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 game days, family dinners, or casual gatherings. The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken (Easy Pulled Chicken) delivers mouthwatering flavor with minimal effort, making it a go-to dish for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Cooking: Simply throw ingredients in your crockpot and let it work its magic while you enjoy your day.
• Incredible Flavor: The combination of barbecue sauce and spices creates a rich and savory taste that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
• Versatile Serving Options: Use shredded chicken on buns, salads, tacos, or even pizzas—endless possibilities await!
• Perfectly Tender Chicken: Slow cooking ensures the chicken remains juicy and easily shreds for ideal pulled chicken sandwiches.
• Family-Friendly Meal: This dish is a hit with both kids and adults alike, making dinner time enjoyable for everyone.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes preparing The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken a breeze. With just a few kitchen essentials, you can whip up this crowd-pleaser in no time.

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

• Crockpot or Slow Cooker: This is the star of the show; it cooks the chicken evenly while infusing flavors.
• Mixing Bowl: Perfect for combining sauces and seasonings before adding them to the chicken.
• Meat Thermometer: Ensures your chicken reaches a safe internal temperature for worry-free eating.

Ingredients

Ingredients:
– 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 Ingredients

Pour the mixture evenly over the seasoned chicken breasts. Place the lid on the crockpot.

Step 5: Cook to Perfection

Cook on high for 2.5–3 hours or low for 5–6 hours. Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the chicken reaches 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 directly in the crockpot. This allows it to soak up all the extra marinade and BBQ sauce.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

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

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

Serving The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken is easy and versatile. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a cozy dinner at home, there are countless ways to enjoy this flavorful dish. Here are some delicious serving suggestions to elevate your meal.

On Sandwiches

• Serve the shredded chicken on toasted buns for a classic BBQ pulled chicken sandwich. Add coleslaw for an extra crunch.

Over Rice

• Place the pulled chicken over steamed rice for a hearty meal. Drizzle with extra BBQ sauce for added flavor.

In Tacos

• Spoon the BBQ chicken into soft or crunchy taco shells. Top with avocado, cilantro, and lime for a fresh twist.

As Nachos

• Layer tortilla chips with pulled chicken, cheese, jalapeños, and sour cream for a delicious nacho platter perfect for sharing.

On Salads

• Add shredded BBQ chicken to a bed of greens for a protein-packed salad. Toss with your favorite dressing for a satisfying meal.

With Pizza

• Use the pulled chicken as a topping on homemade or store-bought pizza. It’s a unique way to enjoy BBQ flavors in a new form.

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

Perfecting The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken comes down to technique and attention to detail. Follow these tips to ensure your dish turns out amazing every time.

• Use high-quality ingredients: Opt for fresh, boneless, skinless chicken breasts and your favorite barbecue sauce for the best flavor.
• Don’t overcook: Monitor cooking times closely; check that the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit for safe consumption.
• Add spices: Enhance the flavor by adjusting garlic and onion powder amounts according to your taste preferences.
• Let it rest: Allow the shredded chicken to sit in the sauce after cooking; this helps absorb more flavors before serving.
• Try different sauces: Experiment with various barbecue sauces or add spices like smoked paprika for different flavor profiles.
• Store leftovers properly: Keep any remaining pulled chicken in an airtight container in the fridge; it can last 3-4 days or freeze well for future meals.

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

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

1. Coleslaw – A classic side that adds crunch and freshness, balancing the richness of the BBQ chicken.
2. Cornbread – Sweet cornbread pairs wonderfully with savory flavors; serve warm with butter.
3. Baked Beans – Hearty and slightly sweet, baked beans make an excellent accompaniment to any barbecue meal.
4. Potato Salad – Creamy potato salad offers coolness and texture that complements pulled chicken perfectly.
5. Grilled Vegetables – Seasonal veggies grilled to perfection add color and nutrition alongside your main dish.
6. Macaroni and Cheese – Creamy mac and cheese is always a crowd-pleaser; its richness enhances the smoky flavors of BBQ chicken.
7. French Fries – Crispy fries provide comfort food vibes; serve them with extra barbecue sauce on the side for dipping.
8. Pickles – Tangy pickles can cut through the richness of the dish, offering a refreshing bite alongside each serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken, there are a few common pitfalls that can affect the final result.

• Skipping the seasoning – Not seasoning the chicken before cooking can lead to bland flavors. Always season your chicken with salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder for a tasty base.
• Overcooking or undercooking – Cooking for too long or too short can ruin your dish. Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees.
• Ignoring the sauce balance – Using too much or too little barbecue sauce can alter the taste. Follow the recipe closely for the right amount of sauce to achieve the perfect flavor.
• Not shredding properly – If you don’t shred the chicken well, it may not absorb enough sauce. Shredding in the crockpot allows it to soak up all the delicious BBQ flavors.
• Using low-quality ingredients – The quality of your sauce and dressings matters. Opt for good-quality barbecue sauce and dressing for the best taste.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken (Easy Pulled Chicken)

• Portion out into freezer-safe bags or containers.
• It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months for maximum freshness.

Reheating The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken (Easy Pulled Chicken)

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F and heat covered for about 20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave – Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals until hot.
• Stovetop – Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken.

How do I make The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken spicy?

To add some spice, include cayenne pepper or chili powder in your seasoning mix. You can also use spicy barbecue sauce for an extra kick.

Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts! Just increase the cooking time by about an hour if using a slow cooker on low setting.

What should I serve with pulled chicken sandwiches?

Pulled chicken goes well with coleslaw, pickles, and baked beans as sides. You could also serve it with chips for a casual meal.

Can I customize The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different sauces or add veggies like bell peppers or onions for added flavor.

Final Thoughts

The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken (Easy Pulled Chicken) is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Whether served on sandwiches or incorporated into other dishes like tacos or salads, this recipe is sure to please everyone. Don’t hesitate to customize it with your favorite flavors!