This Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken is super easy and packed with flavor. Just toss in some chicken breasts, your favorite BBQ sauce, and let it cook slowly until tender.
I love how this meal can feed a crowd with little effort! Serve it on buns, and watch everyone come back for seconds—no judgment here if you do the same! 😂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are easy to shred and absorb flavors well. If you’re looking for a leaner option, try using chicken thighs for more moisture or even turkey if you prefer.
BBQ Sauce: Choose a BBQ sauce that matches your taste—sweet, tangy, or spicy. If you want to make it healthier, look for low-sugar sauces or use homemade sauce using ketchup mixed with vinegar and spices.
Chicken Broth: Chicken broth adds flavor and moisture. You can substitute vegetable broth for a vegetarian spin or even use water in a pinch, though it won’t be as flavorful.
Spices: Onion powder and garlic powder enhance the flavor without the chopping hassle. If you’re out, fresh onion and garlic can be used; sauté them first for deeper flavors.
Smoked Paprika: This gives a beautiful smoky flavor. If unavailable, regular paprika with a dash of liquid smoke can imitate that taste. I love adding a little extra for a big hit of flavor!
How Do I Achieve Perfectly Shredded Chicken?
Shredding chicken might seem straightforward, but a few tips can make it easier and more effective. Here’s how to do it smoothly:
- After cooking, let the chicken sit for a few minutes to cool slightly, making it easier to handle.
- Use two forks to pull apart the chicken; a butter knife can help if it’s too tough.
- Mix well with the BBQ sauce once shredded to ensure every bite is flavorful.
This method ensures you get perfectly shredded chicken that’s flavorful and ready for your buns or coleslaw!
How to Make Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your choice of flavor)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or stock
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: buns for serving
- Optional: coleslaw for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, plus cooking time of 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. Simply mix, pour, and let your crockpot do the work. It’s a hands-off recipe that results in tender, flavorful chicken!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your crockpot. It’s important to make sure they are spread out evenly for even cooking.
2. Mix the BBQ Sauce:
In a separate bowl, combine the BBQ sauce, chicken broth, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed—this will be the sauce that flavors your chicken!
3. Coat the Chicken:
Pour the BBQ sauce mixture over the chicken in the crockpot. Make sure the chicken is well coated in the sauce. This is where all the delicious flavors will soak in!
4. Cook the Chicken:
Cover your crockpot with the lid. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be fully cooked and tender enough to shred with a fork when it’s done.
5. Shred the Chicken:
Once the chicken is cooked, take two forks and begin to shred the chicken directly in the crockpot. Mix it with the sauce so that every bite is flavorful and juicy.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Now it’s time to serve your delicious pulled chicken! Use buns to create tasty sandwiches and top them with coleslaw if you’d like. Enjoy every delicious bite of your Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken directly in the crockpot! Just keep in mind that it will take a bit longer to cook—about 1-2 hours more on the low setting. Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F before shredding.
What Are Some Good BBQ Sauce Substitutes?
If you don’t have BBQ sauce, you can make a quick substitute using ketchup combined with vinegar, brown sugar, and your favorite spices. For a spicy kick, add some hot sauce; for a tangy flavor, incorporate mustard!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pulled chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it in freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating. To reheat, warm it gently in a saucepan or microwave until heated through.
Can I Add Vegetables to the Crockpot?
Absolutely! You can add chopped onions, bell peppers, or sweet potatoes to the crockpot before cooking. Just layer them under the chicken for added flavor and nutrition. Adjust the cooking time slightly if you add a significant amount of vegetables.
