This Crock Pot BBQ Chicken is super easy to make! Just toss chicken into the slow cooker with your favorite BBQ sauce and let it cook low and slow until it’s tender and juicy.
It’s perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or simply on its own with a side of veggies. Honestly, I could eat it every day and not get bored! Who can resist that sweet, smoky flavor? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts keep things lean and tender. If you prefer, you can use chicken thighs for a richer flavor or even a whole chicken if you’re looking for something less traditional.
Barbecue Sauce: Choose your favorite BBQ sauce for this recipe. You can also make your own for a personal touch! If you’re watching sugar intake, opt for a sugar-free or reduced-sugar version.
Chicken Broth: Chicken broth adds moisture and flavor. If you’re out, vegetable broth works well too. For a low-sodium option, simply reduce the added salt later in the recipe.
Worcestershire Sauce: This sauce gives a deep umami flavor. If you need a substitute, soy sauce or tamari can work. Just keep in mind they are saltier, so adjust other seasonings accordingly.
Smoked Paprika: This ingredient adds a smoky touch. If you don’t have it, regular paprika is fine, though it won’t have that smoky flavor. You can also skip it if you prefer!
How Can I Make Perfect Shredded Chicken?
Shredding chicken correctly ensures it’s perfectly mixed with the sauce. Here’s how to do it:
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pot using tongs. Let it cool slightly, then place it on a cutting board.
- Use two forks to pull the meat apart gently. Start from the thickest part and work your way to the edges.
- Return the shredded chicken to the crock pot, mixing it well with the sauce. This helps the flavors infuse back into the meat.
Remember, perfectly shredded chicken should be moist and full of flavor, so don’t rush this step!
How to Make Crock Pot BBQ Chicken (Pulled Chicken)
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
For the Barbecue Sauce Mixture:
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your choice of flavor)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
- Hamburger buns (optional)
- Coleslaw (optional, for topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious pulled chicken recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and then cooks for 6-8 hours on low (or 3-4 hours on high) in the crock pot. So, just set it and forget it while you get on with your day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Let’s start by placing the chicken breasts right at the bottom of your crock pot. It’s the foundation of your yummy pulled chicken!
2. Mix the Sauce:
In a medium bowl, combine the barbecue sauce, chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika (if using), and sprinkle in some salt and pepper. Stir it well until everything is nicely blended.
3. Coat the Chicken:
Pour that tasty barbecue sauce mixture all over the chicken in the crock pot. Make sure each piece of chicken is nicely coated in the sauce. It’s going to be so flavorful!
4. Cook it Up:
Cover the crock pot and let it cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. You want the chicken to be tender and easy to shred, so it’ll fall apart beautifully when it’s done.
5. Shred the Chicken:
When the cooking time is up, carefully take the chicken out of the crock pot. Using two forks, shred the chicken into delicious pieces. Then, add it back to the crock pot and stir it with the remaining sauce to get it all mixed together.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Now it’s time to serve your pulled chicken! Put it on hamburger buns and, if you like, top it with coleslaw for some extra crunch and flavor. Enjoy your lovely meal!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just place the frozen chicken breasts directly in the crock pot. However, you might need to increase the cooking time by about 1-2 hours on low, as frozen chicken takes longer to cook. To ensure it cooks evenly, you can also thaw the chicken overnight in the fridge before using it.
What If I Don’t Have Barbecue Sauce?
No problem! You can easily make your own by mixing ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, and spices like paprika and garlic powder to taste. Alternatively, a mix of teriyaki sauce or honey mustard can work well for a different flavor profile.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, you can microwave it or warm it up in the crock pot on low for about 30 minutes until heated through. You can also freeze the pulled chicken for up to 3 months—just thaw in the fridge before reheating!
Can I Add Vegetables to This Recipe?
Absolutely! Chopped onions, bell peppers, or even corn can be added to the crock pot for extra flavor and nutrition. Just add them alongside the chicken and sauce mixture before cooking. Keep in mind that adding too many vegetables might require a slight increase in the cooking time.
