The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken (Easy Pulled Chicken)

I still remember the first time I made Crockpot BBQ Chicken. The aroma wafting through the house made my mouth water, and by the time we sat down for dinner, my family couldn’t wait to dig in. It’s not just any pulled chicken; this recipe captures the essence of comfort food while being incredibly simple to prepare. Perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings, this dish provides a burst of flavor with minimal effort. Trust me, once you try this easy slow-cooked delight, it will become a staple in your kitchen.

Why make this recipe

Why you’ll love this dish

There are countless reasons to whip up this Crockpot BBQ Chicken. Firstly, it’s a meal that checks all the boxes: quick to prepare, budget-friendly, and kid-approved! With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a savory dish that brings the family together. Not to mention, it’s versatile enough for any occasion—be it a casual weeknight dinner, a festive cookout, or a potluck with friends.

“This BBQ chicken is a game changer! I made it for a family gathering and everyone asked for the recipe!” – A satisfied home cook

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

Preparing The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken (Easy Pulled Chicken)

Getting started on this recipe is straightforward and rewarding. The beauty lies in its simplicity: season, mix, and cook. Here’s how it unfolds:

1. Begin by prepping your ingredients. You’ll want everything within reach for a smooth cooking experience.
2. Season the chicken to enhance the flavors.
3. Mix the delicious BBQ sauce with other ingredients to create a mouthwatering marinade.
4. Cook it low and slow—or turn up the heat for a rapid BBQ fix!

Ingredients

Gather these items

Here’s what you’ll need to make this succulent pulled chicken:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (make sure to trim any excess fat)
• 1 1/4 cup barbecue sauce (I recommend Sweet Baby Ray’s Honey BBQ for that extra sweetness)
• 1/2 cup Italian dressing (a fat-free option works perfectly here)
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar (feel free to reduce to 1/8 cup or omit if you prefer a less sweet flavor)
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp onion powder
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Notes on ingredients

You can easily customize this dish with your favorite BBQ sauce or even incorporate different spices to match your taste preferences.

Directions

Step-by-step instructions

Let’s get cooking! Follow these clear and easy steps for perfect BBQ chicken:

1. Prepare your crockpot: Spray the inside generously with non-stick cooking spray, or line it with a disposable liner for easy cleanup.

2. Season the chicken: Using salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder, rub the spices over the chicken breasts and place them in the bottom of the crockpot.

3. Mix the marinade: In a medium mixing bowl, combine your barbecue sauce, Italian dressing, light brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Whisk until smooth.

4. Pour over the chicken: Distribute the sauce mixture evenly over the seasoned chicken, ensuring it’s well-coated.

5. Cook: Cover and set your crockpot to high for 2.5 to 3 hours or on low for 5 to 6 hours. For safety, check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

6. Shred and serve: Once cooked, you can shred the chicken right in the crockpot using two forks, allowing it to soak in all those delicious flavors. Serve it on buns for tasty BBQ pulled chicken sandwiches or try it over rice, in tacos, or simply on its own!

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

Best ways to enjoy it

This pulled chicken is best enjoyed in a variety of ways! Here are a few serving ideas:

• BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches: Pile the shredded chicken onto toasted buns, add coleslaw for crunch, and enjoy!
• Over Rice or Quinoa: Serve it with a side of fluffy rice for a hearty meal.
• Tacos: Use tortillas and your favorite toppings like avocado, salsa, or cheese for a fun twist.
• Nachos: Spread it over tortilla chips, sprinkle with cheese, and bake it for a crowd-pleasing snack.

How to store

Keeping leftovers fresh

To extend the life of your delicious BBQ chicken, follow these storage guidelines:

• Refrigeration: Allow the chicken to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

• Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the shredded chicken in a freezer-safe bag. It should last for up to 3 months. Just make sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Tips to make

Helpful cooking tips

To elevate your BBQ chicken experience, consider these pro tips:

• Invest in a meat thermometer: This will ensure you’re cooking the chicken to a safe temperature without overcooking it.
• Experiment with sauces: Don’t hesitate to try different BBQ sauces or even add hot sauce for a spicy kick.
• Use the cooking liquid: After shredding, mix some of the cooking liquid into the chicken to keep it moist.

Variations

Creative twists

Feeling adventurous? Here are some variations on this classic:

• Spicy BBQ Chicken: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce for some heat.
• Asian-Inspired Chicken: Substitute the barbecue sauce with teriyaki sauce and serve it with rice and steamed vegetables for a twist.
• BBQ Chicken Nachos: Top your nachos with shredded chicken, cheese, jalapeños, and drizzle with ranch dressing for a fun appetizer.

FAQs

Your questions answered

Q: How long does it take to cook the chicken?
A: Cooking on high takes about 2.5 to 3 hours, and on low, about 5 to 6 hours.

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a bit more moisture and flavor.

Q: What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
A: The best way to reheat is on the stovetop over low heat. You can add a splash of BBQ sauce to keep it juicy.

Q: How do I know when the chicken is done?
A: Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

This recipe is simple, versatile, and utterly delicious, making it a perfect choice for any meal. With easy prep and incredible flavor, it’s bound to become a family favorite! Enjoy your culinary adventure with this Crockpot BBQ Chicken!

Crockpot BBQ Chicken

---

• Author: skinytaste-net
• Total Time: 195 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Paleo

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

This easy Crockpot BBQ Chicken recipe offers a burst of flavor with minimal effort, perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
• 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

1. Prepare your crockpot: Spray the inside generously with non-stick cooking spray or line it with a disposable liner.
2. Season the chicken: Rub salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder over the chicken breasts and place them in the bottom of the crockpot.
3. Mix the marinade: In a medium mixing bowl, combine barbecue sauce, Italian dressing, light brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Whisk until smooth.
4. Pour over the chicken: Distribute the sauce mixture evenly over the chicken.
5. Cook: Cover and set your crockpot to high for 150-180 minutes or on low for 300-360 minutes, ensuring the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
6. Shred and serve: Shred the chicken in the crockpot and serve on buns, over rice, or in tacos.

Notes

Customize with your favorite BBQ sauce or spices. This chicken is versatile and can be used in various dishes.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 180 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: crockpot, BBQ chicken, easy recipe, pulled chicken