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 family dinners, game days, or any casual gathering. With minimal effort and incredible flavor, it’s sure to become a favorite at your table.

The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken (Easy Pulled Chicken)

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make – Just set it and forget it! The slow cooker does all the work while you enjoy your day.
Tender and Flavorful – Cooking low and slow makes the chicken incredibly tender and infused with BBQ goodness.
Versatile – Serve it on buns for sandwiches or top salads, tacos, nachos, and more. The possibilities are endless!
Crowd-Pleaser – Perfect for gatherings or weeknight meals. Everyone loves BBQ chicken!
Healthy Option – Use lean chicken breasts and control the sweetness by adjusting the sugar.

Tools and Preparation

To make The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken (Easy Pulled Chicken), you’ll need a few essential tools. These will help streamline the cooking process and ensure great results.

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Essential Tools and Equipment

Slow cooker
Mixing bowl
Whisk
Meat thermometer
Non-stick cooking spray or disposable liners

Importance of Each Tool

Slow cooker – This is the heart of your recipe, allowing for hands-off cooking that results in juicy chicken.
Meat thermometer – Ensures that your chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165 degrees, preventing undercooking.
Mixing bowl & whisk – Essential for combining your sauces evenly before pouring over the chicken.

Ingredients

Chicken

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, with fat trimmed off

Sauces and Seasonings

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 Slow Cooker

First liberally spray the inside of a large crockpot or slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray. For less mess, use one of these awesome 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 Your Sauces

In a medium size mixing bowl:
1. Add barbecue sauce,
2. Italian dressing,
3. Light brown sugar,
4. Worcestershire sauce.
Whisk until combined.

Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce

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 Temperature

Use this meat thermometer to ensure that your 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 the chicken directly in the crockpot. This helps soak up all the extra chicken marinade and BBQ sauce.

Step 7: Serve It Up!

Serve on buns for delicious BBQ pulled chicken sandwiches! You can also serve it on pizza, salad, tacos, nachos, over rice, or simply enjoy it by itself. Enjoy!

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

Serving The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken is a delightful experience that can cater to various tastes. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a casual meal at home, this easy pulled chicken can be transformed into many delicious dishes.

On Sandwiches

Use soft buns for a classic BBQ pulled chicken sandwich. Top with coleslaw for added crunch and flavor.

In Tacos

Fill corn or flour tortillas with shredded chicken, avocado, and fresh salsa for a tasty twist on tacos.

On Pizza

Spread shredded BBQ chicken on pizza crust, add cheese, and bake for a fun and flavorful homemade pizza.

Over Rice

Serve the pulled chicken over steamed rice for a comforting meal. Drizzle extra BBQ sauce on top for more flavor.

In Salads

Toss shredded chicken onto a fresh salad with your favorite veggies and dressing for a hearty yet healthy option.

As Nachos

Layer tortilla chips with BBQ chicken, cheese, jalapeños, and sour cream for an indulgent snack or appetizer.

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

To ensure you achieve the best flavors and texture in The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken, consider these helpful tips.

Choose the right chicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for easy shredding and maximum flavor absorption.
Don’t skip seasoning: Season your chicken well before adding sauces to enhance the overall taste.
Cook low and slow: For the most tender pulled chicken, opt for low cooking times rather than high.
Let it rest: Allow the chicken to rest in the sauce after cooking to soak up more flavors before serving.
Experiment with sauces: Feel free to mix different barbecue sauces or add spices to customize your taste.
Use forks for shredding: Shred the cooked chicken using two forks directly in the crockpot to keep it moist.

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

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

Coleslaw: A refreshing side that adds crunch and balances the rich flavors of BBQ.
Cornbread: Sweet cornbread serves as an excellent accompaniment that soaks up any extra sauce.
Baked Beans: Hearty baked beans provide a smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with pulled chicken.
Potato Salad: Creamy potato salad offers a cool contrast to warm pulled chicken sandwiches.
Grilled Vegetables: Seasoned grilled vegetables bring color and healthiness to your plate while enhancing flavors.
French Fries: Crispy fries are always a hit; serve them alongside sandwiches for dipping in extra barbecue sauce.
Macaroni and Cheese: Creamy mac and cheese is a comfort food classic that pairs delightfully with BBQ flavors.
Garden Salad: A light garden salad adds freshness to balance out the richness of the pulled chicken.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken (Easy Pulled Chicken), it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

Using frozen chicken – Always use thawed chicken for even cooking. Frozen chicken can lead to uneven textures and longer cooking times.
Neglecting seasoning – Don’t skip seasoning your chicken before cooking. A good blend of salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder enhances the flavor.
Overcooking the chicken – Monitor cooking time closely. Overcooked chicken can become dry; use a meat thermometer to check for 165 degrees internal temperature.
Skipping the sauce mix – Be sure to mix the barbecue sauce and other ingredients well before pouring over the chicken. This ensures every piece is coated with flavor.
Not shredding in the sauce – Shredding the chicken in the crockpot allows it to absorb more flavors from the sauce. Don’t miss this step for maximum taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container.
The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken can be kept in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezing The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken (Easy Pulled Chicken)

Place cooled chicken in freezer-safe containers or bags.
It will last up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken (Easy Pulled Chicken)

Oven – Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and heat for about 20 minutes or until warmed through.
Microwave – Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat on high for 1-2 minutes or until heated thoroughly.
Stovetop – Reheat on low heat in a skillet, stirring occasionally until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about making The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken (Easy Pulled Chicken), you’re not alone! Here are some common queries.

Can I use other cuts of chicken?

Yes! You can use thighs or drumsticks if you prefer dark meat. Just adjust cooking times as needed.

How do I customize the BBQ flavor?

Feel free to experiment with different barbecue sauces or add spices like cayenne pepper for extra kick!

What sides pair well with pulled chicken?

Great accompaniments include coleslaw, baked beans, or corn on the cob. They complement the flavors perfectly.

Can I cook this recipe on low?

Absolutely! Cooking on low takes about 5-6 hours. It’s a great option if you want to set it and forget it!

Final Thoughts

The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken (Easy Pulled Chicken) is not just delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can serve it in sandwiches, tacos, or even salads! Feel free to customize it by adjusting sweetness or adding spices according to your taste preference. Give this recipe a try—you’ll love how easy and satisfying it is!

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The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken (Easy Pulled Chicken)

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Author: Cara
Total Time: 0 hours
Yield: Serves approximately four people 1x

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Description

Experience the mouthwatering delight of The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken, an easy and flavorful recipe that delivers tender, juicy pulled chicken right from your slow cooker. Perfect for family dinners, game days, or casual gatherings, this dish requires minimal effort while packing in incredible flavor. Imagine sinking your teeth into a luscious BBQ chicken sandwich, topped with crunchy coleslaw or enjoying it over a bed of rice or in tacos. This versatile recipe will quickly become a favorite staple at your table!

Ingredients

Scale

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 1/4 cup barbecue sauce (like Sweet Baby Ray’s Honey BBQ)
1/2 cup Italian dressing (fat-free recommended)
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup light brown sugar (adjust to taste)
1 tbsp garlic powder
1 tbsp onion powder
Salt and black pepper to taste

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Instructions

Spray the slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray or use a disposable liner.
Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder; place in the crockpot.
In a mixing bowl, combine barbecue sauce, Italian dressing, light brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce; whisk until mixed.
Pour the sauce mixture over the seasoned chicken.
Cover and cook on high for 2.5–3 hours or low for 5–6 hours until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Shred chicken in the sauce using two forks and serve on buns or as desired.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: High – 2.5–3 hours / Low – 5–6 hours
Category: Main
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American