This Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken is a true crowd-pleaser! Just toss chicken breasts in a slow cooker with your favorite barbecue sauce, and let it cook low and slow for tender, juicy bites.
Making this dish is so easy, I usually throw it together on busy days. Pair it with some buns, and you’ve got a perfect meal—just watch how fast it disappears! 🍗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are lean and cook well in a crockpot. If you’re looking for something different, thighs work great too! They tend to be juicier and shred easily.
Barbecue Sauce: Choose your favorite barbecue sauce for this recipe. If you’re watching sugar, try a sugar-free version or make a homemade one using tomato sauce, vinegar, and spices. I often use a smoky barbecue sauce for that extra flavor kick!
Chicken Broth: Chicken broth adds moisture and depth to the dish. If you’re out, water or vegetable broth works in a pinch. For added flavor, you could also use beer or apple juice as a substitute.
Apple Cider Vinegar: This gives a nice tang. If you’re all out, lemon juice or white vinegar can be used instead. Just adjust the amount to your taste, since they can be stronger or milder.
Spices: Garlic powder and onion powder are key for flavor. Fresh minced garlic and chopped onion can be good substitutions too – just sauté them first for the best flavor blend.
What’s the Best Way to Shred Chicken After Cooking?
Shredding chicken can sometimes feel like a chore, but it doesn’t have to be! After cooking, let the chicken sit for a few minutes to cool slightly. Then, use two forks to pull the chicken apart. If you’re feeling fancy, you could also use a hand mixer on low to shred it quickly!
- Remove chicken from the crockpot and place it on a cutting board.
- With a fork in each hand, pull apart the chicken into shreds.
- Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir it well to soak up all that delicious sauce.
How to Make Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Hamburger buns (for serving)
- Coleslaw (optional, for topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This fantastic recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and will cook for 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high in your crockpot. Just set it and forget it until mealtime!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of your crockpot. This is where the magic will happen!
2. Make the BBQ Sauce Mixture:
In a separate bowl, mix together the barbecue sauce, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir it well until everything is combined.
3. Combine and Cook:
Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the crockpot, making sure all the chicken is well coated. Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
4. Shred the Chicken:
Once the cooking time is finished, carefully remove the chicken from the crockpot and place it on a cutting board. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
5. Absorb the Flavors:
Now, return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and mix it back in with the sauce. Let it sit for an additional 5-10 minutes to soak in all those delicious flavors.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, serve your pulled chicken on hamburger buns! If you’d like, top it with some coleslaw for an extra crunch. Enjoy your tasty meal!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts! Just keep in mind that they will increase the cooking time. It’s best to cook on high for 4-5 hours or low for about 8-9 hours. You can add the sauce ingredients directly without thawing; the slow cooker will handle it!
What If I Don’t Have BBQ Sauce?
No worries! You can easily make your own BBQ sauce using ketchup, vinegar, honey, and spices. A simple mix of 1/2 cup ketchup, 1/4 cup vinegar, and 1/4 cup honey with a dash of Worcestershire sauce will work perfectly as a substitute!
How to Store Leftover Pulled Chicken?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the shredded chicken in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating!
What Can I Serve Instead of Hamburger Buns?
If you’re looking for alternatives, try serving the pulled chicken over rice, mashed potatoes, or using lettuce wraps for a low-carb option. You could also top baked sweet potatoes for a delicious twist!
