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 busy weeknights, weekend gatherings, or any occasion where you want a crowd-pleaser. The juicy chicken absorbs the rich barbecue sauce and seasoning, making it versatile for sandwiches, salads, or even tacos.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Cooking: Just toss everything in the crockpot, set it, and forget it. Perfect for those busy days!
• Flavorful & Tender: The slow cooking process makes the chicken incredibly tender and flavorful.
• Versatile Uses: Serve as sandwiches, on salads, or over rice—this recipe fits any meal!
• Crowd-Pleaser: Great for family dinners or parties; everyone loves BBQ pulled chicken.
• Easy Cleanup: Using a liner means less mess and hassle in the kitchen.

Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into making the best crockpot BBQ chicken, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large crockpot or slow cooker
• Non-stick cooking spray or disposable liners
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Meat thermometer
• Two forks (for shredding)

Importance of Each Tool

• Large crockpot or slow cooker: This is essential for ensuring your chicken cooks evenly and stays moist.
• Meat thermometer: Guarantees that your chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165 degrees.
• Mixing bowl: Helps you combine all ingredients before adding them to the crockpot.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, with fat trimmed off
• 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)
• 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 Crockpot

First liberally spray the inside of a large crockpot or slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray. For less mess, consider using 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-size 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 chicken breasts. Place the lid on the crockpot and cook on high for 2.5-3 hours or low for 5-6 hours.

Step 5: Check Temperature

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 the chicken. I like to shred it right in the crockpot to soak up all the extra marinade and BBQ sauce.

Step 7: Serve & Enjoy!

Serve on buns for delicious BBQ pulled chicken sandwiches or enjoy on pizza, salad, tacos, nachos, over rice, or by itself. Enjoy!

This recipe yields about 8-10 servings and takes only about 5 minutes of prep time! The cook time is flexible based on your schedule—perfect for any day!

How to Serve The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken (Easy Pulled Chicken)

Serving the Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken is all about creativity and personal preference. This tender, flavorful pulled chicken can be enjoyed in various ways, making it perfect for gatherings or a cozy family dinner.

On Buns

• Enjoy the shredded chicken piled high on soft hamburger buns for classic BBQ pulled chicken sandwiches.

Over Rice

• Spoon the saucy chicken over a bed of fluffy rice for a satisfying meal. This pairing soaks up all the delicious flavors.

In Tacos

• Fill corn or flour tortillas with the BBQ chicken for tasty tacos. Top with slaw and avocado for an extra crunch.

On Pizza

• Spread the shredded chicken over pizza dough, add cheese, and bake for a unique BBQ chicken pizza that everyone will love.

With Salad

• Serve the pulled chicken on top of a fresh salad. Add your favorite veggies and dressing for a lighter meal option.

As Nachos

• Layer tortilla chips with the BBQ chicken, cheese, and jalapeños. Bake until bubbly for an irresistible nacho platter.

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How to Perfect The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken (Easy Pulled Chicken)

To ensure you achieve mouthwatering results with your crockpot BBQ chicken, here are some helpful tips.

• Choose Quality Chicken: Using fresh, high-quality boneless chicken breasts will yield the best flavor and texture.

• Don’t Skip Seasoning: Properly season your chicken before adding sauce; it enhances the overall taste significantly.

• Monitor Cooking Time: Keep an eye on the cooking time to avoid dry meat. Check doneness with a meat thermometer.

• Let It Rest: After cooking, allow the chicken to rest briefly before shredding. This helps maintain moisture.

• Mix in Sauce: Shredding directly in the sauce allows every bite to be packed with flavor from the marinade—don’t skip this step!

• Experiment with Sauces: Feel free to try different barbecue sauces or add spices to customize your dish to suit your taste buds.

Best Side Dishes for The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken (Easy Pulled Chicken)

Pairing side dishes with your pulled chicken can elevate your meal experience. Here are some great options:

1. Coleslaw: A crunchy slaw balances the richness of BBQ chicken perfectly.
2. Cornbread: Sweet cornbread complements smoky flavors and adds comfort to any meal.
3. Baked Beans: Hearty baked beans provide a sweet and savory contrast that pairs well with BBQ.
4. Grilled Vegetables: Lightly charred veggies add color and flavor; try zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus.
5. Potato Salad: Creamy potato salad offers a classic side that’s always popular at gatherings.
6. Macaroni and Cheese: Rich and cheesy mac adds indulgence alongside your flavorful pulled chicken.
7. Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy sweet potato fries provide a sweet touch that complements BBQ dishes beautifully.
8. Pickles: Tangy pickles add crunch and acidity that cut through the richness of the dish perfectly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken (Easy Pulled Chicken) can be simple, but avoiding common mistakes will enhance your dish.

• Ignoring chicken quality: Always use fresh, high-quality chicken for the best flavor and texture. Frozen chicken may not yield the same results.
• Overcooking the chicken: Keep an eye on cooking times. Overcooked chicken can become dry. Use a meat thermometer to check for 165°F internal temperature.
• Not seasoning enough: Don’t skimp on spices! Proper seasoning enhances the overall taste of your dish. Adjust salt and pepper to your preference.
• Skipping the sauce: The right barbecue sauce makes all the difference. Experiment with different brands or homemade sauces until you find your favorite.
• Not letting it rest: Allow the shredded chicken to sit in the sauce for a few minutes after cooking. This helps it absorb more flavor.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• They can last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken (Easy Pulled Chicken)

• Place cooled chicken in freezer-safe bags or containers.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken (Easy Pulled Chicken)

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and heat in a covered dish for about 20 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Warm over low heat, adding a splash of water or sauce to keep it moist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken (Easy Pulled Chicken).

How do I make The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken (Easy Pulled Chicken) spicier?

You can add hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes to the barbecue sauce before cooking. Adjust according to your heat preference.

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

While fresh is best, you can use frozen chicken. Just ensure it cooks long enough to reach the safe internal temperature of 165°F.

What type of barbecue sauce works best?

A sweet barbecue sauce, like Sweet Baby Ray’s Honey BBQ, complements this recipe well, but feel free to experiment with other flavors!

What sides go well with The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken?

These sandwiches pair excellently with coleslaw, potato salad, or baked beans for a classic barbecue meal.

Final Thoughts

Making The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken (Easy Pulled Chicken) is not only simple but also incredibly versatile. You can serve it on buns for sandwiches or enjoy it over rice, tacos, or salads. Don’t hesitate to customize it with different sauces or spices based on your taste preferences!