This Easy Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken is perfect for busy days! Just toss chicken breasts in a slow cooker with your favorite BBQ sauce and let it cook low and slow.
The result? Tender, juicy chicken that you can shred with a fork. Serve it on buns for a simple meal that everyone will love. Who doesn’t enjoy a deliciously messy BBQ sandwich? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this recipe as they stay moist while cooking. If you prefer, you can use thighs for an even juicier result, or tofu for a vegetarian option.
BBQ Sauce: Your choice of BBQ sauce can make a big difference in flavor. Go for a spicy, tangy, or sweet version based on your taste. If you don’t have any, try mixing ketchup with a bit of vinegar and sugar for a quick substitute.
Smoked Paprika: This adds a lovely smoky flavor, but if you don’t have any, regular paprika or chili powder can be used instead. A touch of liquid smoke can also work wonders!
Coleslaw: Top your sandwiches with coleslaw for crunch. You can buy it pre-made or make your own with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a simple dressing. It’s versatile—keep it creamy or go for a tangy vinegar-based dressing!
How Do I Ensure Perfectly Shredded Chicken?
The secret to shredding chicken easily lies in the cooking process and timing. Make sure to cook the chicken long enough so it’s tender. Here’s how:
- Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The longer it cooks, the easier it shreds.
- Once done, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the crockpot. This way, it absorbs more sauce.
A handy tip: If you’re short on time, you can shred the chicken with a hand mixer on low speed for a quick result!
How to Make Easy Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 1/4 cup chicken broth (optional, for moisture)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 4-6 sandwich buns
- Coleslaw (store-bought or homemade) for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and then 6-7 hours of slow cooking on low (or 3-4 hours on high). By the end, you’ll have incredibly tender, shreddable chicken that’s packed with flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Spice Mixture:
In a small bowl, combine the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. This mixture will add fantastic flavor to your chicken!
2. Season the Chicken:
Rub the spice mixture evenly over the chicken breasts. Make sure to cover all sides for the best flavor!
3. Set Up the Crockpot:
Place the seasoned chicken breasts at the bottom of your crockpot. This will allow them to soak in all the deliciousness as they cook.
4. Add the BBQ Sauce:
Pour the BBQ sauce over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are well coated. If you’d like, add chicken broth to keep it extra moist while cooking.
5. Cook the Chicken:
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-7 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be very tender and easy to shred when it’s done.
6. Shred the Chicken:
Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken from the crockpot. Use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. It’s super easy when it’s cooked well!
7. Mix Back Into the Sauce:
Return the shredded chicken back to the crockpot and mix it well with the BBQ sauce. This way, every bite will be flavorful!
8. Assemble Your Sandwiches:
Pile the BBQ pulled chicken generously onto sandwich buns and top with coleslaw for some crunch. This adds a great cool contrast to the warm, savory chicken!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Complete your meal with chips and apple slices or your favorite sides. Enjoy your delicious Easy Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken sandwiches!
FAQ for Easy Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just make sure to increase the cooking time by 1-2 hours. Cook on low for 8-9 hours or high for 5-6 hours. Always ensure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety.
What BBQ Sauce Should I Use?
You can use any BBQ sauce that you enjoy! Sweet, tangy, or spicy—it’s all up to your taste. If you are looking for a homemade option, a mix of ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce works well!
Can I Make This Recipe in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and sauce a day in advance. After cooking, let it cool, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
What Are Some Good Side Dishes to Serve With BBQ Pulled Chicken?
Great sides include coleslaw, baked beans, potato salad, or corn on the cob. Chips and pickles are also fantastic for adding crunch and a tangy flavor contrast!
