This Easy Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken is super simple to make! Just toss chicken breasts in your favorite BBQ sauce, set the slow cooker, and let it do the magic.
Your house will smell amazing, and the chicken will be so tender you can shred it with just a fork. I love serving this on buns with a side of coleslaw—perfect for a tasty meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect here for their tenderness. You can use chicken thighs instead for a richer flavor, or even shredded rotisserie chicken if you’re short on time.
BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite store-bought BBQ sauce or make your own for a personal touch. If you want a healthier option, look for sugar-free or low-sugar versions. You can also try a spicy variation for a kick.
Ranch Seasoning: This is optional, but it adds a nice depth to the flavor. If you don’t have it, you could mix in some garlic powder and onion powder for a similar taste. Or skip it altogether for a simpler BBQ flavor.
Chicken Broth: Using broth enriches the sauce. If you’re out of chicken broth, water works just fine, but broth really does elevate the flavor.
How Do I Ensure My Chicken Comes Out Perfectly Shredded?
The key to perfectly shredded chicken lies in the cooking time. Make sure you cook the chicken long enough for it to become tender but not so long that it dries out. Here’s how:
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, checking for tenderness.
- Once it’s cooked, use two forks held back-to-back to pull the meat apart easily.
- Stir the shredded chicken back into the sauce; this keeps it juicy and flavorful.
If you prefer a quicker method, you can shred the chicken while it’s still warm; it’s much easier that way!
Easy Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
- 4 hamburger buns or sandwich rolls
- Coleslaw (store-bought or homemade) for topping
- Optional sides: potato chips, apple slices
Time Needed:
This delicious dish requires about 10 minutes of prep time. You’ll need to cook it in the slow cooker for either 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. So, total time is around 6 hours to 8 hours, depending on your cook setting. But don’t worry—most of that is just letting the slow cooker do its work!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker. It’s okay if they overlap a little—they’ll cook down nicely.
2. Mix the Sauces:
In a bowl, combine the BBQ sauce with the ranch seasoning mix (if you’re using it) and the chicken broth or water. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed. This boosts the flavor and helps keep the chicken moist.
3. Coat the Chicken:
Pour the BBQ mixture evenly over the chicken in the slow cooker. Make sure the chicken is well coated—it helps to flavor the meat as it cooks!
4. Cook:
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and select your cooking time. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be tender enough that you can easily shred it with a fork.
5. Shred the Chicken:
Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces—it should come apart easily!
6. Combine with BBQ Sauce:
Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and toss it to thoroughly coat it in the remaining BBQ sauce. This makes every bite full of flavor!
7. Toast the Buns:
If you like, you can toast the hamburger buns lightly in an oven or on a skillet until just golden. This adds a nice texture to your sandwiches.
8. Assemble Your Sandwich:
Take a bottom bun and pile on a generous portion of the shredded BBQ chicken. Top it off with a big scoop of coleslaw to add a crunchy contrast, then place the top bun on.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your BBQ pulled chicken sandwiches right away with crunchy potato chips and sweet apple slices on the side for a satisfying meal.
Enjoy the tender, flavorful pulled chicken bursting with BBQ goodness and the fresh crunch of coleslaw in every bite!
FAQ for Easy Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just make sure to increase the cooking time by about 1-2 hours if cooking on low. Avoid using the high setting for frozen chicken, as it might not cook evenly. Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for safety.
How Can I Store Leftover Pulled Chicken?
Store any leftover pulled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove or microwave, stirring occasionally. You can add a splash of BBQ sauce or broth to keep it moist.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and BBQ mixture a day in advance. Assemble everything in the slow cooker and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, just switch on the slow cooker and let it do the work while you’re out.
What Are Some Good Side Dishes to Serve With This?
This BBQ pulled chicken pairs perfectly with crunchy coleslaw, potato chips, or a fresh side salad. You might also enjoy it with baked beans, corn on the cob, or roasted vegetables for a hearty meal!
