Pulled BBQ Chicken (Crock Pot Recipe)

Pulled BBQ Chicken made in the crock pot is a flavorful, tender, and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or feeding a crowd. With minimal ingredients and hands-off cooking, this recipe delivers juicy shredded chicken infused with smoky barbecue flavor, ready to be piled onto buns, salads, or served alongside your favorite sides.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Cooking: The slow cooker does all the work, making it ideal for busy days.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve on sandwiches, tacos, salads, or over rice.
• Flavorful and Tender: Slow cooking ensures the chicken is juicy and infused with BBQ goodness.
• Great for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
• Family-Friendly: A hit with both kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1½ cups barbecue sauce (your favorite brand)
• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

this recipe

1. Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts or thighs in the bottom of the crock pot.
2. Mix the Sauce: In a bowl, combine the barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well mixed.
3. Add to Crock Pot: Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated.
4. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
5. Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the crock pot and shred it using two forks.
6. Combine: Return the shredded chicken to the crock pot and stir to combine with the sauce. Let it cook for an additional 15-20 minutes to absorb the flavors.
7. Serve: Serve the pulled BBQ chicken on buns, over rice, in tacos, or as desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6-8 servings
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
• Total Time: Approximately 6 hours 10 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the sauce mixture for a spicier version.
• Honey BBQ: Substitute brown sugar with honey for a different sweetness profile.
• Smoky Flavor: Add a teaspoon of liquid smoke to enhance the smoky taste.
• Asian-Inspired: Use a teriyaki sauce instead of barbecue sauce and add ginger and soy sauce.
• Tex-Mex Twist: Incorporate taco seasoning and serve with tortillas and toppings.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover pulled BBQ chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to prevent drying out.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, but it’s recommended to thaw the chicken before placing it in the crock pot to ensure even cooking and food safety.

What type of barbecue sauce works best?

Use your favorite brand or homemade barbecue sauce. Sweet, smoky, or spicy varieties all work well, depending on your preference.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely. Prepare the pulled BBQ chicken in advance and store it in the refrigerator or freezer until ready to serve.

Is it possible to cook on high for a shorter time?

Yes, cooking on high for 3-4 hours is an option, but low and slow cooking yields more tender results.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs are a great alternative and often result in juicier pulled chicken.

How can I make this recipe healthier?

Opt for a low-sugar or homemade barbecue sauce and use skinless chicken breasts to reduce fat content.

What sides pair well with pulled BBQ chicken?

Coleslaw, baked beans, cornbread, potato salad, or a fresh green salad are excellent accompaniments.

Can I use this recipe for sandwiches?

Definitely. Pulled BBQ chicken makes delicious sandwiches when served on buns with your favorite toppings.

How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?

Ensure there’s enough liquid in the crock pot and avoid overcooking. Shredding the chicken and mixing it back into the sauce helps retain moisture.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, double the ingredients and ensure your crock pot is large enough to accommodate the increased volume. Cooking time may need slight adjustment.

Conclusion

Pulled BBQ Chicken made in the crock pot is a simple, flavorful, and versatile dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. With minimal prep and hands-off cooking, it’s perfect for busy days and can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether served on a bun, over rice, or in tacos, this tender and saucy chicken is a crowd-pleaser every time.

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