This Crock Pot BBQ Chicken is super easy to make and so tasty! Just toss some chicken breasts in the slow cooker with your favorite BBQ sauce and let it cook until it’s fall-apart tender.
Who doesn’t love a meal that practically cooks itself? I like to pile this pulled chicken on buns for a fun BBQ sandwich. It’s a crowd-pleaser and perfect for busy days!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this recipe. You can substitute with chicken thighs for a juicier result. They’ll add more flavor, and they tend to stay moist during the slow cooking.
Barbecue Sauce: Feel free to use your favorite BBQ sauce, whether sweet, tangy, or spicy. If you want to make your own, mix ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and spices for a homemade alternative.
Chicken Broth: You can use vegetable broth instead for a lighter flavor. For a richer taste, use low-sodium chicken broth to avoid making the dish too salty.
Worcestershire Sauce: This adds depth to the flavor; you can swap it with soy sauce for a different twist. If you need a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free soy sauce or skip it altogether.
Smoked Paprika: While optional, it adds a subtle smoky flavor. If you don’t have it, feel free to leave it out or use regular paprika to keep the seasoning balanced.
How Do You Shred Chicken Like a Pro?
Shredding chicken can seem tricky, but it’s super easy once you’ve cooked it right! After cooking, the chicken should be tender and easily shredded with a fork. Here’s how to do it:
- Take two forks and poke one into the chicken to hold it in place.
- Use the other fork to pull apart the chicken into shreds. Work your way around the piece until fully shredded.
- Mix the shredded chicken back into the BBQ sauce in the slow cooker for extra flavor.
For a quicker method, you can also place the cooked chicken in a stand mixer with the paddle attachment. Mix on low speed until shredded. Just be careful not to over-shred it!
How to Make Crock Pot BBQ Chicken (Pulled Chicken)
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
- Burger buns or sliders
- Coleslaw (optional, for topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Crock Pot BBQ Chicken requires about 10 minutes of prep time, followed by 6-7 hours of cooking on low or 3-4 hours on high. It’s a perfect set-it-and-forget-it meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker. Lay them out evenly so they cook well.
2. Mix the Sauce:
In a mixing bowl, combine the barbecue sauce, chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together until it’s nice and smooth.
3. Combine and Cook:
Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker, making sure each piece of chicken is well coated. Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is cooked through and can be shredded easily with a fork.
4. Shred the Chicken:
Once the chicken is cooked, use two forks to shred it right in the slow cooker. Mix the shredded chicken with the BBQ sauce until it’s all combined and coated nicely.
5. Serve It Up:
Now it’s time to enjoy your BBQ chicken! Serve the pulled chicken on burger buns or sliders. If you like, top it with coleslaw for that extra crunch and flavor. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you’re using frozen chicken, adjust the cooking time by adding about an hour on low or 30 minutes on high to ensure it cooks through. Make sure to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer; it should reach at least 165°F (75°C) before shredding.
What Barbecue Sauce Should I Use?
You can use any barbecue sauce you like! For a sweeter flavor, try a honey or brown sugar-based sauce. If you prefer a tangy taste, look for a vinegar-based BBQ sauce. Feel free to experiment with different flavors to find your perfect match!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the BBQ chicken a day in advance. Once cooked, let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, just reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth if it seems dry.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pulled chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the shredded chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the refrigerator before reheating and enjoy!
