This Easy Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken is super simple to make! Just toss chicken breasts in your favorite BBQ sauce and let the slow cooker do all the work.
The chicken turns out tender and flavorful, perfect for sandwiches or tacos. I love how I can set it and forget it—dinner is ready when I am! 🍗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this dish. If you’re looking for a lower-fat option, you can cut back on the quantity or use chicken thighs for a richer flavor.
BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite brand for the best taste. For a healthier version, opt for a low-sugar or homemade BBQ sauce where you can control the ingredients.
Chicken Broth: Chicken broth adds moisture. If you don’t have any, water works just fine, but it may slightly lessen the flavor.
Spices: Garlic powder and onion powder are staples here. If you’re out, try using fresh minced garlic and chopped onions; just adjust the quantities as needed.
Hamburger Buns: Any sandwich roll works well! For a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free buns, or serve the chicken over a salad.
How Do I Make Shredded Chicken Easy to Pull Apart?
Cooking chicken in the crockpot makes shredding a breeze! Here’s the trick:
- Cook the chicken long enough so that it’s tender—6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high does the job.
- Once you remove the chicken, let it rest for a few minutes; this helps retain moisture.
- Using two forks, gently pull apart the chicken. Don’t force it—let the meat fall apart naturally.
By following these tips, you’ll get perfectly shredded chicken for your BBQ sandwiches! Enjoy your meal!
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 hamburger buns or sandwich rolls
- Coleslaw (store-bought or homemade) for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 10 minutes of prep time. You’ll then let the crockpot do all the cooking for 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. Perfect for a busy day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Chicken:
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure every piece is coated nicely with the spices—this will enhance the flavor!
2. Add Ingredients to the Crockpot:
Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the bottom of your crockpot. Pour the chicken broth (or water) on top, followed by the BBQ sauce. This will keep the chicken moist and full of flavor.
3. Cooking Time:
Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. When it’s done, the chicken should be very tender and easy to shred.
4. Shred the Chicken:
Once cooked, remove the chicken 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!
5. Mix it Back:
Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir it into the BBQ sauce. Let it sit on warm for about 10-15 minutes, so it absorbs all the delicious flavors.
6. Serve Up:
Serve the pulled chicken on hamburger buns topped with a generous amount of coleslaw. If you like, drizzle extra BBQ sauce on top for added flavor!
Enjoy your delicious meal, perfect with potato chips or fresh apple slices on the side! 🍏🍟
FAQ for Easy Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s best to thaw them beforehand for even cooking. Simply transfer the frozen chicken to the fridge a day before, or for a quick thaw, place them in a sealed bag submerged in cold water for an hour or so.
What Can I Substitute for BBQ Sauce?
If you don’t have BBQ sauce or want to try something different, you can use teriyaki sauce or a homemade mix of ketchup, honey, apple cider vinegar, and spices. Adjust the sweetness and tanginess to your preference!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld together! To reheat, simply warm it on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if it seems dry.
Can I Make This Recipe Spicy?
Absolutely! To add some heat, mix in some hot sauce or red pepper flakes into the BBQ sauce. Just start with a small amount and adjust according to your heat preference.
