This Easy Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken is a true lifesaver for busy days! Just throw the chicken in the crockpot, add some tasty BBQ sauce, and let it cook low and slow until it’s super tender.
I love serving it on buns with a side of coleslaw. It’s like a little party on a plate! Plus, the house smells amazing while it cooks—just can’t resist that BBQ smell! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for this recipe since they become tender and easy to shred. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you could use chicken thighs, which have more flavor and moisture.
BBQ Sauce: Your favorite brand of BBQ sauce will work perfectly, but homemade is always an option if you have the time! If you’re avoiding sugar, there are no-sugar-added BBQ sauces available, or you could use a spicy sauce for a kick.
Chicken Broth: This adds moisture to the chicken. If you’re out of broth, plain water is a good substitute. Adding extra flavor? A bit of apple cider vinegar can also work well!
Brown Sugar: This ingredient adds a hint of sweetness to balance the tanginess of the BBQ sauce. If you want to skip it, try honey or a sugar alternative like maple syrup.
Coleslaw: You can buy pre-made coleslaw or make your own with shredded cabbage and a creamy dressing. I find it adds a nice crunch to the sandwiches!
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Shredded Chicken?
Shredding the chicken is an important part of making this dish enjoyable! Here’s how to do it right:
- Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the crockpot using tongs so you don’t burn yourself.
- Place it on a cutting board and use two forks to pull the chicken apart—this method works wonders for that perfect shredded texture!
- If you notice any large pieces, feel free to cut those down with a knife for even shredding.
- Don’t forget to mix the shredded chicken back into the BBQ sauce in the crockpot to keep the flavors nice and juicy.
With these tips and techniques, you’ll be set for a delicious meal that everyone will love! Enjoy!
Easy Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 hamburger buns or sandwich rolls
- 1 cup coleslaw (store-bought or homemade)
- Optional sides: potato chips and sliced apples
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and then it needs to cook for either 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high in the crockpot. Once it’s cooked, you’ll spend an additional few minutes shredding the chicken and assembling your delicious sandwiches!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Arrange the Chicken:
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in your crockpot. Try to keep them in an even layer for consistent cooking.
2. Mix the Sauce:
In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the BBQ sauce, chicken broth, brown sugar (if using), smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure this is well combined for maximum flavor!
3. Combine in the Crockpot:
Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the chicken breasts in the crockpot, making sure they are fully coated.
4. Cooking Time:
Cover the crockpot and set it to cook. Choose low heat for 6-7 hours or high heat for 3-4 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
5. Shred the Chicken:
Once cooked, carefully remove the tender chicken from the crockpot onto a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
6. Mix Back with the Sauce:
Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot, making sure to stir it well so that it is coated in the delicious BBQ sauce.
7. Toast the Buns:
If you like, you can lightly toast the hamburger buns on a skillet or in the oven for an extra crunch.
8. Assemble Your Sandwich:
Take your toasted bun and pile on a generous amount of BBQ pulled chicken. Add a scoop of coleslaw on top for a nice crunch, then cap it with the other half of the bun.
9. Serve & Enjoy!
Serve your sandwiches immediately with a side of potato chips and slices of apples for a delightful meal that everyone will enjoy!
Enjoy your juicy, flavorful BBQ pulled chicken sandwiches – they’re super easy and perfect any day of the week!
FAQ for Easy Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! However, it’s best to thaw it in the fridge overnight before cooking for even results. If you’re in a hurry, you can cook it from frozen on high for about 4-5 hours; just note that the chicken might not shred as easily.
What If I Don’t Have Chicken Broth?
No problem! You can substitute chicken broth with water in this recipe. If you want a little added flavor, consider adding a splash of apple cider vinegar or a sprinkle of your favorite seasoning to the water.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a bit of extra BBQ sauce if needed to keep it moist.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare everything ahead of time by placing the chicken and BBQ mixture in the crockpot insert the night before and refrigerating it. In the morning, just plug in your crockpot and let it do the work!
