This Crock Pot BBQ Chicken is super easy and oh-so-tasty! Just toss some chicken, BBQ sauce, and a few spices into your slow cooker, and let it work its magic!
I love serving this chicken on sandwiches or over rice. It’s perfect for busy days when you want a yummy meal without all the fuss. Plus, it makes your kitchen smell amazing! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this dish as they cook evenly and shred easily. If you prefer a little more flavor, you can use chicken thighs instead; they tend to be juicier!
BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite BBQ sauce to match your taste preferences. If you want a healthier option, look for a low-sugar or homemade sauce. You can also switch it up with different flavors like mustard-based BBQ or even a spicy variety!
Chicken Broth: This adds moisture and flavor. You can use low-sodium chicken broth for a healthier choice or vegetable broth if you’re looking for a vegetarian option.
Worcestershire Sauce: This adds a nice umami flavor. If you need an alternative, soy sauce or coconut aminos can work in a pinch, although with a slightly different taste.
Apple Cider Vinegar: This ingredient adds a hint of tanginess. If you don’t have it on hand, lemon juice or white vinegar can serve as good substitutes.
How Do I Shred Chicken Easily?
Shredding chicken can sometimes feel tricky. To make it easy, after cooking in the slow cooker, let the chicken sit for a few minutes to cool slightly, then follow these steps:
- Use two forks – one in each hand – to pull the chicken apart. It’s quicker and gives better texture than just using one fork.
- If you have a stand mixer, you can place the chicken in the bowl and use the paddle attachment on low speed for 30 seconds. This shreds it beautifully!
- Make sure to return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker to soak up the remaining BBQ sauce for extra flavor.
How to Make Crock Pot BBQ Chicken (Pulled Chicken)
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your choice)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Buns (for serving)
- Additional BBQ sauce (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious BBQ chicken takes about 10 minutes to prepare, plus 6-8 hours of cooking time on low or 3-4 hours on high in your slow cooker. A perfect dish for busy days!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Chicken:
Start by placing the chicken breasts in your slow cooker. Make sure they are laid out evenly for even cooking.
2. Mixing the Sauce:
In a separate bowl, combine the BBQ sauce, chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar (if you’re using it), garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir until all the ingredients are mixed well.
3. Coating the Chicken:
Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Make sure every piece of chicken is nicely coated with the sauce!
4. Cooking the Chicken:
Cover the slow cooker lid. Cook the chicken on low for about 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork.
5. Shredding the Chicken:
Once the chicken is finished cooking, carefully take it out of the slow cooker. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. It should pull apart easily!
6. Mixing It All Together:
Return the shredded chicken back to the slow cooker. Stir it well with the remaining BBQ sauce until everything is nicely mixed.
7. Serving and Enjoying:
Now, it’s time to dig in! Serve the pulled BBQ chicken on buns, and add more BBQ sauce on top if you like. Enjoy your delicious homemade BBQ pulled chicken!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken in this recipe! Just make sure to increase the cooking time. If you’re cooking on low, it may take an additional hour or two, while on high, you should add about 30-60 minutes. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
Can I Substitute the BBQ Sauce?
Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite barbecue sauce or experiment with different flavors. You can also make your own sauce by mixing ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, and spices to your taste. Just remember that the flavor of the sauce will influence the final taste of the pulled chicken.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the pulled chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
What Can I Serve with Pulled BBQ Chicken?
This pulled BBQ chicken is perfect on buns, but you can also serve it over rice, with coleslaw, or in tacos for a fun twist. Consider pairing it with sides like corn on the cob, baked beans, or a fresh salad for a complete meal!
