This Crock Pot BBQ Chicken is super easy and tasty! Just throw some chicken in the slow cooker with your favorite BBQ sauce, and let it cook until it’s perfectly tender.
What I love is how it makes the house smell amazing while cooking. Plus, you can serve it on buns for a yummy sandwich or over rice for a quick meal. It’s a win-win! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this dish because they cook nicely and shred easily. If you like dark meat, you can use boneless chicken thighs instead. They might give you a richer flavor!
BBQ Sauce: Choose your favorite BBQ sauce to match your taste. If you’re looking for a healthier option, consider low-sugar or homemade BBQ sauce. You can experiment with flavors like sweet, spicy, or tangy. My personal favorite is a smoky BBQ sauce for that extra depth!
Apple Cider Vinegar: This adds a tangy touch to the sauce. If you don’t have it, white vinegar or lemon juice can work as substitutes. Just adjust the amount based on how tangy you want it.
Honey: This is optional but does add a nice sweetness. If you prefer not to use honey, maple syrup or brown sugar are good alternatives. You could even skip the sweetener if your BBQ sauce is already sweet enough.
How Do I Ensure My Chicken Stays Juicy and Shreds Easily?
Getting perfectly cooked chicken is key for this recipe. Here are some tips to help you achieve tender pulled chicken:
- Keep the heat low. Cooking on low for 6 to 8 hours allows the chicken to cook slowly, keeping it moist.
- Add enough sauce. Make sure there’s plenty of BBQ sauce mixture covering the chicken to keep it hydrated.
- Shred while hot. Once cooked, shred the chicken right in the Crock Pot while it’s still warm. This helps absorb more of the sauce.
How to Make Crock Pot BBQ Chicken (Pulled Chicken)
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: hamburger buns for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, and then you just let the Crock Pot do the work! Cook it on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. It’s super easy and perfect for a fuss-free meal.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Chicken:
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your Crock Pot. Make sure they are spread out evenly so they cook well.
2. Mixing the BBQ Sauce:
In a separate bowl, mix together the BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, honey (if you want a sweeter flavor), garlic powder, onion powder, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Stir everything together until it’s well combined. This will be the tasty sauce that flavors your chicken!
3. Adding the Sauce:
Now, pour the BBQ sauce mixture over the chicken breasts in the Crock Pot. Make sure to coat the chicken well so that every piece gets that delicious flavor.
4. Cooking the Chicken:
Cover your Crock Pot and set it to cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The chicken is done when it is fully cooked and can easily be shredded with a fork.
5. Shredding the Chicken:
Once the chicken is ready, take two forks and shred the chicken right in the pot. Mix it with all the yummy sauce so every bite is packed with flavor!
6. Serving:
Serve the pulled BBQ chicken on hamburger buns for a delicious meal. You can drizzle extra BBQ sauce on top if you’d like. Enjoy your tasty creation!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken without thawing! Just increase the cooking time by an hour or so. Keep in mind that chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F for safety, so use a meat thermometer to check.
What Can I Use Instead of BBQ Sauce?
If you don’t have BBQ sauce on hand, you can substitute it with a mix of ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and a touch of brown sugar for a homemade version. Adjust the sweetness and acidity to your taste for the best flavor!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pulled chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the leftovers for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove or in the microwave!
What Are Some Serving Suggestions?
This pulled BBQ chicken is fantastic served on hamburger buns, but you can also enjoy it over a bed of rice or in a salad. Add some coleslaw on top for a crunchy texture or serve with pickles for an extra zing!
