This Easy Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken is a real winner! Toss some chicken breasts in with your favorite BBQ sauce and let the slow cooker do all the hard work. Yum!
You’ll love how juicy and flavorful it turns out! I like to serve it on a bun with coleslaw—perfect for a quick dinner or game day. Who doesn’t love BBQ? 🍗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a great choice for this recipe since they become tender in the crockpot. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you could swap in chicken thighs, or for a vegetarian option, use jackfruit as a meat substitute.
BBQ Sauce: The BBQ sauce is the star. Feel free to use your favorite store-bought brand or make your own! If you’re looking for a healthier option, try a sugar-free or homemade version. Instead of BBQ sauce, you could also use teriyaki sauce for a different flavor profile.
Broth: Chicken broth adds moisture, but you can substitute it with vegetable broth if you prefer. Water works too, but broth brings more flavor!
Spices: The spices enhance the flavor. If you’re out of smoked paprika, regular paprika works, but it won’t have the same smokiness. You could also add a pinch of cayenne if you like it spicy.
How Do I Shred Chicken Effortlessly?
Shredding chicken can be a bit messy, but it’s simple! Here’s how to do it right:
- Once the chicken is fully cooked and tender, use two forks to pull the meat apart.
- Alternatively, you can use a hand mixer on low speed to shred the chicken quickly in the crockpot!
- Mix the shredded chicken with all the delicious BBQ sauce to ensure every bite is packed with flavor.
Taking the extra step to mix it well will make the filling even better for your sandwiches!
Easy Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (use your favorite brand or homemade)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 4 sandwich buns, for serving
- Optional: Coleslaw (store-bought or homemade) for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious BBQ pulled chicken takes about 10 minutes of prep time and then cooks for either 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high in the crockpot. It’s perfect for a hands-off meal, allowing you to spend time on other things while it cooks to perfection!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Spice Mixture:
In a small bowl, mix together the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. This spice blend will add amazing flavor to your chicken.
2. Season the Chicken:
Take your chicken breasts and season them evenly on both sides with the spice mixture. This step gives the chicken great taste throughout!
3. Set Up the Crockpot:
Place the seasoned chicken breasts into the crockpot. Pour the chicken broth around the chicken—not on top—to keep the spices intact. This broth will help keep the chicken moist as it cooks.
4. Add the BBQ Sauce:
Generously cover the chicken with the BBQ sauce. Make sure they’re fully coated—it’s the star of the show!
5. Cook the Chicken:
Put the lid on the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. You know it’s done when the chicken is super tender and can be easily shredded with a fork.
6. Shred the Chicken:
Once cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken right in the crockpot, mixing it thoroughly with the BBQ sauce to soak up all that delicious flavor.
7. Assemble the Sandwiches:
If you like, toast the sandwich buns for a little extra crunch. Pile the pulled chicken onto each bun and top with coleslaw if you want that extra crunch and freshness.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Now, dig into your yummy BBQ pulled chicken sandwiches! Perfect for a quick dinner or sharing with friends.
Enjoy every bite of your tasty, juicy BBQ pulled chicken sandwiches—it’s a fuss-free meal that everyone will love! 🍽️
FAQ for Easy Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts! Just make sure to cook it on high for about 4-5 hours instead of low, as the cooking time will be longer for frozen meat. Also, check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safety.
What BBQ Sauce Should I Use?
You can use any BBQ sauce you love! Whether store-bought or homemade, look for a sauce that matches your preferred flavor profile—sweet, smoky, or spicy. You can also try mixing sauces for a fun twist!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, warm in the microwave or on the stove over low heat, adding a bit of water or extra BBQ sauce if it seems dry.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! This dish is great for meal prep. You can prepare everything and cook it the night before, then shred and store in the fridge to heat up later. It also freezes well for up to 3 months—just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating!
