This Easy Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken is a real winner! Just toss chicken breasts in a slow cooker with your favorite BBQ sauce, and let it do all the work. Yum!
I love how simple it is—coming home to the smell of BBQ chicken is the best! It’s perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or just with a side of coleslaw. You can’t go wrong! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are best for this recipe. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you could use chicken thighs. They’ll give you a bit more moisture and flavor.
BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite BBQ sauce for a personalized taste! If you’re out or want it homemade, a mix of ketchup, apple cider vinegar, and a little brown sugar can work as a substitute.
Chicken Broth/Water: Chicken broth adds flavor but if you’re in a pinch, plain water is fine. Swapping in vegetable broth can also work for extra flavors.
Apple Cider Vinegar: This gives the dish some tang. You can replace it with white vinegar or lemon juice, but the flavor may change slightly.
Coleslaw Mix: The mix usually contains cabbage and carrots. If you want a twist, try adding some sliced apples for sweetness or using broccoli slaw instead.
How Do I Achieve the Best Shredded Chicken?
Shredding chicken can be tricky, but it’s super easy once you have the right technique! Here’s how:
- Make sure to let the chicken cool slightly after cooking for safer handling.
- Use two forks to pull the chicken apart gently. Start from the center and shred outward.
- If you find it tough, let the chicken sit in the sauce for a few minutes to absorb more flavor while warming up.
With these steps, your chicken will be perfectly shredded and ready to pile on those sandwiches!
How to Make Easy Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Chicken: 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- BBQ Sauce: 1 1/2 cups bbq sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- Liquid: 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
- Vinegar: 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Spices: 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Spices: 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Spices: 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Buns: 4-6 hamburger buns or sandwich rolls
For the Coleslaw Topping:
- 2 cups shredded coleslaw mix (green and purple cabbage, 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 10 minutes to prep, and you’ll need to let it cook in the crockpot for 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. So, a simple and hands-off dinner awaits you!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the chicken breasts in the bottom of your crockpot, ensuring they’re spread out evenly.
2. Make the BBQ Sauce Mixture:
In a mixing bowl, combine your BBQ sauce, chicken broth (or water), apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Give it a good stir until everything is well mixed.
3. Combine and Cook:
Pour the BBQ sauce mixture over the chicken, making sure each piece is well-coated. Cover your crockpot and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be very tender and easy to shred when done!
4. Shred the Chicken:
Once cooking is complete, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the crockpot. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir to combine with the delicious sauce. Keep it warm!
5. Make the Coleslaw:
In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Then add the shredded coleslaw mix, stirring until everything is evenly coated.
6. Assemble the Sandwiches:
To put everything together, pile a generous amount of pulled chicken onto the bottom half of each bun. Top it with a scoop of your freshly made coleslaw and then slap the top bun on. Voila!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Pair your sandwiches with potato chips or apple slices for a fantastic meal. Enjoy these tender, flavorful BBQ pulled chicken sandwiches—perfect comfort food made simple in the crockpot!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to cook it on high for 4-5 hours instead of low, as it will take longer to reach the safe temperature. Always ensure it’s fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze the pulled chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating!
Can I Make the Coleslaw Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the coleslaw up to a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge in an airtight container. This allows the flavors to meld together even better!
What Can I Serve With BBQ Pulled Chicken?
These sandwiches are delicious on their own, but you can serve them with sides like potato chips, sweet potato fries, or a fresh salad. For a heartier meal, consider adding baked beans or corn on the cob!
