This Easy Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken is a must-try! With just a few simple ingredients, it cooks low and slow for maximum flavor. Tender chicken soaked in yummy BBQ sauce makes for a great meal.
I love serving it on buns with a side of coleslaw. Perfect for game day or a cozy family dinner! It’s so easy I might just let the crockpot do all the work while I relax. 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this recipe as they cook down nicely. If you prefer dark meat, feel free to use bone-in skin-on chicken thighs for richer flavor.
Barbecue Sauce: Choose your favorite sauce for flavor. If you’re aiming for a healthier option, a low-sugar barbecue sauce works well. You can also make your own with tomato sauce, vinegar, and spices!
Chicken Broth: Chicken broth adds depth to the sauce. If you don’t have it, vegetable broth or even water will do. Just make sure to adjust seasoning if needed.
Coleslaw Mix: If you can’t find pre-packaged coleslaw mix, you can easily shred your own cabbage and carrots. For a twist, add some sliced apples or nuts for extra crunch.
What’s the Best Way to Shred Chicken Easily?
Shredding chicken can be a bit tricky, but here’s a simple method: after cooking, let the chicken cool for a few minutes. Use two forks to pull it apart gently. It works best when the chicken is warm and moist. If it’s difficult, you can use a hand mixer on low speed for super quick shredding!
- Remove the chicken from the pot and let it sit for a couple of minutes.
- Use two forks to shred the chicken into small pieces.
- Return shredded chicken to the crockpot and mix it well with the sauce!
These tips should make your Easy Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken a breeze to prepare and enjoy!
Easy Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 hamburger sandwich buns
- 1 1/2 cups coleslaw mix (shredded cabbage and carrots)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Optional: crinkle-cut potato chips and sliced apples, for serving
Time Needed:
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prep and 6-7 hours to cook on low (or 3-4 hours on high in the crockpot). Overall, you can have a delicious dinner ready with minimal effort!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your crockpot. This will be the base for your flavorful pulled chicken.
2. Make the Sauce:
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the barbecue sauce, chicken broth, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until well blended.
3. Cook:
Pour the delicious barbecue sauce mixture over the chicken in the crockpot. Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is tender enough to shred easily.
4. Make the Coleslaw:
While the chicken is cooking, prepare the coleslaw. In a bowl, mix the coleslaw mix with mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and sugar. Mix well until everything is combined and creamy. Refrigerate until you’re ready to serve!
5. Shred the Chicken:
Once the chicken is cooked and tender, remove it from the crockpot. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir it well to coat it in the barbecue sauce.
6. Assemble the Sandwiches:
If desired, toast your hamburger buns. Take the bottom half of the bun, add a generous spoonful of the pulled chicken, and top with coleslaw. Place the top bun over it to finish.
7. Serve:
Serve your delicious pulled chicken sandwiches with crinkle-cut potato chips and sliced apples for a refreshing and crunchy side. Enjoy!
Dig in and savor the tasty goodness of your Easy Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken sandwiches! 🥪
FAQ About Easy Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes! You can use frozen chicken breasts, but the cooking time will need to be extended. Cook on low for 8-9 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. Always ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety.
How Can 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 up to 3 months. Just let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
What Could I Substitute for Barbecue Sauce?
If you want to change up the flavor, you can use a homemade sauce or a different store-bought sauce, such as honey mustard or teriyaki. Just adjust the sweetness and seasoning to your taste as needed!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and sauce the night before, refrigerate it, and then cook it the next day. This can save time, especially when you have a busy day ahead.
