The Best Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken

Short Description

This slow cooker BBQ pulled chicken is tender, juicy, and packed with smoky-sweet flavors. It’s the perfect dish for an easy weeknight dinner, meal prep, or a crowd-pleasing gathering. With minimal prep and hands-off cooking, this recipe delivers incredible taste with very little effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Cooking: The slow cooker does all the work, making this a hassle-free meal.
• Flavorful and Juicy: A perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and tangy BBQ goodness.
• Versatile: Serve on buns, in tacos, over rice, or with a side of coleslaw.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Stores well for leftovers throughout the week.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or game days.

this Recipe

Ingredients

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

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
• Chicken broth or water
• Apple cider vinegar
• Brown sugar
• Worcestershire sauce
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper
• Optional: Red pepper flakes for a spicy kick

Directions

1. Prepare the slow cooker: Lightly grease the slow cooker with nonstick spray or a small amount of oil.
2. Add ingredients: Place the chicken breasts or thighs in the slow cooker. Pour in the BBQ sauce, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and all the seasonings.
3. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
4. Shred the chicken: Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.
5. Mix and serve: Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, mix well with the sauce, and let it soak up the flavors for about 15 minutes before serving.
6. Enjoy: Serve on sandwich buns, in tacos, over rice, or with a side of coleslaw.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6-8
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 6-7 hours on low, 3-4 hours on high
• Total Time: 6 hours 5 minutes (low), 3 hours 5 minutes (high)

Variations

• Spicy Version: Add extra red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or chipotle powder for a kick.
• Honey Mustard BBQ Chicken: Mix in some honey and mustard for a tangy twist.
• Keto-Friendly: Use a sugar-free BBQ sauce and skip the brown sugar.
• Tropical Flavor: Add pineapple juice for a sweet and tangy variation.
• Smokier Taste: Use liquid smoke for an extra depth of smoky flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth or BBQ sauce, or microwave in short intervals until heated through.

FAQs

How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?

Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for extra juiciness and ensure there’s enough liquid in the slow cooker.

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, but increase the cooking time by about an hour and ensure it reaches 165°F internally.

What’s the best BBQ sauce to use?

Any BBQ sauce works, but a mix of sweet and smoky flavors pairs well with this recipe.

Can I make this in an Instant Pot?

Yes! Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes, then quick release and shred.

What sides go well with BBQ pulled chicken?

Coleslaw, cornbread, baked beans, mac and cheese, or potato salad.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! It tastes even better the next day after the flavors meld.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as your BBQ sauce and Worcestershire sauce are gluten-free.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just make sure your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate the extra chicken and sauce.

Can I make this without sugar?

Yes, simply omit the brown sugar or use a sugar-free substitute.

What’s the best way to shred the chicken?

Use two forks, a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, or a hand mixer for quick shredding.

Conclusion

This slow cooker BBQ pulled chicken is the ultimate easy and flavorful meal. With minimal effort, you get tender, juicy, and deliciously saucy chicken perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or meal prepping. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this dish is sure to be a hit!

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