This Easy Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken is your ticket to a tasty meal with zero fuss! Just toss chicken in the slow cooker with your favorite BBQ sauce and let it do its magic all day.
Who doesn’t love a meal that makes your kitchen smell amazing while you go about your day? I can’t resist piling this juicy chicken on buns for a simple, delightful dinner!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal here for tenderness and easy shredding. If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs work wonderfully too!
BBQ Sauce: Using your favorite BBQ sauce adds a personal touch. If you’re low on BBQ sauce, a mix of ketchup with a splash of vinegar and sweetener can make a good substitute.
Chicken Broth: Chicken broth adds depth of flavor, but water is a fine substitute if you don’t have broth on hand. You can also use vegetable broth if that’s what you have.
Spices: Smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder enhance the flavors. Feel free to adjust to your taste or swap smoked paprika with regular paprika for a milder flavor.
Coleslaw: While store-bought coleslaw is a time-saver, a simple homemade version made with shredded cabbage and a light dressing is fresher and often tastier. Just toss some cabbage with mayo, vinegar, and seasonings for a quick mix.
How Do I Achieve Perfectly Shredded Chicken?
Shredding chicken might be a concern, but it’s super simple! Follow these tips to get it just right.
- Cook the chicken until it’s tender; this usually means at least 6 hours on low or 3 hours on high in the crockpot.
- Use two forks to shred the chicken gently. This helps separate the meat fibers without turning them into mush.
- If shredding is tricky, you can also use a hand mixer on low speed to break it apart quickly—just be careful not to overdo it!
Feel free to experiment with the ingredients and have fun with the process—it’s all about creating something delicious for you and your loved ones!
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 smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 6 hamburger buns or sandwich rolls
- 2 cups coleslaw (store-bought or homemade)
- Optional: additional BBQ sauce for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and then you’ll let your crockpot do the work! Cooking time is around 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high, giving you tender, shreddable chicken. Perfect for a hassle-free dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts right in the crockpot. It’s the star of the show!
2. Mix the Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine the BBQ sauce, chicken broth or water, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well mixed. This is what brings all the flavor!
3. Combine and Cook:
Pour your delicious sauce mixture over the chicken, making sure each piece is nicely coated. Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Your kitchen will start to smell amazing!
4. Shred the Chicken:
Once the cooking time is up and the chicken is tender, carefully remove it from the crockpot. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. It should pull apart easily!
5. Mix it Back In:
Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir it around in the remaining sauce. This will keep it juicy and flavorful.
6. Toast the Buns:
If you like, go ahead and toast those hamburger buns for a little extra crunch. It makes a great difference in texture!
7. Assemble Your Sandwiches:
Load up those buns with the pulled chicken and top each one with a generous scoop of coleslaw. If you like it extra saucy, drizzle some more BBQ sauce on top!
8. Enjoy:
Serve these mouthwatering pulled chicken sandwiches with chips or your favorite side. Everyone will love this easy and satisfying meal!
Perfect for game day, family dinners, or meal prep—this BBQ pulled chicken is sure to be a hit!
FAQ for Easy Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts! Just make sure to cook them on high for about 4-5 hours instead of low to ensure they reach a safe temperature. Keep in mind that the cooking time may vary slightly.
Can I Make This BBQ Pulled Chicken Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and sauce the night before and store it in the fridge. Just add it to the crockpot the next day and set it to cook. It can also be reheated the following day in the microwave or on the stovetop!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pulled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. Just make sure to cool it completely before freezing, and thaw it in the fridge overnight when ready to use!
What to Serve with BBQ Pulled Chicken?
These pulled chicken sandwiches are delicious on their own, but you can serve them with coleslaw, potato chips, fries, or a fresh salad for a complete meal. They also pair well with pickles and corn on the cob!
