Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken is super easy and full of flavor! Just toss some chicken thighs into a slow cooker with your favorite BBQ sauce, and let it cook until it’s tender.
The best part? It practically makes itself while you go about your day. I love serving it on buns for a quick lunch, or over rice for a cozy dinner. Yum! 🍗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are the best choices. Thighs are juicier and more forgiving if you accidentally overcook them. If you prefer a lighter option, you can use chicken tenders.
BBQ Sauce: Feel free to use your favorite BBQ sauce, whether store-bought or homemade. If you want a healthier version, look for sauces with less sugar or consider a vinegar-based sauce. You can also mix flavors like honey BBQ or spicy sauce for a kick!
Chicken Broth: Chicken broth adds moisture and flavor. You can substitute it with vegetable broth or even water if you’re in a pinch, but the broth will enhance the taste.
Spices: Garlic and onion powder are staples here, but if you don’t have them, fresh minced garlic or finely chopped onions work too. Don’t skip the spices; they greatly add to the flavor profile!
Smoked Paprika: This adds a lovely smoky taste, but if you don’t have it, just sprinkle in some regular paprika or even a pinch of cayenne for heat. I personally love the smokiness, so I always include it!
How Do I Get Perfectly Shredded Chicken?
Shredding chicken properly can be tricky, but there are some simple steps to make it easy and quick. First, make sure your chicken is cooked fully. The slow cooking method should keep it moist and tender. Once it’s done cooking, follow these tips:
- Remove the chicken from the crockpot and let it rest for a few minutes to cool slightly.
- Using two forks, pull apart the chicken. Hold one fork steady and use the other to shred. This keeps it from slipping!
- For an even easier method, you can use a stand mixer with a paddle attachment on low speed for just a minute or so—it shreds in seconds!
How to Make Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pulled Chicken:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
- Buns for serving (optional)
- Coleslaw for topping (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful crockpot BBQ pulled chicken takes about 10 minutes of prep time, and then you’ll let it cook for 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. After cooking, don’t forget to shred the chicken, which only takes a few minutes. Sit back, relax, and let your crockpot do the heavy lifting!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs at the bottom of your crockpot. You’re creating a cozy home for your chicken to soak up all that delicious flavor!
2. Make the BBQ Sauce Mixture:
In a separate bowl, mix together the BBQ sauce, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika (if you’re using it), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir it well to combine all the ingredients evenly.
3. Combine Sauces with the Chicken:
Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the crockpot. Make sure each piece of chicken is well-coated in that yummy sauce! This is where all the magic happens.
4. Slow Cook the Chicken:
Now it’s time to cover the crockpot and set it to cook. You can let it simmer on low for 6-7 hours or crank it up to high for 3-4 hours. Your kitchen will smell amazing, and the chicken will become so tender that it will shred easily!
5. Shred the Chicken:
Once your cooking time is done, carefully remove the chicken from the crockpot. Use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. Be careful; it’ll be hot!
6. Mix the Shredded Chicken with Sauce:
Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and give it a good stir to mix it with the remaining sauce. This step ensures that every bite is flavorful and juicy.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Now it’s time to serve! Spoon the pulled chicken onto buns if you’d like, and top it with coleslaw for that extra crunch and creaminess. Enjoy every tasty bite!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just be sure to increase the cooking time by an hour or so. For safety, it’s best to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or in cold water before cooking. This ensures it cooks evenly and thoroughly.
What Can I Substitute for BBQ Sauce?
If you don’t have BBQ sauce on hand, you can use a mix of ketchup, vinegar, and your favorite spices as a substitute. Consider adding honey or brown sugar for sweetness and paprika for smokiness to mimic BBQ flavors!
How Can I Store Leftover Pulled Chicken?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to cool it completely before freezing, and when ready to eat, thaw in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
Absolutely! To add some heat, consider incorporating hot sauce into the BBQ sauce mixture or adding a teaspoon of cayenne pepper. You can also top the pulled chicken with sliced jalapeños when serving for an extra kick!
