This Easy Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken is a tasty dish that cooks itself! Just toss in chicken, your favorite BBQ sauce, and let it simmer until it’s tender and flavorful.
I love using this recipe for busy days. You can eat it in sandwiches, tacos, or even on a salad. Plus, it makes the house smell amazing! What’s not to love? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe. They cook down well, but you can also use thigh meat for extra flavor and moisture, or even rotisserie chicken if you’re short on time.
BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite brand for convenience, or make your own at home. You can opt for low-sugar or spicy BBQ sauce depending on your taste. Just remember to check for allergens if you’re sharing with friends!
Chicken Broth: If you don’t have chicken broth, water works fine, but broth adds a bit more flavor. You could also use vegetable broth for a lighter option.
Spices: The garlic and onion powder add richness. If you don’t have smoked paprika, consider adding a dash of liquid smoke or skip it altogether as it’s optional. Fresh garlic and onions work too!
How Do I Make Sure the Chicken is Tender and Shreds Easily?
The key to tender, shreddable chicken is the cooking time and temperature. Always cover the pot to keep moisture in, and be patient! Here’s how:
- Place the chicken in the crockpot without overcrowding it.
- Mix the sauce ingredients thoroughly before pouring over the chicken, ensuring every piece is coated.
- Cook on low to allow the chicken to break down properly – 6-7 hours is best.
- Test for tenderness with a fork; it should shred easily without much effort.
- If it’s not shredding well, cook for a bit longer.
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 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4-6 soft sandwich buns
- Coleslaw (store-bought or homemade) for topping
Time Needed:
You will need about 10 minutes to prep the ingredients, and then let your crockpot do the work! Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. It’s perfect for a busy day when you want a delicious meal without much fuss.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the chicken breasts in the bottom of your crockpot. Make sure they are spread out evenly so they cook well.
2. Make the BBQ Sauce Mixture:
In a small bowl, mix together the BBQ sauce, chicken broth (or water), garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir it all together until well combined.
3. Combine Everything:
Pour the BBQ mixture over the chicken breasts in the crockpot. Make sure the chicken is nicely coated with the sauce for maximum flavor.
4. Slow Cook:
Cover the crockpot, and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. You want the chicken to be tender enough to shred easily, so resist the urge to peek too often!
5. Shred the Chicken:
Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the chicken from the crockpot. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
6. Mix Back in the Sauce:
Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir it to coat with the leftover BBQ sauce. This adds even more flavor to your pulled chicken!
7. Toast the Buns:
If you like, toast the sandwich buns in the oven or on a skillet for a few minutes until they are warm and slightly crispy.
8. Assemble Your Sandwiches:
Load the pulled chicken onto the buns and top with a generous helping of coleslaw for a tasty crunch. You can also add extra BBQ sauce if you like it saucy!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your delicious BBQ pulled chicken sandwiches with chips, apple slices, or your favorite side. Enjoy the great flavor and simplicity of this meal!
Enjoy your juicy, flavorful BBQ pulled chicken sandwiches!
FAQ for Easy Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts! Just increase the cooking time by 1-2 hours, as frozen chicken takes longer to cook. Make sure they are completely cooked through before shredding.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pulled chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to keep it moist.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and BBQ sauce the day before and store them separately in the fridge. Just combine and cook them in the crockpot the next day for a quick meal!
What Are Some Good Sides to Serve with Pulled Chicken?
Great sides include coleslaw, baked beans, corn on the cob, or a simple green salad. You can also serve it with potato chips or sweet potato fries for a satisfying crunch!
