This Easy Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken is a total winner! You just toss in some chicken, your favorite BBQ sauce, and let it cook low and slow until it’s super tender.
Perfect for busy days, I love to serve it on buns with coleslaw! It’s like a mini BBQ party at home, and who doesn’t love that? 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect as they shred easily. If you’re looking for a more flavorful cut, try thighs! They stay juicier and add richness.
BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite brand! If you’re out or want to make your own, mix ketchup with brown sugar, vinegar, mustard, and spices. You can adjust sweetness to your taste.
Chicken Broth: This adds moisture. If you don’t have any, water works just fine. For a richer flavor, use vegetable broth or even apple juice.
Apple Cider Vinegar: It’s optional, but it adds a lovely tang. If you prefer, lemon juice can be a great substitute.
How Do You Shred Chicken Easily?
After cooking, shredding the chicken is so simple! Use two forks, and pull the chicken apart gently. If you’re short on time, a hand mixer on low speed works wonders!
- Take the cooked chicken out of the crockpot.
- Use the forks to shred it, pulling the meat apart.
- Return the shredded chicken back to the sauce in the crockpot for full flavor.
Easy Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional, for tang)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 6 hamburger buns or sandwich rolls, toasted
- 2 cups coleslaw (store-bought or homemade)
- Optional sides: apple slices, potato chips
Time Needed
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prep and 6-7 hours to cook on low (or 3-4 hours on high). With a little patience, you’ll have a fantastic meal waiting for you!
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
Start by placing the chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot in a single layer. Sprinkle the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper evenly over the chicken. This will give it a wonderful flavor!
2. Add Liquid Ingredients
Next, pour the chicken broth (or water) and apple cider vinegar over the chicken. The liquid helps keep the chicken moist while it cooks.
3. Cook the Chicken
Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be very tender and fully cooked when the time is up.
4. Shred the Chicken
Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken from the crockpot and place it on a cutting board. Shred the chicken using two forks until it’s nice and pulled apart. It should come apart easily—no stress here!
5. Mix with BBQ Sauce
Return the shredded chicken back to the crockpot. Pour in the BBQ sauce, mixing well to ensure all the chicken is coated. Let it warm for an additional 15-30 minutes to soak up that delicious flavor.
6. Assemble the Sandwiches
Take your toasted buns and place a generous scoop of the pulled BBQ chicken on the bottom half of each bun. Top it off with coleslaw for some crunch and freshness before adding the top bun.
7. Serve & Enjoy!
Your tasty BBQ pulled chicken sandwiches are ready! Serve them up immediately with optional sides like crunchy apple slices or potato chips for a complete meal.
Enjoy your delicious and easy pulled chicken BBQ sandwiches! They’re perfect for family dinners or gatherings!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just add an extra hour of cooking time if you’re using the low setting, or 1-2 hours on high. Ensure that the chicken is fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) before shredding.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and sauce a day in advance. Simply cook it as directed, let it cool, then store it in the fridge. Reheat on the stove before serving, adding a splash of BBQ sauce if needed to keep it juicy!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pulled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating!
What Can I Serve with BBQ Pulled Chicken?
This dish pairs wonderfully with coleslaw, potato salad, or corn on the cob. You can also serve it on top of a baked potato or alongside a simple salad for a lighter option!
