This Crock Pot BBQ Chicken is super easy to make and packed with flavor! Just toss chicken, barbecue sauce, and a few spices into the slow cooker, and let it work its magic.
You’ll love how tender and juicy the chicken turns out—perfect for sandwiches or just grabbing some with a fork! I often make a big batch for easy meals all week. Yum! 🍗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: I love using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe because they are lean and fall apart easily after cooking. You can substitute thighs for a richer flavor, just be mindful they may be a bit greasier!
BBQ Sauce: Pick a BBQ sauce that you enjoy! You could go for a sweet, smoky, or spicy flavor. If you’re looking for a healthier option, low-sugar BBQ sauces are available. For a homemade twist, whip up your own sauce with ketchup, vinegar, and spices.
Chicken Broth: Chicken broth adds moisture. If you’re out, you could use vegetable broth or water with a splash of soy sauce for added flavor. I’ve even used beer or apple cider for a unique taste!
Garlic and Onion Powder: These are must-haves for a flavor boost! If you prefer fresh, you can substitute with minced garlic and finely chopped onions. Just remember to use a bit more since the flavor is milder.
Smoked Paprika: This gives a nice smokiness to the dish. If you don’t have it, regular paprika or chili powder can work too, though it will change the flavor slightly. I always keep smoked paprika on hand for a little kick!
How Do I Shred the Chicken Easily?
After the chicken is cooked, shredding it can be super easy! You can do it right in the Crock Pot, which minimizes mess. Here’s how:
- Use two forks to pull the chicken apart—this works great!
- If you want it even easier, some people use a hand mixer on low speed to shred the chicken in the pot. Just be gentle!
- Make sure to mix the shredded chicken well with the BBQ sauce to coat it evenly.
Getting the chicken well-coated boosts the flavor, so don’t skip this step! Enjoy your delicious pulled BBQ chicken on buns or with some coleslaw for a crunchy texture.
How to Make Crock Pot BBQ Chicken (Pulled Chicken)
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your choice of flavor)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Buns, for serving (optional)
- Coleslaw, for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious BBQ chicken will take about 10 minutes to prepare and then 6-8 hours in the Crock Pot on low (or 3-4 hours on high) to cook. It’s a great recipe to set in the morning and have ready to enjoy by dinner time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts right at the bottom of your Crock Pot. They’ll be the base that soaks up all those yummy flavors!
2. Mix the BBQ Sauce:
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the BBQ sauce, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika (if you like a little smoky flavor), black pepper, and salt. Give it a good stir so everything is nicely mixed together!
3. Combine Everything:
Now, pour that tasty BBQ sauce mixture all over the chicken in the Crock Pot. Make sure the chicken is well coated; that’s where all the flavor comes from!
4. Cook the Chicken:
Put the lid on the Crock Pot and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken is ready when it’s fully cooked and tender, almost falling apart!
5. Shred and Mix:
Once the chicken is done cooking, take two forks and shred the chicken right in the pot. Mix it well with all the BBQ sauce left in there for a perfect, flavorful dish!
6. Serve It Up:
It’s time to enjoy! Serve the pulled BBQ chicken on buns and top with coleslaw if you want some extra crunch. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just make sure to cook it on the high setting for about 5-6 hours instead of low, as it will need extra time to reach a safe internal temperature. There’s no need to thaw it beforehand; just place it directly in the Crock Pot and cover with your BBQ sauce mixture.
What If I Don’t Have Chicken Broth?
No worries! If you’re out of chicken broth, you can use water in its place. For added flavor, consider adding a splash of soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, or a little more BBQ sauce to enhance the taste.
Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
Absolutely! To add some heat, you can mix in a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the BBQ sauce mixture. Adjust according to your spice preference for the best results!
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftover pulled BBQ chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage; just place it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating!
