This Easy Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken is perfect for busy days! Just toss some chicken breasts in the slow cooker with your favorite BBQ sauce and let it cook. So simple!
What I love most is how tender the chicken gets! Just shred it with two forks and serve it on buns for a quick dinner. No fuss, just yummy goodness! 🍗✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are best for this recipe, but you can also use thighs for a richer flavor. If you’re short on time, pre-cooked rotisserie chicken works great too!
BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite BBQ sauce to match your taste. You can make your own if you prefer; just mix ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, and spices. For a healthier option, try a low-sugar version or even a homemade sauce.
Chicken Broth: I like to use chicken broth for added flavor, but water works just fine if you’re in a pinch. Some people use apple juice for a slight sweetness that pairs well with BBQ.
Spices: The smoked paprika gives a nice depth of flavor. If you don’t have it, regular paprika or even a dash of cayenne can work. Garlic and onion powders are crucial for flavor, but fresh minced garlic or onion could also substitute.
How Do I Ensure Perfectly Shredded Chicken?
Shredding chicken can be tricky, but here’s how to do it right. When the chicken is cooked and tender, follow these steps:
- Use two forks to pull the chicken apart, starting from the thicker parts and working your way to the edges.
- If the chicken feels tough to shred, it probably needs more cooking time. Let it cook longer until it becomes fork-tender.
- For a quicker option, use a hand mixer on low speed to shred the chicken in the crockpot. Just be careful not to overdo it!
- Remember to return the shredded chicken to the sauce in the crockpot to keep it moist and flavorful.
Easy Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 6 hamburger buns or slider buns
- Coleslaw (store-bought or homemade) for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe is super simple! You’ll need about 10 minutes for preparation. Cooking time will be around 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high in the crockpot. So, set it up in the morning, and by dinner, you’ll have tender, delicious pulled chicken ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Begin by placing the chicken breasts in the bottom of your crockpot. There’s no need to worry about thawing them if they’re frozen; they’ll cook beautifully right from frozen.
2. Mix the Sauce:
In a separate small bowl, stir together the BBQ sauce, chicken broth (or water), smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix it well until it’s combined.
3. Combine Everything:
Now, pour that flavorful BBQ sauce mixture over the chicken in the crockpot, ensuring all pieces are nicely coated. This is where the magic begins!
4. Let it Cook:
Cover the crockpot and set it on low for 6-7 hours. If you’re short on time, you can cook it on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken is ready when it’s so tender that it easily pulls apart.
5. Shred the Chicken:
Once the chicken is cooked, carefully take it out and shred it using two forks. It should fall apart easily! Don’t forget to discard any leftover fat or gristle.
6. Mix it Up:
After shredding, return the chicken to the crockpot and stir it back into the BBQ sauce. Let it mingle for another 15-30 minutes to soak up more of that delicious flavor.
7. Toast the Buns:
If you like, you can toast your hamburger buns for a little extra crunch and warmth. This step is optional but adds a nice touch!
8. Assemble the Sandwiches:
Now it’s time to serve! Place a generous scoop of the pulled chicken on each bun and top it off with coleslaw. This adds a wonderful crunch and freshness to the sandwich.
9. Enjoy!
Serve the sandwiches with your favorite sides, like apple slices and potato chips, for a fun and complete meal. Enjoy your easy and delicious BBQ pulled chicken!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, absolutely! You can start with frozen chicken breasts in the crockpot. Just make sure to increase the cooking time by about an hour.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can prepare the pulled chicken a day in advance. Store the shredded chicken in the refrigerator after cooking, then reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving. Just add a splash of extra BBQ sauce to keep it moist.
What Kind of BBQ Sauce Works Best?
Use your favorite brand of BBQ sauce, whether it’s sweet, tangy, or spicy! You can also make your own by mixing ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, and spices for a custom flavor that suits your taste.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the pulled chicken for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating!
