This Crock Pot BBQ Chicken is super simple and packed with flavor! Just toss in the chicken, your favorite BBQ sauce, and let it cook low and slow. It’s deliciously tender!
I love how the chicken shreds easily and makes a fantastic filling for sandwiches or tacos. Plus, my house smells amazing while it cooks. It’s a win-win! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken is ideal for this recipe as it gets tender during cooking. If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs work well too. They’re juicier and add more flavor, but remember they might need a bit more cooking time.
Barbecue Sauce: This is where you can get creative! Use your favorite store-bought sauce, or try making your own. If you’re looking for a healthier option, choose a no-sugar-added version. Personal favorite? A smoky chipotle flavor gives it a nice kick!
Chicken Broth or Water: Using chicken broth enhances the flavor, but if you’re out, plain water does the job too. For a richer taste, consider adding a splash of apple cider vinegar or beer to the liquid mix.
Worcestershire Sauce: This adds depth to the flavor. If you don’t have it, soy sauce can be a handy substitute. Just keep in mind it’s saltier, so reduce the added salt in the recipe.
How Do I Achieve Perfectly Shredded Chicken?
Shredding chicken can seem tricky, but it’s quite easy once you have the right technique! After cooking, let the chicken sit for a few minutes to cool slightly. Then, use two forks to gently pull apart the meat. The chicken should fall apart effortlessly if it’s cooked enough!
- Start at one end of the breast and use one fork to hold it steady while the other pulls the meat apart.
- Mix the shredded chicken back into the sauce for that extra flavor boost.
- If you’re short on time, a hand mixer can do the trick—just be gentle to avoid turning your chicken into mush!
How to Make Crock Pot BBQ Chicken (Pulled Chicken)
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 to 3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your choice of flavor)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: buns for serving and additional barbecue sauce for drizzling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare. You’ll need to let it cook in the Crock Pot for 6 to 8 hours on low, or 3 to 4 hours on high. After that, you’ll spend a few minutes shredding the chicken and getting ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of your Crock Pot. Make sure they are spread out evenly, so they cook well.
2. Mix the Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine the barbecue sauce, chicken broth (or water), Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir it well until everything is nicely mixed together.
3. Pour Over Chicken:
Carefully pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the Crock Pot, ensuring that the chicken is evenly coated with the sauce. This will help keep the chicken moist while it cooks.
4. Cook the Chicken:
Cover the Crock Pot with the lid and set it to cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The chicken is ready when it’s fully cooked and easy to shred with a fork.
5. Shred and Mix:
Once the chicken is cooked, use two forks to shred it right in the Crock Pot. Mix the shredded chicken with the sauce to soak up all those delicious flavors.
6. Serve:
It’s time to enjoy! Serve the pulled BBQ chicken on buns with any extra barbecue sauce drizzled on top if you like. Enjoy your tasty meal!
Can I Use Thawed Chicken Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Thawed chicken works just as well as fresh. Make sure it’s completely thawed before placing it in the Crock Pot to ensure even cooking. You can thaw chicken overnight in the fridge or use the cold water method by sealing it in a plastic bag and submerging it in cold water for a couple of hours.
What Barbecue Sauce Works Best?
Choose a barbecue sauce that you love! Whether it’s sweet, spicy, or tangy, your preference will make the chicken taste great. If you’re looking for a healthier option, consider a low-sugar BBQ sauce, but don’t forget to adjust the seasoning if necessary, as some sauces may be milder.
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! Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. It will last up to 3 months in the freezer. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm on the stove or in the microwave.
Can I Use Bone-In Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use bone-in chicken! Just adjust the cooking time, as bone-in pieces generally take longer to cook. You’ll want to cook it on low for 8 to 10 hours or high for about 4 to 5 hours. Once done, remove the bones before shredding the chicken.
