This Crock Pot BBQ Chicken is super easy to make and so tasty! Just toss some chicken with your favorite BBQ sauce, let it simmer, and it becomes tender and ready to shred.
When it’s done, all you have to do is pull it apart and pile it on a bun. It’s perfect for a lazy day or a fun gathering with friends—who doesn’t love BBQ chicken? Yum!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this dish. You can also use thighs for extra juiciness. If you want a lower-fat option, lean turkey works too.
BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite store-bought BBQ sauce, or make your own! If you’re avoiding sugar, try a sugar-free option or blend your own sauce with tomato sauce and spices.
Chicken Broth: Chicken broth enhances flavor, but water can work in a pinch. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, vegetable broth is a good substitute.
Worcestershire Sauce: This adds depth to the flavor. If you prefer, tamari or soy sauce can be used for a different twist, especially for a gluten-free option.
Apple Cider Vinegar: It gives a nice tang. White vinegar can be used instead, or even lemon juice for a citrusy hit.
How Do You Make Tender, Shredded Chicken in a Crock Pot?
Getting the chicken perfectly shredded is key! Start by ensuring you have enough liquid in the crock pot for the chicken to cook evenly. Using low heat for a longer time makes the chicken super tender.
- Place chicken in the crock pot and cover with the sauce mixture.
- Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Check for tenderness; it should easily shred.
- Use two forks to shred the chicken and mix it back into the sauce for maximum flavor.
How to Make Crock Pot BBQ Chicken (Pulled Chicken)
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
For the BBQ Sauce Mixture:
- 1 cup BBQ 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
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional:
- Hamburger buns for serving
- Coleslaw for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe is super easy! It takes about 10 minutes to prepare the ingredients, and then you’ll let the chicken cook in the crock pot for 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. So, it’s perfect for setting up in the morning and enjoying in the evening!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the chicken breasts in the bottom of your crock pot. Make sure they are spaced out a little for even cooking. This is the base for your delicious BBQ pulled chicken!
2. Mix the Sauce:
In a medium bowl, combine the BBQ sauce, chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed. This sauce will give your chicken loads of flavor!
3. Coat the Chicken:
Pour the BBQ sauce mixture over the chicken in the crock pot. Use a spoon to ensure that every piece of chicken is nicely coated with the sauce. This is where the magic happens!
4. Cook the Chicken:
Put the lid on your crock pot and set it to cook. Choose either low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork.
5. Shred the Chicken:
After cooking, remove the chicken from the pot and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Once shredded, put the chicken back into the crock pot and stir it into the sauce to soak up all the yummy flavors.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Your pulled BBQ chicken is ready to be served! Scoop some onto hamburger buns and top with coleslaw if you like. Grab a napkin and enjoy this tasty meal!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to add an extra hour to the cooking time. It’s ideal to cook on low for 7-8 hours to ensure the chicken is fully thawed and tender. Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F before shredding.
What BBQ Sauce Should I Use?
You can use any BBQ sauce you like! Whether it’s sweet, tangy, or spicy, it will flavor the chicken deliciously. If you want to reduce sugar, opt for a low-sugar or homemade BBQ sauce for a healthier option.
How to Store Leftover Pulled BBQ Chicken?
Let the chicken cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. You can store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze the shredded chicken in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Can I Add Other Ingredients?
Absolutely! Feel free to add chopped onions, bell peppers, or even a splash of hot sauce for a kick! Just ensure that the added ingredients don’t exceed the crock pot capacity. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly if you add more volume.
