This Easy Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken is super tasty and a breeze to make! Just toss chicken, your favorite BBQ sauce, and let the slow cooker do all the work.
The result? Juicy, tender chicken that’s perfect in sandwiches or on a plate with sides. Trust me, you’ll want to make it again and again! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the juiciest result. If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs work great too! You can also use frozen chicken; just increase the cooking time a bit.
BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite BBQ sauce for this recipe. However, if you want a healthier version, you can make your own with tomato sauce, vinegar, honey, and spices. Try a spicy sauce if you love a kick!
Brown Sugar: It adds sweetness, but you can skip it if you want less sugar. Honey or maple syrup are good alternatives if you prefer a natural sweetener.
Coleslaw: I recommend using a pre-shredded cabbage mix to save time. If you want to make it lighter, you could use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. You can also add chopped apples or carrots for extra crunch!
How to Shred Chicken Like a Pro?
Shredding chicken can feel tricky, but it’s simple with the right technique! Use two forks to pull the cooked chicken apart gently. If you have an electric mixer, you can also place the chicken in the bowl and use the paddle attachment on low speed to shred it super quickly.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking before shredding; this makes it easier and helps keep it juicy.
- Shred the chicken in the same pot for ultimate flavor as you mix it with the sauce!
Easy Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (choose your favorite brand/flavor)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Coleslaw (for topping):
- 2 cups shredded cabbage mix (green and purple cabbage, shredded carrots)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 6 sandwich buns or slider rolls
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare. You’ll need to cook the chicken in the crockpot for 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. After that, you just assemble the sandwiches, making it perfect for a busy day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of your crockpot. This is where all the magic happens!
2. Mix the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together the BBQ sauce, chicken broth (or water), brown sugar (if using), smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This mix will add tons of flavor.
3. Pour the Sauce:
Carefully pour the BBQ sauce mixture evenly over the chicken in the crockpot. Make sure it’s nicely coated!
4. Cook the Chicken:
Now, cover the crockpot and set it to cook. You can cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken is done when it is super tender and easy to shred with a fork.
5. Prepare the Coleslaw:
While the chicken cooks, it’s time to whip up the coleslaw. In a medium bowl, combine the shredded cabbage mix with mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Toss it well and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
6. Shred the Chicken:
Once the chicken is cooked, take it out of the crockpot and place it on a plate or cutting board. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
7. Mix Back Into Sauce:
Return the shredded chicken back into the crockpot and stir it into the BBQ sauce. This will keep it juicy and flavorful!
8. Assemble the Sandwiches:
Take your sandwich buns and spoon a generous amount of the BBQ pulled chicken onto the bottom halves. Yum!
9. Add Toppings:
Top the chicken with a hefty serving of your freshly made coleslaw. The crunch adds a lovely texture!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Place the top buns on each sandwich, serve them right away, and enjoy with your favorite chips or apple slices on the side. It’s finger-licking good!
This recipe results in deliciously juicy BBQ pulled chicken sandwiches topped with fresh, creamy coleslaw, making it a hit for any meal or gathering!
FAQ for Easy Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes! You can use frozen chicken, but you will need to extend the cooking time. Plan for about 8-9 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
What BBQ Sauce Should I Use?
Feel free to use your favorite BBQ sauce! Whether you prefer sweet, smoky, or tangy flavors, any sauce that you enjoy will work great in this recipe. You can even mix different sauces for a unique taste!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to keep it moist.
Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
Absolutely! If you like a bit of heat, consider adding cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the BBQ sauce mixture. Alternatively, you can use a spicy BBQ sauce to kick things up a notch!
