This Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken is super easy and packed with flavor! Just toss in chicken, sauce, and let it slow cook until it’s tender and juicy.
Who doesn’t love that? It’s a perfect dish for busy days. I love serving it on buns with a side of coleslaw. Trust me, it’s a hit at every gathering! 🍗✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this recipe. If you prefer dark meat, thighs are a great choice. They add a richer flavor and can be just as tender.
Barbecue Sauce: Choose a sauce you love! You can go for sweet, spicy, or smoky varieties. If you don’t have barbecue sauce, a mix of ketchup, vinegar, and spices can work as a substitute.
Chicken Broth: This adds moisture and depth. If you’re out, water works fine, but broth enhances the flavor. Low-sodium versions are great if you’re watching your salt intake.
Worcestershire Sauce: This adds a nice umami punch. If you’re vegan or simply out, soy sauce can be a decent substitute, just remember it’s saltier!
Spices: Garlic and onion powder are essential for flavor. If you prefer fresh, a couple of minced garlic cloves and finely chopped onions can be used instead.
Smoked Paprika: It gives a hint of smokiness. Feel free to leave it out if you don’t have it, or use regular paprika instead.
How Can I Ensure My Chicken is Perfectly Shredded?
Shredding the chicken is a crucial step for pulled chicken perfection. Here’s how to make it super easy:
- After cooking, let the chicken sit for a few minutes to cool slightly.
- Use two forks to pull apart the chicken. Start from the thicker ends and work your way to the middle.
- If it seems tough, it may need more cooking time. Return it to the crockpot and let it cook for a bit longer.
Shredded chicken can then be mixed back into the sauce to soak up all those flavors before serving, making it extra tasty!
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 choice of flavor)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
- Burger buns or wraps (optional)
- Coleslaw for topping (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, and then you’ll need to let it cook in the crockpot for 6 to 7 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high. Perfect for a busy day when you want an easy and tasty meal ready to go!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of your crockpot. It’s as simple as that—just lay them down gently!
2. Make the Sauce:
In a mixing bowl, combine the barbecue sauce, chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika if you’re using it. Add salt and pepper to taste. Give it a good stir until everything is mixed well.
3. Combine and Cook:
Pour the delicious sauce mixture over the chicken in the crockpot, making sure all the chicken is nicely coated. Cover the crockpot with its lid. Set it to cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The chicken is done when it’s fully cooked and you can easily shred it with a fork.
4. Shred the Chicken:
Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the chicken from the crockpot using a pair of tongs. Place the chicken on a plate and shred it using two forks. This is where the magic happens!
5. Mix Back in the Sauce:
Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and mix it well into the remaining sauce. This allows all those yummy flavors to soak into the chicken. Let it cook for an additional 15-30 minutes to get everything nice and hot.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
It’s time to serve up your BBQ pulled chicken! You can put it on burger buns or wraps and top it with coleslaw if you like. Enjoy your delicious meal with family and friends!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s important to ensure it’s fully cooked. Cooking time may increase by 1-2 hours, so keep an eye on it. Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safety!
What If I Don’t Have Barbecue Sauce?
No problem! You can create a quick homemade barbecue sauce using ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and spices. Mix about 1 cup of ketchup, 1/4 cup vinegar, 1/4 cup brown sugar, and add spices to taste. You can also use any marinade or sauce you like, such as teriyaki or honey mustard, for a different flavor!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pulled chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can cook the pulled chicken and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let it cool before refrigerating or freezing, and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating when you’re ready to enjoy!
