This Crock Pot BBQ Chicken is super easy to make and oh-so-tender! Just toss in chicken, BBQ sauce, and let it slow cook until it’s ready to be shredded.
You’ll love how the flavors meld together. I often make a big batch for sandwiches, and who doesn’t love a good BBQ chicken sandwich? Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this dish as they stay tender and shred easily. If you want a richer flavor, you could use chicken thighs instead, as they tend to be juicier.
BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite BBQ sauce for great flavor! If you’re looking for a healthier option, try sugar-free BBQ sauce or make your own by mixing ketchup, vinegar, and spices. You can also switch it up with a spicy or mustard-based sauce for a different taste.
Chicken Broth: This adds depth to the sauce. For a low-sodium version, consider using vegetable broth or even water if you’re in a pinch. Vegetable broth works well too, especially if you prefer a meatless option!
Worcestershire Sauce: This adds a lovely umami flavor. If you don’t have it, consider soy sauce or tamari for a similar effect. For a lighter choice, try a little lemon juice or apple cider vinegar.
Brown Sugar: I like adding this for a touch of sweetness. If you want a healthier alternative, use honey or maple syrup instead. Skip it altogether if you prefer your BBQ on the tangy side!
How Do I Get the Chicken to Shred Easily After Cooking?
The key to perfectly shredding chicken lies in the cooking time – don’t rush it! Cooking on low for 6-8 hours is the best way to ensure your chicken becomes tender enough to pull apart effortlessly. If you’re in a hurry, cooking on high for 3-4 hours will also work, but keep an eye on it.
- Check that your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
- Once it’s done, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before shredding. This gives the juices time to redistribute.
- Use two forks to pull the chicken apart. If it’s properly cooked, it should shred easily with minimal effort!
How to Make Crock Pot BBQ Chicken (Pulled Chicken)
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your choice of flavor)
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional, for sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving (optional):
- Buns or bread
- Pickles or coleslaw
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and then 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high to cook. Simply mix the sauce, pour it over the chicken, and let your crock pot do all the hard work!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of your crock pot. Make sure they fit nicely and are laid flat for even cooking.
2. Mix the Sauce:
In a separate bowl, combine the BBQ sauce, chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar (if you like it sweet), garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed.
3. Coat the Chicken:
Now, pour the delicious sauce mixture over the chicken breasts in the crock pot. Make sure all the chicken pieces are coated with the sauce to soak in all that flavor.
4. Cook the Chicken:
Cover your crock pot and set it to cook. You can choose to cook it on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. When it’s done, the chicken should be cooked through and tender enough to shred easily with a fork.
5. Shred the Chicken:
Once your chicken is cooked, take it out of the crock pot and use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. It should fall apart easily!
6. Combine with Sauce:
Return the shredded chicken back to the crock pot, mixing it well with the remaining sauce. This step ensures every bite is full of delicious flavor.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Now it’s time to dig in! Serve the pulled BBQ chicken on buns or bread, and feel free to top it with pickles or coleslaw for an extra touch. Enjoy your tasty meal!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts! Just keep in mind that you’ll need to cook them longer since they’re starting off frozen. Cook on low for about 8-10 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. Ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
What BBQ Sauce Works Best for This Recipe?
Feel free to use any BBQ sauce you love! Whether it’s a sweet, tangy, or spicy variety, your choice will affect the flavor of the chicken. For a smoky taste, opt for hickory-flavored sauces; for sweetness, go for a Kansas City-style sauce. Just make sure it’s a sauce that you enjoy!
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the pulled chicken for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm it on the stove or in the microwave, adding a bit of water or broth to keep it moist.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and sauce the night before and refrigerate them separately. In the morning, just combine them in the crock pot and cook as directed. This is a great way to enjoy BBQ chicken with minimal fuss on busy days!
