This Slow Cooker Pulled BBQ Chicken is a tasty treat that’s easy to make! Just toss chicken breasts in with your favorite barbecue sauce, and let the slow cooker do its magic.
This dish is perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or just on its own. Plus, the smell as it cooks will make you feel like a pro chef, even if you just pressed a button! 😄
I love serving this chicken with some crunchy coleslaw. It adds a nice touch and makes it feel even more special. Enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great here. If you wish, you can use thighs for a richer flavor. They stay moist during cooking and result in tender, juicy pulls.
Barbecue Sauce: Choose your favorite store-bought sauce or make your own for more customization. If you’re looking for something lighter, sugar-free or low-sugar BBQ sauces work too!
Chicken Broth: This adds moisture. You could substitute with vegetable broth or water in a pinch! It won’t have as much flavor but will help keep the chicken juicy.
Spices: The garlic powder and smoked paprika add depth to the flavor. If you’re out of smoked paprika, regular paprika or even cayenne for some heat are good alternatives.
How Do I Get the Chicken Perfectly Shredded?
Shredding the chicken is a key moment in this recipe. For the best results, wait until the chicken is tender and easily pulls apart. Here are some tips:
- When you remove the chicken, let it rest for a few minutes. This helps retain moisture.
- Use two forks for shredding. Hold one fork in each hand and pull the chicken apart.
- For fine shreds, keep working at it until you reach your desired texture.
Once shredded, mix it back into the sauce. This helps every bite be flavorful and juicy! Enjoy your pulled BBQ chicken as a sandwich or on its own. 😊
Slow Cooker Pulled BBQ Chicken
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Hamburger buns, for serving
- Optional: coleslaw for topping or as a side
Time Needed
This delicious Slow Cooker Pulled BBQ Chicken requires about 10 minutes of prep time and then cooks for 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. The result is flavorful, tender chicken that you can easily shred and serve. Perfect for a busy day!
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Sauce Mix:
In a small bowl, mix together the barbecue sauce, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well until fully combined—this will be the tasty sauce that flavors your chicken!
2. Add Chicken to the Slow Cooker:
Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker. It’s okay if they overlap a little; just make sure they are all covered by the sauce later!
3. Coat the Chicken:
Pour the barbecue sauce mixture over the chicken. Make sure each piece is well coated so they soak up all that delicious flavor as they cook.
4. Cook the Chicken:
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook. If you have the time, opt for low heat (6-7 hours) for the most tender results. If you’re in a hurry, high heat (3-4 hours) will work too! You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is very tender and easy to shred.
5. Shred the Chicken:
Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker and place it on a large plate or cutting board. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. It should come apart easily!
6. Mix Back with Sauce:
Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir it into the remaining sauce, ensuring every piece gets coated. Let it sit in the warm sauce for about 10 minutes; this step makes it even more flavorful!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Now, it’s time to dig in! Serve the pulled BBQ chicken on hamburger buns. You can also top it with coleslaw for a nice crunch, or serve the coleslaw on the side. Enjoy your delectable sandwiches!
Bon appétit! Your Slow Cooker Pulled BBQ Chicken is ready to impress! 🌟
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just make sure to increase the cooking time. If cooking on low, it may take around 7-8 hours, and for high, it could take about 4-5 hours. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce and put the chicken in the slow cooker ahead of time. Just store it in the fridge and cook it the next day. Alternatively, fully cooked pulled chicken can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftover pulled BBQ chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove or microwave when ready to enjoy!
What Can I Serve with Pulled BBQ Chicken?
This dish is versatile! Serve it on hamburger buns for classic sandwiches, or try it in tacos or on a baked potato. For sides, consider coleslaw, baked beans, or corn on the cob for a complete meal!
