This Zesty Slow Cooker Chicken Barbecue is a tasty meal that makes weeknight dinners a breeze! Juicy chicken is smothered in a tangy barbecue sauce that will make your taste buds dance.
It’s super easy to make too—just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do its magic. I love serving it on buns for a quick sandwich! Trust me, you’ll want seconds! 🍗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this recipe as they cook down well. If you prefer dark meat, you can use boneless chicken thighs for a richer flavor. Just remember, thighs may take a bit longer to cook.
BBQ Sauce: Use any BBQ sauce you love! Whether it’s sweet, tangy, or spicy, it will shape the dish’s flavor. If you want a healthier option, a low-sugar BBQ sauce works great too. You could even make your own sauce with ketchup, honey, and spices!
Chicken Broth: Chicken broth adds moisture and a depth of flavor. If you’re in a pinch, vegetable broth or water with a bit of seasoning can substitute. Just keep the salt level in mind if your broth is salted.
Worcestershire Sauce: This adds a touch of umami. If you don’t have it, soy sauce or liquid aminos can work as substitutes. Just use a little less, as soy sauce is saltier!
Apple Cider Vinegar: This adds acidity and tang. You can swap it with white vinegar or lemon juice for a similar effect.
How Do I Shred Chicken Easily After Cooking?
Shredding chicken can feel tricky, but there’s a foolproof method! Once your chicken is cooked through and tender, follow these easy steps:
- Remove the chicken from the crockpot with tongs or a slotted spoon. Let it cool a bit so you don’t burn your fingers.
- Use two forks; hold one fork in each hand. With one fork, hold the chicken in place while you gently pull it apart with the other fork.
- Keep shredding until the chicken is in nice, bite-sized pieces.
- Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot, mix it well with the remaining sauce, and let it warm through for about 15 minutes.
This method makes shredding super easy and ensures your chicken is ready for serving!
How to Make Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your choice of flavor)
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Hamburger buns (for serving)
- Optional: Coleslaw (for topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation time, plus cooking time in the crockpot. You’ll need to cook it on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. After that, just a few more minutes to heat up the shredded chicken. Perfect for a laid-back meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your crockpot. You want to create a nice base for all those delicious flavors to seep into the chicken!
2. Mix the Sauce:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure everything is mixed well so that the chicken gets the tastiest coating!
3. Combine in the Crockpot:
Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the crockpot. Make sure the chicken is fully coated in that savory sauce. Cover it with the lid, and you’re almost there!
4. Cook the Chicken:
Now it’s time to let the magic happen! Cook the chicken on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until the chicken is tender and easy to shred. You’ll know it’s ready when you can pull it apart with a fork.
5. Shred the Chicken:
Once your chicken is cooked, take it out of the crockpot. Use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. It should come apart effortlessly!
6. Mix and Heat:
Return the shredded chicken back into the crockpot, mixing it with the remaining sauce. Allow it to heat for an additional 15 minutes. This way, all the flavors can blend together beautifully!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, it’s time to enjoy your pulled chicken! Serve it on hamburger buns, and feel free to add coleslaw on top for a nice crunch. Dig in and enjoy your delicious meal!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just be sure to adjust the cooking time. For frozen chicken, cook on low for about 8-10 hours or on high for 5-6 hours. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) before serving.
What BBQ Sauce Should I Use?
You can use any BBQ sauce you prefer! From sweet and tangy to smoky or spicy, choose one that fits your taste. If you’re feeling adventurous, try mixing two different sauces or adding some hot sauce for an extra kick!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth if it seems dry.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce mixture and marinate the chicken in it the night before. Just cover and refrigerate, then pour everything into the crockpot the next day for cooking, making dinner a breeze!
