This Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken is a dream come true! Just toss chicken breasts with tangy BBQ sauce, let it cook low and slow, and soon you’ll have tender, shredded chicken that’s full of flavor.
No need for fancy techniques here! I love serving it on a bun with coleslaw or just on its own. It’s so easy, even I can whip it up after a long day! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this dish due to their ease of shredding. If you want a richer flavor, you can use thighs instead, which stay juicy and tender.
BBQ Sauce: Use any BBQ sauce you love! Homemade is great, but if you’re tight on time, a store-bought variety works just fine. Consider using a low-sugar or organic BBQ sauce for a healthier option.
Chicken Broth: Chicken broth adds moisture and depth of flavor. You can use vegetable broth if you’re looking for a vegetarian option, or even water in a pinch.
Apple Cider Vinegar: This ingredient helps balance the sweetness of the BBQ sauce. If you don’t have it, white vinegar or lemon juice will work as substitutes.
Spices: Garlic powder and onion powder are essential for flavor. You can swap these with fresh minced garlic and chopped onions, just remember they cook differently and might need adjustment in cooking time.
How Do I Ensure My Chicken Stays Moist and Shreds Easily?
The key to perfectly cooked pulled chicken is low and slow cooking. Whether you choose to cook it on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, it’s important not to rush the process. Here’s a note on preparations:
- Start with the chicken at the bottom of the crockpot for even cooking.
- Cover the skillet properly to keep moisture inside and prevent drying out.
- Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before shredding. This allows the juices to settle.
After shredding, mixing the chicken back into the sauce for a few minutes allows it to absorb all the delicious flavors, making each bite tasty!
How to Make Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pulled Chicken:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For Serving:
- Burger buns (for serving)
- Coleslaw (optional, for topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This amazing Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken takes about 15 minutes to prepare and then cooks for either 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. By the time it’s done, you’ll have tender, flavorful chicken ready for sandwiches!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken in the Crockpot:
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of your crockpot. Make sure they are laid out flat and evenly spaced so they cook properly.
2. Whisk Together the BBQ Sauce Mixture:
In a separate bowl, combine the BBQ sauce, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Use a whisk to mix everything together until it is well combined and smooth.
3. Coat the Chicken with the Sauce:
Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the crockpot. Make sure every piece of chicken is well-coated with the sauce for maximum flavor.
4. Cook the Chicken:
Cover the crockpot with the lid and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Cook until the chicken is tender and easily shredded with a fork.
5. Shred the Chicken:
Once the chicken is cooked through, carefully remove it from the crockpot and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. It should fall apart easily!
6. Mix in the Sauce:
Return the shredded chicken back into the crockpot. Stir it into the remaining sauce to allow it to soak up all that delicious flavor. Let it cook on low for an additional 10-15 minutes.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
To serve, place the pulled chicken onto burger buns. If you like, top with coleslaw for added crunch and flavor. Enjoy your delightful Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can use frozen chicken, but it’s essential to cook it on high for 4-5 hours instead of the usual low setting since frozen chicken takes longer to reach the safe temperature. Just make sure the chicken is fully thawed and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
Can I Substitute the BBQ Sauce?
Yes, feel free to use a different flavor of BBQ sauce or even a homemade version! Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar depending on your sauce’s flavor. You can also try spicy, mustard-based, or vinegar-based sauces for a different twist!
How to 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 stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if needed to keep it moist.
Can I Add Vegetables to the Crockpot?
Definitely! You can add diced onions, bell peppers, or even corn for extra flavor and texture. Just place them in the crockpot before adding the chicken and sauce, and they will cook down nicely during the cooking process.
