The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken (Easy Pulled Chicken)
Try my Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken for the most delicious, tender, flavorful, easy slow cooker BBQ pulled chicken sandwiches you’ll ever eat! This recipe is perfect for family dinners, game days, or any occasion where you want a crowd-pleaser. The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken (Easy Pulled Chicken) delivers amazing flavor with minimal effort. Just set it and forget it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy Preparation: Simply toss everything in the crockpot and let it do all the work for you.
- Full of Flavor: The combination of barbecue sauce and spices creates a mouthwatering taste that everyone will love.
- Versatile Serving Options: Use this pulled chicken in sandwiches, tacos, salads, or even on pizza!
- Crowd-Pleasing Dish: Perfect for gatherings; your guests will rave about this delicious meal.
- Healthy Option: With lean chicken breasts and customizable sweetness, this recipe can fit various dietary needs.
Tools and Preparation
Preparing The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken is simple with the right tools. Having the right equipment makes cooking easier and ensures consistent results.
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Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Meat thermometer
- Non-stick cooking spray or disposable liners
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow cooker: Essential for cooking the chicken evenly while infusing flavors over several hours.
- Meat thermometer: Guarantees that your chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165 degrees.
- Mixing bowl: Ideal for combining sauces and seasonings to coat your chicken perfectly.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, with fat trimmed off
For the Sauce
- 1 1/4 cup barbecue sauce (We love sweet Baby Ray’s Honey BBQ)
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing (I use this fat-free one)
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar (can reduce to 1/8 cup or omit if you prefer it less sweet)
For Seasoning
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- salt and black pepper, to taste
How to Make The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken (Easy Pulled Chicken)
Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker
First liberally spray the inside of a large crockpot or slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray, or for less mess, use one of these awesome disposable liners.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Next, season your trimmed boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Place them in the bottom of your crockpot.
Step 3: Mix the Sauce
In a medium mixing bowl, add barbecue sauce, Italian dressing, light brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Whisk until combined.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Pour the mixture evenly over the seasoned chicken breasts. Place the lid on the crockpot.
Step 5: Cook
Cook on high for 2.5-3 hours or low for 5-6 hours. Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees.
Step 6: Shred the Chicken
Once fully cooked, you can either serve whole or use two forks to shred chicken. I like to shred it right in the crockpot to soak up all the extra chicken marinade and BBQ sauce.
Step 7: Serve
Serve on buns for delicious BBQ pulled chicken sandwiches or enjoy it on pizza, salad, tacos, nachos, over rice, or by itself. Enjoy!
How to Serve The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken (Easy Pulled Chicken)
Serving The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken is a delightful experience, as it offers many versatile options. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a family dinner, this dish can be tailored to various tastes and occasions.
BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches
- Serve the shredded chicken on soft sandwich buns for classic BBQ pulled chicken sandwiches. Add coleslaw for crunch!
Tacos with BBQ Chicken
- Use tortillas to create mouthwatering tacos filled with pulled chicken. Top with avocado, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime for freshness.
BBQ Chicken Pizza
- Spread the shredded chicken on pizza dough, add cheese, and your favorite toppings. Bake until crispy for a fun twist on pizza night.
Over Rice or Quinoa
- Serve the pulled chicken over rice or quinoa for a hearty meal. Drizzle extra barbecue sauce for added flavor.
Salad Toppers
- Add the shredded chicken on top of mixed greens for a filling salad. Pair with your favorite dressing to enhance the flavors.
Nachos with BBQ Chicken
- Layer tortilla chips with shredded chicken, cheese, jalapeños, and sour cream for an indulgent nacho platter perfect for game day.
How to Perfect The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken (Easy Pulled Chicken)
To achieve the ultimate flavor and texture in The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken, follow these helpful tips:
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Use high-quality barbecue sauce: A good sauce makes all the difference. Opt for a sauce you enjoy eating by itself.
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Don’t overcrowd the crockpot: Ensure there’s enough space in your slow cooker so that the chicken cooks evenly and absorbs all flavors.
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Shred chicken while hot: Shredding right after cooking allows it to soak up more sauce, making it even tastier.
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Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust spices according to your taste preferences. Try adding smoked paprika or chili powder for an extra kick.
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Let it rest before serving: Allowing the chicken to sit in the juices for a few minutes after cooking enhances its flavor and moisture content.
Best Side Dishes for The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken (Easy Pulled Chicken)
Pairing sides with The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken can elevate your meal. Here are some great options:
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Coleslaw: A refreshing crunchy side that complements the richness of BBQ chicken.
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Cornbread: Sweet cornbread balances out savory flavors beautifully; it’s perfect for soaking up sauce.
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Baked Beans: Hearty baked beans add protein and depth of flavor that pairs well with pulled chicken.
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Potato Salad: Creamy potato salad provides a nice contrast; make it traditional or experiment with new flavors.
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Grilled Vegetables: Colorful grilled veggies add nutrition and vibrant flavors to your meal; season well!
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French Fries or Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy fries are always a hit! Try sweet potato fries for a tasty twist.
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Macaroni and Cheese: Creamy mac and cheese is comfort food at its best, offering rich flavors alongside the BBQ chicken.
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Garlic Breadsticks: Soft breadsticks brushed with garlic butter are great for mopping up any leftover sauce!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken (Easy Pulled Chicken), it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to help you avoid them.
- Not Trimming the Chicken: Leaving excess fat on the chicken can lead to greasy pulled chicken. Always trim off any visible fat for better flavor and texture.
- Ignoring Cooking Times: Cooking times can vary between slow cookers. Check your chicken at the lower end of the time range to prevent overcooking.
- Skipping the Seasoning: Some might forget to season the chicken before adding sauces. Proper seasoning enhances flavor, so don’t skip this step.
- Using Low-Quality Sauces: Not all barbecue sauces are created equal. Choose a good quality sauce for the best flavor in your pulled chicken.
- Not Shredding in the Sauce: Failing to shred the chicken in the sauce misses out on extra flavor absorption. Always shred directly in the crockpot for maximum taste.
- Serving Without Additions: Serving plain pulled chicken can be bland. Consider adding toppings or serving it with sides for a complete meal.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover BBQ chicken in an airtight container.
- It will keep well in the fridge for 3–4 days.
Freezing The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken (Easy Pulled Chicken)
- Freeze portions in freezer-safe bags or containers.
- It can be frozen for up to 2–3 months.
Reheating The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken (Easy Pulled Chicken)
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes or until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat on high for 1–2 minutes, checking regularly until hot.
- Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions about making The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken (Easy Pulled Chicken), you’re not alone! Here are some frequently asked questions.
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen boneless chicken breasts. Just increase your cooking time by about an hour if cooking on low.
What type of barbecue sauce is best?
The best barbecue sauce is one that matches your taste preference. Sweet Baby Ray’s Honey BBQ is a popular choice that works well in this recipe.
Can I customize the spices used?
Absolutely! You can add spices like paprika or cayenne pepper for extra heat or sweetness according to your preference.
How do I know when my chicken is done?
Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
What should I serve with pulled chicken?
Pulled chicken is versatile! Serve it on buns, over rice, or as part of nachos and salads.
Final Thoughts
The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken (Easy Pulled Chicken) is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can serve it in various ways and customize it with your favorite toppings. Try this recipe today and enjoy its comforting flavors!
The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken (Easy Pulled Chicken)
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
Description
Savor the mouthwatering flavors of The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken (Easy Pulled Chicken), a dish that transforms simple ingredients into an unforgettable meal. Perfect for family dinners, game days, or any gathering, this recipe combines tender chicken with a rich, tangy barbecue sauce. Just toss everything into your slow cooker and let it do the magic! The result is juicy pulled chicken that can be served in sandwiches, tacos, salads, or even on pizza. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, this dish will surely become a favorite in your household.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 1/4 cup barbecue sauce (like Sweet Baby Ray’s Honey BBQ)
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Spray the inside of your slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray.
- Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder; place in the slow cooker.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together barbecue sauce, Italian dressing, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Pour the sauce over the seasoned chicken.
- Cover and cook on high for 2.5-3 hours or low for 5-6 hours until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Shred the chicken in the crockpot to soak up more sauce before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: High: 2.5–3 hours | Low: 5–6 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (approx. 6 oz)
- Calories: 275
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
