This Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken is a dream come true for busy days! Just add chicken, your favorite BBQ sauce, and let the slow cooker work its magic. Easy peasy!
You’ll love how the chicken becomes tender and juicy. Honestly, I sometimes find myself sneaking bites straight from the pot—no shame in that game! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this recipe. They get tender in the crockpot. For a twist, you can use thighs, which add a bit more flavor and fat, making them juicy as well.
BBQ Sauce: Choose your favorite BBQ sauce for the best flavor. If you’re looking for a healthier option, make your own with tomato paste, vinegar, and seasonings. You can swap it for a sugar-free variety or even a spicy sauce if you like a kick!
Chicken Broth: Chicken broth adds moisture and depth. You can also use vegetable broth for a different flavor or water if you’re in a pinch, but it might lack some richness.
Seasonings: Garlic and onion powder are great for enhancing flavor. If you don’t have them, fresh minced garlic and onion work too, just use more as they’re less concentrated. Smoked paprika adds a smoky touch; regular paprika can substitute but will lack the same depth.
How Can You Ensure the Chicken Shreds Perfectly?
Shredding the chicken can seem tricky, but it’s easy! After it cooks, the key is to use two forks and pull apart the meat gently. Mix it with the sauce as you shred to keep it moist. If the chicken feels tough, it might need more cooking time. Just let it go until it’s tender!
- After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes in the sauce before shredding.
- Use one fork to hold a piece and the other to pull it apart—it’s okay if it’s messy!
- Make sure to mix it well with the sauce after shredding to soak in all that flavor.
How to Make Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional:
- Hamburger buns for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken takes about 10 minutes of prep time. Once everything is in the crockpot, you’ll need to let it cook for 6 to 7 hours on low, or 3 to 4 hours on high. Just set it and forget it while your house fills with awesome BBQ aromas!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your crockpot. This will be the base for your flavorful BBQ goodness!
2. Make the BBQ Sauce Mixture:
In a medium bowl, combine the BBQ sauce, chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed. This flavor-packed sauce is going to make your chicken so tasty!
3. Coat the Chicken:
Pour the BBQ mixture over the chicken in the crockpot. Make sure every piece of chicken is well coated. This step is key to infusing all that delicious flavor!
4. Cook the Chicken:
Cover your crockpot and set it to cook. Choose low for 6 to 7 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours. The chicken is ready when it’s fully cooked and can easily be shredded with a fork.
5. Shred the Chicken:
Once the chicken is done cooking, grab two forks and shred the chicken right in the crockpot. Mix it together with that yummy sauce you made earlier. The chicken should fall apart easily—this means it’s perfectly cooked!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your pulled chicken on hamburger buns if you like. Feel free to add more BBQ sauce on top for an extra kick of flavor. It’s also great on its own as a hearty dish. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! When using frozen chicken, simply add an extra hour to the cooking time on low, or an extra 30 minutes on high. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safety!
What Can I Substitute for BBQ Sauce?
If you don’t have BBQ sauce on hand, try using a mix of ketchup, apple cider vinegar, honey, and a dash of hot sauce to create a simple homemade version. Adjust to taste for sweetness and spiciness!
How to Store Leftover Pulled Chicken?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze pulled chicken for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and warm on the stove or in the microwave.
Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
Absolutely! To add some heat, mix in hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the BBQ sauce mixture before pouring it over the chicken. You can adjust the amount based on your heat preference!
