This Easy Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken is a treat! Just toss in chicken, BBQ sauce, and let the slow cooker work its magic. You’ll have tender, flavorful chicken in no time.
It’s so easy, you’ll feel like a kitchen superhero! đŠžââïž I love serving it on fluffy buns for the perfect meal. Plus, itâs great for leftoversâif there are any left! đ
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for shredding. If youâre looking for a leaner option, chicken thighs work well too. Theyâre even juicier!
BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite jarred BBQ sauce or whip up a simple homemade version. If youâre avoiding sugar, try a sugar-free BBQ sauce. You can even make your own with tomato paste, vinegar, and spices!
Chicken Broth: Chicken broth adds flavor, but feel free to replace it with water or vegetable broth if you’re out of chicken broth. Just remember to season it a bit more.
Apple Cider Vinegar: This adds a nice tang. You can swap it with white vinegar or lemon juice. If you prefer less acidity, you can skip it altogether.
Spices: Garlic and onion powder enhance flavor; however, fresh garlic and onions are great substitutes. Just sauté them before adding for more depth in taste. Smoked paprika is optional, but it gives a lovely smoky push!
How Can I Ensure My Chicken Shreds Perfectly?
Shredding chicken can be tricky, but thereâs a simple way to make it easy! Letting the chicken cook until it’s super tender is crucial. Once itâs done, use two forks to gently pull the meat apart. This way, you get beautifully shredded chicken without a fuss!
- After cooking, take the chicken out carefully so it’s not falling apart too much.
- Use a couple of forks to pull the meat apart. You can also use your hands, but be careful; it might be hot!
- Mix it back into the sauce in the crockpot to keep it juicy and flavorful.
Remember, the longer you cook it, the easier it will be to shred, so donât rush that slow cooker!
Easy Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (choose your favorite brand or homemade)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional, for tang)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for smoky flavor)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 hamburger buns or sandwich rolls
- Coleslaw (store-bought or homemade) for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe only takes about 10 minutes of prep time. Then you just need to let the crockpot do its magic for 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. The end result is juicy, tender pulled chicken!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker. Make sure theyâre spread out evenly for proper cooking.
2. Mix the Sauce:
In a separate bowl, combine the BBQ sauce, chicken broth (or water), apple cider vinegar (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until itâs well mixed.
3. Add the Sauce to the Chicken:
Pour the delicious sauce mixture over the chicken in the crockpot. Give it a gentle shake to make sure the chicken is nicely coated with the sauce.
4. Cooking Time:
Cover your crockpot with the lid and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be super tender and easy to shred.
5. Shred the Chicken:
After the cooking time is up, carefully take the chicken breasts out of the crockpot. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. It should fall apart easily!
6. Mix it Back in:
Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and mix it with the remaining sauce, so itâs all nicely coated and flavorful.
7. Toast the Buns:
If youâd like, take a moment to toast your hamburger buns lightly. This adds a nice crunch to your sandwich!
8. Assemble the Sandwiches:
To serve, pile the BBQ pulled chicken onto the bun and top it with a generous scoop of coleslaw. You can add as much or as little as you like!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Pair your sandwiches with your favorite sides, like potato chips or apple slices, for a complete meal. Enjoy the deliciousness of your homemade BBQ pulled chicken!
This Easy Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken is perfect for a casual dinner or a gathering with friends. Enjoy your creation!
FAQ
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts! Just make sure they are fully cooked through. Increase the cooking time to about 8-9 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high for best results. The chicken will still come out tender and delicious!
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and sauce mixture a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge and then cook it in the crockpot the next day. It still tastes great after marinating overnight!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pulled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storageâjust make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It will stay good for up to 3 months!
What Can I Use Instead of BBQ Sauce?
If you’re looking for alternatives, you can use a homemade sauce made of ketchup, vinegar, and spices, or even a teriyaki sauce for a different flavor profile. Adjust the spices to fit your taste for something unique!
