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 families and gatherings. With minimal prep time and a few simple ingredients, you can create a meal that everyone will love. Whether it’s game day, a backyard barbecue, or a cozy family dinner, this dish satisfies all occasions with its rich flavor and versatility.

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• How to Make The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken (Easy Pulled Chicken)
• Step 1: Prepare the Crockpot
• Step 2: Season the Chicken
• Step 3: Mix the Sauce
• Step 4: Combine Everything Together
• Step 5: Check Doneness
• Step 6: Shred the Chicken
• Step 7: Serve
• How to Serve The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken (Easy Pulled Chicken)
• On Traditional Buns
• As a Pizza Topping
• In Tacos
• Over Rice or Quinoa
• On Salads
• As Nachos
• How to Perfect The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken (Easy Pulled Chicken)
• Best Side Dishes for The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken (Easy Pulled Chicken)
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken (Easy Pulled Chicken)
• Reheating The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken (Easy Pulled Chicken)
• Frequently Asked Questions
• How do I know when The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken is done?
• Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
• What is the best way to serve The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken?
• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: Just throw everything into the crockpot and let it do the work.
• Flavor Packed: The combination of barbecue sauce and spices creates a mouthwatering taste.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve on buns, salads, tacos, or even on its own!
• Tender Shredded Chicken: Cooking in the slow cooker ensures the chicken turns out perfectly tender every time.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a large batch to enjoy throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken, you’ll need some basic tools to help you in the kitchen. These will ensure smooth preparation and cooking.

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: Essential for evenly cooking the chicken while infusing flavors over hours.
• Mixing bowl: Necessary for combining the sauce ingredients without making a mess.
• Meat thermometer: Helps ensure your chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165 degrees.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make your Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken:

• 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 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-sized mixing bowl, add barbecue sauce, Italian dressing, light brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Whisk until combined.

Step 4: Combine Everything Together

Pour the mixture evenly over the seasoned 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 Doneness

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 so it soaks up all the extra 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 can be both fun and versatile. This tender, flavorful chicken is perfect for various meals and occasions, making it a crowd-pleaser. Here are some creative ways to serve your pulled chicken.

On Traditional Buns

• Toasted Sandwich Buns: Serve the shredded chicken on warm, toasted sandwich buns for a classic BBQ pulled chicken sandwich.
• Coleslaw Topping: Add a scoop of creamy coleslaw on top for a crunchy texture and refreshing taste.

As a Pizza Topping

• BBQ Chicken Pizza: Use the pulled chicken as a topping on homemade or store-bought pizza crust with extra BBQ sauce and cheese.
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle fresh cilantro or parsley over the pizza before serving for an added burst of flavor.

In Tacos

• Soft Corn Tortillas: Fill soft corn tortillas with the shredded chicken, avocado, and pico de gallo for delicious BBQ chicken tacos.
• Drizzle of Lime Juice: A squeeze of lime juice gives an extra zing that complements the sweetness of the BBQ sauce.

Over Rice or Quinoa

• Hearty Bowl Meal: Serve the pulled chicken over rice or quinoa, topped with steamed vegetables for a nutritious and filling meal.
• Add Hot Sauce: For those who like a kick, drizzle some hot sauce over the top.

On Salads

• BBQ Chicken Salad: Toss the shredded chicken onto a bed of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers for a hearty salad.
• Creamy Dressing: Drizzle your favorite dressing, such as ranch or blue cheese, to enhance the flavors.

As Nachos

• Loaded Nachos: Layer tortilla chips with pulled chicken, cheese, jalapeños, and drizzle BBQ sauce for an irresistible snack.
• Bake Until Crispy: Bake until everything is melted together for maximum flavor.

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

To ensure you get the most out of The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken, here are some tips to make your dish even better.

• Choose Quality Chicken: Using fresh boneless, skinless chicken breasts ensures tenderness and flavor.
• Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to modify the amount of light brown sugar based on your personal preference for sweetness.
• Use High-Quality BBQ Sauce: Selecting a flavorful barbecue sauce can significantly enhance the overall taste of your pulled chicken.
• Cook Low and Slow: For best results, cooking on low heat allows flavors to meld beautifully while keeping the chicken moist.
• Let It Rest: Allowing the cooked chicken to sit in its juices before shredding helps keep it juicy and flavorful.
• Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to add additional spices like smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for an extra kick!

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

Pairing side dishes with The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken elevates your meal. Here are some tasty options that complement this dish perfectly.

1. Classic Coleslaw: A crunchy side that adds freshness and balances out the rich flavors of the pulled chicken.
2. Cornbread Muffins: Soft and slightly sweet cornbread muffins are perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce from your plate.
3. Potato Salad: Creamy potato salad provides a satisfying contrast to the smoky flavors of BBQ chicken.
4. Baked Beans: Sweet baked beans add another layer of flavor and are traditional companions at any BBQ gathering.
5. Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal grilled veggies bring color and nutrition to your meal while enhancing its appeal.
6. Macaroni and Cheese: Rich and cheesy macaroni complements the savory notes of pulled chicken wonderfully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can make your experience of cooking The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken even better.

• Skipping seasoning: Failing to season the chicken properly can lead to bland flavor. Always use salt, pepper, and spices for a tasty dish.
• Overcooking the chicken: Cooking too long can dry out the chicken. Stick to the recommended cooking times for juicy results.
• Not using enough sauce: Insufficient barbecue sauce may result in dry pulled chicken. Ensure you cover the chicken well for maximum flavor.
• Ignoring shredding techniques: Using dull forks or improper methods can make shredding difficult. Use two sturdy forks and shred directly in the crockpot for better absorption of flavors.
• Rushing the cooling process: Serving immediately after cooking can lead to tough meat. Let it rest briefly before serving for optimal tenderness.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking to ensure food safety.

Freezing The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken (Easy Pulled Chicken)

• Freeze in a heavy-duty freezer bag or airtight container for up to 3 months.
• Make sure to remove excess air from bags to prevent freezer burn.

Reheating The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken (Easy Pulled Chicken)

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F. Place chicken in an oven-safe dish covered with foil and heat for about 20 minutes, or until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place chicken in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat, add shredded chicken with a splash of barbecue sauce, and stir until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken is done?

Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F using a meat thermometer. This ensures it’s safe and fully cooked.

Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts but increase the cooking time by about an hour on low heat.

What is the best way to serve The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken?

Serve it on sandwich buns, over rice, or as a topping for nachos or salads. It’s versatile!

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This easy pulled chicken freezes well and can be used throughout the week in various meals.

Final Thoughts

The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken is not only delicious but also versatile. You can serve it in sandwiches, salads, or even as a pizza topping. Feel free to customize it with your favorite sauces or spices to match your taste preferences. Give this recipe a try and enjoy tender, flavorful pulled chicken that’s perfect for any occasion!