This Easy Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken is a total lifesaver! Just toss some chicken breasts and your favorite BBQ sauce in the slow cooker, and let it do all the hard work.
It’s super tasty and perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or just on its own. I often whip this up for parties—everyone loves it, and I love that it’s so easy to make!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for this recipe. You can substitute with thighs for a juicier result. If you want to make this vegan, try using jackfruit or tofu, though the cooking time will vary.
Barbecue Sauce: The flavor of the sauce can change the overall taste. If you have dietary needs, opt for sugar-free or gluten-free sauces. You can also make a simple homemade BBQ sauce with ketchup, vinegar, and spices if you’d like a healthier twist.
Coleslaw: While I love the classic cabbage and carrot mix, feel free to use any mix of shredded veggies you enjoy. For a lighter option, swap the mayo with Greek yogurt or use a vinaigrette instead!
How Do I Get the Chicken Perfectly Shredded?
The key to a great pulled chicken texture is in the shredding process. Once the chicken is tender, you’ll want to use two forks. Here’s how:
- Let the chicken cool for a few minutes after removing it from the cooker.
- Hold one fork in each hand. Use a fork to hold the chicken steady while you pull apart with the other.
- Shred until you reach your desired texture—some like it more chunked, while others prefer it finer.
This method helps ensure you get wonderfully shredded pieces that soak up all that tasty BBQ sauce!
Easy Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 1/2 cups barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 to 6 hamburger buns or sandwich rolls
- Coleslaw (for topping)
- 2 cups shredded cabbage mix (green and purple cabbage)
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 6-7 hours of cooking time on low (or 3-4 hours on high). It’s perfect for a busy day since you can set it and forget it until dinner time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into the bottom of your slow cooker. This is where the magic happens!
2. Mix the Sauce:
In a bowl, mix together the barbecue sauce, chicken broth (or water), apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and add some salt and pepper. Stir well and pour this delicious sauce over the chicken.
3. Cooking Time:
Cover the slow cooker, set it to low, and let it cook for about 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken is done when it’s tender enough to be shredded easily.
4. Prepare the Coleslaw:
While the chicken is cooking, mix your coleslaw! In a medium bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, and season with salt and pepper. Stir everything together and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to use it.
5. Shred the Chicken:
When the chicken is cooked, carefully take it out of the slow cooker. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker and mix it well with that yummy sauce.
6. Assemble and Serve:
If you like, toast the hamburger buns for extra flavor. Then, load each bun with a generous amount of pulled chicken and top it with a scoop of coleslaw!
7. Enjoy!
Serve your delicious BBQ pulled chicken sandwiches with potato chips, apple slices, or your favorite side dish. Enjoy every bite of this easy, savory meal!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s best to thaw it first for even cooking. If you’re in a hurry, you can cook it straight from frozen but increase the cooking time by about an hour on low or 30 minutes on high.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing the pulled chicken. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
Absolutely! For a kick of heat, add some diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture before pouring it over the chicken. Adjust the amount to your taste preference!
What Can I Serve with BBQ Pulled Chicken?
This dish goes well with various sides! Consider serving it with potato salad, corn on the cob, baked beans, or a simple green salad. You can also enjoy it in tacos or on a baked potato for a fun twist!
