This Easy Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken is a winner! Just toss some chicken and your favorite BBQ sauce in the crockpot, and let it cook low and slow. Simple and super tasty!
You won’t believe how easy it is! I love piling the shredded chicken onto buns for a quick meal. Perfect for busy days or last-minute gatherings—you’ll impress everyone with minimal effort!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: I love using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for their lean meat. You could substitute with thighs for more flavor and juiciness, or even try pork for a different twist!
BBQ Sauce: Choose your favorite BBQ sauce! If you’re making it from scratch, consider adding honey or apple cider vinegar to balance flavors. In a pinch, a store-bought sauce works just fine!
Chicken Broth: While I recommend chicken broth for added taste, you can use water if you’re in a hurry. Vegetable broth is a great optional swap too, giving a unique flavor.
Spices: Smoked paprika adds a nice smoky depth to the dish. If you don’t have it, try regular paprika or even Italian seasoning for a different flavor profile.
Coleslaw: You can buy pre-made coleslaw for convenience or make your own with cabbage and carrots. Feel free to dress it with a tangy vinaigrette instead of mayo for a lighter option!
How Do I Shred Chicken Like a Pro?
Shredding chicken can seem tricky, but it’s simple! Here’s how to do it right:
- Once the chicken is cooked and tender, take it out of the crockpot carefully—it’ll be hot!
- Using two forks, hold one fork steady in the chicken and pull at it with the second fork. This will help break it apart easily into shreds.
- After you’ve shredded it all, return the chicken to the pot and stir it into the sauce for extra flavor!
This method works best when the chicken is well-cooked and tender. Just remember to go slow and enjoy the process!
Easy Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika (optional, for added flavor)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 6 hamburger buns or sandwich rolls
- 2 cups coleslaw (pre-made or homemade cabbage slaw)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for prep. Then, it cooks in the crockpot for 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. Just a bit of patience, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crockpot:
First, place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot. Make sure they’re in a single layer for even cooking.
2. Mix the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together the BBQ sauce, chicken broth (or water), smoked paprika (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well until everything is combined.
3. Coat the Chicken:
Pour the BBQ sauce mixture evenly over the chicken breasts, making sure they’re all well-coated.
4. Cooking Time!
Now, cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. You will know it’s ready when the chicken is tender and shreds easily.
5. Shred the Chicken:
Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the crockpot. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. It should pull apart easily!
6. Mix the Shredded Chicken:
Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir it into the BBQ sauce until well coated. This helps the chicken soak up all the yummy flavors!
7. Prepare the Buns:
If you like, toast the hamburger buns lightly in a pan or toaster for extra crunch.
8. Assemble the Sandwiches:
To make your sandwiches, pile a generous amount of BBQ pulled chicken on the bottom bun. Top it off with a handful of coleslaw for a nice crunch!
9. Serve and Enjoy!
Place the top bun over the coleslaw and serve immediately. Enjoy your pulled chicken sandwiches with some chips or apple slices on the side for a perfect meal!
Dig in and savor every bite of this flavorful, juicy BBQ pulled chicken sandwich! Perfect for easy meals any day of the week!
FAQ for Easy Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to increase the cooking time if you’re using frozen chicken. Cook on high for about 4-5 hours or on low for 8-9 hours until it reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
How Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
If you’d like to add some heat, consider mixing in some cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or using a spicy BBQ sauce. Add a little at a time to find your perfect spice level!
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the BBQ pulled chicken in advance, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat on the stove or in the microwave before serving on buns.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pulled chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage—just freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating!
