This Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken is super easy and packed with flavor. Just toss some chicken breasts, BBQ sauce, and spices in your slow cooker, and let it do the magic!
It’s perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or just enjoying on its own. I love how the chicken just falls apart—it’s like the chicken’s way of saying, “Eat me!” 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect here for their lean texture. If you want, you can substitute them with chicken thighs for a richer flavor. Thighs tend to be juicier and withstand longer cooking times well.
Barbecue Sauce: Store-bought sauce is quick and easy, but homemade gives you control over flavors. Use your favorite brand or try making your own! You can even swap it out for other sauces like teriyaki or a spicy mustard sauce for a twist.
Chicken Broth: This adds moisture, but if you’re short on broth, water works just fine. If you want more flavor, consider veggie broth as an alternative. You could also use a bit of beer, just adjust the liquid quantity accordingly!
Worcestershire Sauce: It adds a nice depth of flavor. If you don’t have any, soy sauce can be a good substitute, though it will give a different taste. For a tangy kick, you can use a splash of hot sauce instead.
How Do You Get Perfectly Shredded Chicken?
Shredding chicken can be tricky, but it’s simpler than it seems. Once your chicken is cooked and tender, here’s how to do it right.
- Use two forks to pull apart the chicken gently. Start at the thicker part of the breast.
- Mix the chicken with the sauce in the crockpot as you shred. This ensures every bite is flavorful!
- If you find it tough to shred, give it a few more minutes in the crockpot. Proper cooking makes shredding easier.
How to Make Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or water)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
- Hamburger buns
- Coleslaw (optional, for topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and then cooks for either 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high in the crockpot. So, you can set it and forget it for a scrumptious meal later!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your crockpot. Make sure they’re spread out evenly so they cook properly.
2. Mix the Sauce:
In a mixing bowl, combine the barbecue sauce, chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed and smooth.
3. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the chicken in the crockpot. Make sure all the chicken is nicely coated in that tasty sauce. It’ll soak up all the flavors while cooking!
4. Cook to Perfection:
Cover the crockpot and cook the chicken on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is tender and can be shredded easily with a fork.
5. Shred the Chicken:
Once the chicken is cooked, use two forks to shred it right in the crockpot. Mix the shredded chicken with the sauce so every bite is deliciously flavored.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, scoop the pulled chicken onto hamburger buns and add coleslaw on top if you like extra crunch. It’s time to dig in and enjoy your homemade BBQ pulled chicken!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just note that the cooking time will be a bit longer. If using frozen chicken breasts, cook on low for about 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safety!
What If I Don’t Have Barbecue Sauce?
No worries! You can make a quick homemade barbecue sauce using ingredients like ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, and spices. Combine 1 cup ketchup, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons vinegar, and season with your favorite spices to taste. This will work well as a substitute!
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it up on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or extra barbecue sauce to keep it moist.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken and sauce mixture the night before and store it in the refrigerator. Just pop it in the crockpot in the morning for a delicious, stress-free dinner that night!
