great. But if you want to cut down on sugar, try using honey or omit it entirely without affecting the overall flavor too much.
What’s the Best Way to Shred Chicken for This Recipe?
Shredding chicken might seem tricky, but it’s straightforward! Here’s how to get perfect shredded chicken:
- Once the chicken is cooked, let it sit for a minute to cool (but not too long!).
- Use two forks—one in each hand. Hold a piece of chicken in place with one fork.
- With the other fork, pull apart the chicken into shreds. It’s okay if it’s not perfect; a little rustic is great!
Don’t forget to add the shredded chicken back into the Crock Pot; mixing it with the BBQ sauce really makes it delicious and full of flavor!
How to Make Crock Pot BBQ Chicken (Pulled Chicken)
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Pulled Chicken:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional for extra tang)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional for sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
- Buns (optional)
- Coleslaw (optional for topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Crock Pot BBQ Chicken recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and you’ll need to cook it for 6-8 hours on low, or 3-4 hours on high. After that, just shred the chicken, mix it with the sauce, and serve it up! Perfect for a busy day or a casual gathering.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sauce:
In your Crock Pot, pour in the BBQ sauce and chicken broth. If you’re using apple cider vinegar and brown sugar, add those too. Then sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika, along with a pinch of salt and pepper. Give everything a good stir to combine the ingredients well.
2. Add the Chicken:
Carefully place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into the sauce mixture. Make sure the chicken is nicely submerged in the sauce so it absorbs all that delicious flavor while cooking.
3. Cook:
Cover the Crock Pot with the lid and set it to cook. If you’re going low and slow, choose the low setting for 6-8 hours. If you’re short on time, the high setting will work in 3-4 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is fully cooked and can be shredded easily with a fork.
4. Shred the Chicken:
Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the Crock Pot and put it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces—it’s super easy!
5. Mix and Serve:
Return the shredded chicken to the Crock Pot and stir it well into the BBQ sauce so that every piece is coated. Now, it’s ready to serve! You can dish it out onto buns and top with coleslaw if you’d like. Enjoy your tasty BBQ chicken!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can cook frozen chicken breasts in the Crock Pot. Just remember to increase the cooking time: cook on low for about 8-10 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. It’s important that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
What Can I Substitute for BBQ Sauce?
If you don’t have BBQ sauce on hand, you can make a simple alternative by mixing ketchup with a bit of apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and your favorite spices. Alternatively, try using a teriyaki sauce or other savory sauces for a different flavor profile!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Leftover pulled BBQ chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it! Just place the shredded chicken in freezer-safe bags, removing as much air as possible. It will last up to 3 months in the freezer.
Can I Add Vegetables to the Crock Pot?
Yes, you can add vegetables like onions, bell peppers, or even carrots to the Crock Pot for extra flavor! Just chop them into small pieces and place them at the bottom of the pot before adding the chicken and sauce. They’ll soften and infuse the dish with additional taste as they cook!
