Hey there, busy food lovers! Today, I’ve got an amazing recipe to share that’s perfect for those hectic days when you just need something delicious without a lot of fuss. Let’s talk about Pulled Chicken Crock Pot BBQ Chicken. This dish is a real lifesaver, especially if you’re juggling work, family, and a million other things (like I often find myself doing!).
With just a few minutes of prep in the morning, you can come home to juicy, tender chicken that’s ready to be shredded and savored. Plus, it’s made right in your trusty slow cooker. If you love easy recipes with big flavors, you might also enjoy my Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken. It’s another favorite around here!
Why you’ll love this recipe
First off, this Pulled Chicken Crock Pot BBQ Chicken is all about simplicity. Who doesn’t like tossing ingredients into a pot and letting them work their magic while you kick back? The combination of BBQ sauce, brown sugar, and spices creates a mouthwatering sauce that’s both sweet and slightly tangy. Plus, it’s kid-approved in my house — even my picky eater won’t turn this one down!
With this recipe, you’re getting a meal that’s high in protein and satisfying, and it pairs wonderfully with rolls, salads, or even some creamy coleslaw. It’s incredibly versatile too, so feel free to get creative with your servings!
Ingredients
- 3.5 lbs (1.5 kg) boneless skinless chicken breast
- 2 cups BBQ sauce
- ¼ cup (60 g) light or dark brown sugar, packed
- 2 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼-½ teaspoon crushed red pepper
Step-by-step instructions
Prepare the sauce
In the basin of your slow cooker, combine the BBQ sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and crushed red pepper. Give it a good stir to make sure everything is well mixed.
Add the chicken
Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into the sauce. Use a spoon to coat them thoroughly in the mixture.
Cook
Cover the slow cooker and set it to low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is tender enough to shred easily with a pair of forks.
Shred the chicken
Once cooked, shred the chicken directly in the pot to absorb all the delicious BBQ flavors. Stir it well to evenly coat every shred with that tangy sauce.
Serve
Serve your pulled chicken as desired — in buns, with a side of veggies, or maybe over a salad. Enjoy!
Recipe tips & variations
- If you love a bit of kick, increase the crushed red pepper or add some hot sauce.
- You can swap chicken breasts for thighs if you prefer more flavorful meat.
- For a smokier taste, mix in a few drops of liquid smoke or extra smoked paprika.
- Experiment with your favorite BBQ sauce to make this recipe truly yours.
Storage & reheating
If you have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze portions in sealed bags for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm it in a pot over medium heat or use a microwave, adding a splash of BBQ sauce to keep it moist.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it might require additional cooking time. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) before serving.
What type of BBQ sauce works best?
Choose your favorite! Whether it’s sweet, tangy, or spicy, any BBQ sauce will work as the base flavor of this dish.
Can I cook this in an Instant Pot?
Yes! Use the sauté function for the initial mixing, then switch to the poultry setting for about 12 minutes on high pressure, with a natural release.
How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
Keeping it covered in sufficient BBQ sauce and not overcooking are key. Cooking on low is usually best to retain moisture.
Recipes you may like
If this crock pot BBQ chicken was a hit, you might also love my Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken: Sweet, Savory Goodness! or Savory Slow-Cooker Lemon-Garlic Chicken Breast Bliss. Both are stress-free and perfect for any night of the week!
Print
Pulled Chicken Crock Pot BBQ Chicken
- Total Time: 6-7 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A simple and delicious Pulled Chicken Crock Pot BBQ Chicken recipe, perfect for busy days.
Ingredients
- 3.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast
- 2 cups BBQ sauce
- 1/4 cup light or dark brown sugar, packed
- 2 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4–1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
Instructions
- In the basin of your slow cooker, combine the BBQ sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and crushed red pepper. Give it a good stir to make sure everything is well mixed.
- Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into the sauce. Use a spoon to coat them thoroughly in the mixture.
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is tender enough to shred easily with a pair of forks.
- Once cooked, shred the chicken directly in the pot to absorb all the delicious BBQ flavors. Stir it well to evenly coat every shred with that tangy sauce.
- Serve your pulled chicken as desired — in buns, with a side of veggies, or maybe over a salad. Enjoy!
Notes
- If you love a bit of kick, increase the crushed red pepper or add some hot sauce.
- You can swap chicken breasts for thighs if you prefer more flavorful meat.
- For a smokier taste, mix in a few drops of liquid smoke or extra smoked paprika.
- Experiment with your favorite BBQ sauce to make this recipe truly yours.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg