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 day, family gatherings, or a simple weeknight dinner. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, you’ll love how this dish brings everyone together.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy Preparation: Just throw everything in the crockpot and let it do the work for you.
- Flavorful Dish: The combination of barbecue sauce and seasonings creates a mouthwatering flavor that everyone will enjoy.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it on buns, over rice, or even in salads for a fun twist.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Great for parties or gatherings; everyone loves BBQ chicken!
Tools and Preparation
To make the Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure everything goes smoothly.
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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: Allows for hands-off cooking. You can set it and forget it while you attend to other tasks.
- Meat Thermometer: Ensures your chicken is cooked safely to 165 degrees internal temperature.
- Whisk: Helps mix sauces evenly, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
Ingredients
To create this delightful dish, gather the following ingredients:
For the Chicken
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, with fat trimmed off
For the Sauce
- 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 Your 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:
1. Add barbecue sauce,
2. Pour in Italian dressing,
3. Mix in light brown sugar,
4. Finally add Worcestershire sauce.
Whisk until combined.
Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the chicken breasts. Place the lid on your crockpot.
Step 5: Cook Your Chicken
Cook on high for 2.5-3 hours or low for 5-6 hours. Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees.
Step 6: Shred Your Chicken
Once fully cooked, serve whole or use two forks to shred chicken right in the crockpot. This helps soak up all the extra marinade and BBQ sauce.
Step 7: Enjoy!
Serve on buns for delicious BBQ pulled chicken sandwiches or get creative! Use it on pizza, salad, tacos, nachos, over rice, or enjoy it by itself. Enjoy!
How to Serve The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken (Easy Pulled Chicken)
This easy pulled chicken recipe is versatile and perfect for a variety of meals. Whether you’re hosting a casual gathering or just enjoying a weeknight dinner, there are many delicious ways to serve your best crockpot BBQ chicken.
On Sandwiches
- Use soft hamburger buns for classic BBQ pulled chicken sandwiches.
- Add coleslaw on top for an extra crunch and flavor.
Over Rice
- Serve the shredded chicken over fluffy white or brown rice for a satisfying meal.
- Drizzle additional barbecue sauce for more flavor.
In Tacos
- Fill soft or hard taco shells with the pulled chicken.
- Top with avocado, sour cream, or your favorite salsa for added taste.
On Pizza
- Spread the shredded BBQ chicken on pizza dough as a topping.
- Add cheese and your favorite veggies before baking for a unique twist.
In Salads
- Toss the pulled chicken into a fresh garden salad.
- Pair with ranch dressing or vinaigrette for a light meal.
With Nachos
- Layer tortilla chips with shredded chicken, melted cheese, and jalapeños.
- Drizzle with barbecue sauce and sour cream for a tasty appetizer.
How to Perfect The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken (Easy Pulled Chicken)
Perfecting this recipe is simple with just a few tips. Following these suggestions will ensure your crockpot BBQ chicken turns out tender and flavorful every time.
- Use high-quality barbecue sauce: A good sauce can elevate the dish. Choose one that you love!
- Trim excess fat from chicken: This helps reduce greasiness in the final dish. Leaner meat absorbs flavors better.
- Don’t skip seasoning: Seasoning your chicken before cooking enhances overall taste. Use salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder generously.
- Shred in the crockpot: Shredding the chicken directly in the slow cooker allows it to soak up all those wonderful juices and flavors from the sauce.
- Cook on low if possible: Cooking on low heat not only yields tender meat but also deepens flavors over time.
- Meal prep options: This dish freezes well! Consider making extra batches to enjoy later.
Best Side Dishes for The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken (Easy Pulled Chicken)
Pairing side dishes with your pulled chicken can make your meal even better. Here are some great options that complement this flavorful dish perfectly.
- Coleslaw – A crunchy side that brings freshness and balances the smoky flavors of the BBQ.
- Cornbread – Sweet cornbread is a traditional accompaniment that pairs wonderfully with BBQ flavors.
- Baked Beans – Hearty baked beans add sweetness and protein to your meal, enhancing its richness.
- Potato Salad – Creamy potato salad offers comfort alongside the bold flavors of pulled chicken.
- Grilled Vegetables – Seasonal grilled veggies provide color and nutrition to your plate; they are easy to prepare!
- Macaroni and Cheese – Creamy mac ‘n’ cheese is always a hit; it complements the spiciness of BBQ nicely.
- French Fries – Crispy fries make for a fun finger food option that everyone loves.
- Green Beans Almondine – Sautéed green beans topped with almonds add elegance while keeping things light.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many home cooks make simple errors that can affect the outcome of their BBQ chicken. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.
- Skipping the seasoning: Failing to season the chicken before cooking can lead to bland meat. Always season your chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Using low-quality barbecue sauce: Not all barbecue sauces are created equal. Choose a flavorful sauce that suits your taste; sweet Baby Ray’s Honey BBQ is a popular choice.
- Overcooking the chicken: Cooking the chicken for too long can dry it out. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees.
- Not shredding in the crockpot: Shredding your chicken directly in the crockpot allows it to absorb excess sauce. Don’t hesitate to get messy!
- Forgetting about leftovers: Leaving cooked chicken out for too long can lead to food safety issues. Always store leftovers promptly in proper containers.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Make sure the chicken has cooled down before sealing.
Freezing The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken (Easy Pulled Chicken)
- Place in a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible.
- Can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken (Easy Pulled Chicken)
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and reheat covered for about 20 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring frequently until hot.
- Stovetop: Warm gently over medium heat, adding a splash of water or extra BBQ sauce if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken (Easy Pulled Chicken) so special?
This recipe is loved for its tender, flavorful chicken and simplicity. It requires minimal prep and delivers maximum taste.
Can I customize The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken recipe?
Absolutely! You can adjust seasonings or use different barbecue sauces based on your preferences. Adding spices like paprika or cayenne can give it an extra kick.
How do I serve The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken?
Serve it on buns for sandwiches, or try it over rice, salad, nachos, or tacos. Its versatility makes it perfect for any meal!
Is this recipe healthy?
Yes! By using boneless skinless chicken breasts and opting for fat-free dressing, you can enjoy a healthier version of BBQ pulled chicken.
Final Thoughts
The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken (Easy Pulled Chicken) is not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just enjoying a cozy night at home, this dish satisfies every craving. Experiment with different toppings and sides to create your perfect meal!
The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken (Easy Pulled Chicken)
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Description
Indulge in the irresistible flavors of The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken, where tender, shredded chicken meets a deliciously tangy barbecue sauce. This easy pulled chicken recipe is perfect for game day gatherings, family dinners, or busy weeknights. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can create a mouthwatering dish that brings everyone together. Serve it on soft buns for classic sandwiches, over rice for a hearty meal, or even in tacos for a fun twist! Enjoy the convenience of your slow cooker while savoring this comforting favorite.
Ingredients
- 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
- Spray the inside of a large crockpot with non-stick cooking spray.
- 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 smooth.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken and cover with the lid.
- Cook on high for 2.5-3 hours or low for 5-6 hours until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Shred the chicken in the crockpot using two forks and mix it with the sauce before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich (210g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
