This easy Crock Pot BBQ Chicken is juicy and full of flavor! Toss chicken breasts in a sweet and tangy barbecue sauce, and let the slow cooker do all the work while you relax.
Honestly, the best part is how tender the chicken becomes. It practically falls apart! I love serving it on buns with some crunchy coleslaw. Yum! 🍔
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are key for this dish. If you want to mix it up, you can use thighs for a juicier option or even a mix of chicken and turkey. Just keep in mind that cooking times might vary a bit!
BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite BBQ sauce to really make this dish shine. You can swap it for a homemade version if you enjoy making sauces, or try a different flavor like mustard or vinegar-based sauces for a twist!
Chicken Broth/Water: Chicken broth adds extra flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, water works just fine. For a lighter flavor, vegetable broth could also work. Just be cautious with salt if using broth, as some can be quite salty.
Onion & Garlic: These add great flavor! If you’re not a fan or have a sensitivity, you can omit them. If you want something different, try using shallots or a bit of onion powder and garlic powder instead.
Smoked Paprika: This optional spice gives a nice smokey flavor. If you don’t have it, you can leave it out or substitute with a dash of regular paprika or even a bit of cayenne for some heat!
How Do I Achieve Perfectly Shredded Chicken?
Shredding chicken can seem tricky. The key is to ensure it’s properly cooked and tender. Here’s how to make it easy:
- Cook the chicken on low for the full time (6-8 hours) if possible, it helps with tenderness.
- Once cooked, use two forks to pull apart the chicken; for quicker results, you can also use a hand mixer on low speed to shred it quickly.
- Make sure to mix the shredded chicken back into the BBQ sauce, ensuring it’s well coated for flavor.
Don’t rush this step—if the chicken feels tough, it might need just a little more time in the pot!
How to Make Crock Pot BBQ Chicken (Pulled Chicken)
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 to 3 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
- 1 onion, diced (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional for added smokiness)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
- Buns or rolls (optional)
- Coleslaw for topping (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This yummy Crock Pot BBQ Chicken takes about 15 minutes to prepare and then cooks for 6 to 8 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high. Just set it and forget it, and you’ll have delicious pulled chicken ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Chicken:
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your Crock Pot. It’s important to use good quality chicken, as it will make a big difference in flavor!
2. Mixing the Sauce:
In a separate bowl, mix together your BBQ sauce, chicken broth (or water), diced onion, minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. This mixture is going to add lots of flavors to your chicken, so stir it well until everything is combined.
3. Combining and Cooking:
Now, pour this tasty BBQ mixture over the chicken in the Crock Pot. Make sure all the chicken is well coated with the sauce. Once it’s nicely mixed, cover the Crock Pot with its lid. Set it to cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours.
4. Shredding the Chicken:
When the chicken is cooked and tender, grab two forks (or use a hand mixer for an easier option) and shred the chicken right in the Crock Pot. It should come apart easily. Stir the shredded chicken into the sauce, mixing it well to coat every piece.
5. Serving:
Your BBQ chicken is ready to serve! Scoop it onto buns or rolls for a delicious sandwich, and add coleslaw on top if you’d like. Enjoy your tasty Crock Pot BBQ Chicken!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time. If cooking on low, plan for about 8 to 10 hours, and if on high, allow for about 5 to 6 hours. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
What If I Don’t Have BBQ Sauce?
No worries! You can easily make a quick homemade BBQ sauce using ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, and your favorite spices. Combine about 1 cup of ketchup, 1/4 cup of vinegar, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, and seasoning like garlic powder or chili powder to taste.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftover pulled chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove or in the microwave. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up.
Can I Add More Veggies to This Recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to add bell peppers, mushrooms, or even some shredded carrots. Just chop them up and add them to the Crock Pot along with the chicken and sauce at the beginning. This will add extra flavor and nutrition to your dish!
