This easy crockpot BBQ pulled chicken is perfect for busy days! Just toss chicken breasts in the slow cooker with your favorite barbecue sauce, and let it work its magic while you relax.
It’s super tender and packed with flavor. I love serving it on buns with coleslaw. Trust me, it’s a big hit at parties—or just for a cozy night in! 🍗❤️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the go-to for this dish. If you prefer, you can use thighs for a richer flavor. Just remember, thighs need a little less cooking time!
BBQ Sauce: Choose your favorite BBQ sauce, whether store-bought or homemade. If you’re looking for healthier options, try low-sugar or no-sugar sauces. I like to mix different flavors to add a personal touch.
Chicken Broth: While broth adds great flavor, water will work in a pinch. But if you want that extra punch, stick with broth! A splash of apple juice can also give a nice sweetness.
Coleslaw Mix: You can swap the pre-packaged mix for shredded carrots and cabbage if you prefer fresh versions. My personal favorite is to add a bit of green onion for extra crunch!
What’s the Best Technique for Shredding Chicken?
Shredding the chicken is a key step, and here’s how to do it easily:
- Once the chicken is fully cooked and tender, remove it from the crockpot using tongs.
- Let it cool for a few minutes, then use two forks to pull apart the meat into bite-sized pieces.
- Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and mix it with the BBQ juices for maximum flavor!
This simple shredding process will ensure you get juicy, flavorful pulled chicken ready for your sandwiches!
Easy Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
- 1 tbsp brown sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 6 hamburger buns, toasted
- 1 1/2 cups coleslaw mix (green and purple cabbage, carrots)
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp honey or sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 15 minutes of prep time and then you can let the crockpot do its magic! Cook time is around 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. So, grab a sandwich, relax, and let the flavors meld together perfectly!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Setup the Chicken:
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts directly into the crockpot. Pour the chicken broth or water around the chicken, ensuring it stays nice and moist while cooking.
2. Mix the BBQ Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine your BBQ sauce, brown sugar (if using), smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir it all together well, then pour this tasty mixture over the chicken in the crockpot.
3. Let It Cook:
Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be super tender and easily shred with a fork when it’s done. Ah, that aroma will make you so hungry!
4. Prepare the Coleslaw:
While the chicken is cooking, it’s coleslaw time! In a medium bowl, mix mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey (or sugar), salt, and pepper until smooth. Then, add the coleslaw mix to your dressing and toss it all together. Refrigerate until you’re ready to serve.
5. Shred the Chicken:
Once the chicken is cooked, use tongs to remove it from the crockpot. Place it in a bowl and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken back to the crockpot, ensuring it’s well-coated with all those delicious BBQ juices.
6. Assemble the Sandwiches:
Now for the fun part! Take a toasted hamburger bun and pile on a generous amount of the pulled chicken. Top with a big scoop of that refreshing coleslaw, and then place the top bun on. Yummy!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
These delicious sandwiches are best enjoyed right away! Serve with your favorite chips and some apple slices on the side for a complete meal that everyone will love.
Enjoy your juicy, flavorful BBQ pulled chicken sandwiches with tangy coleslaw—the perfect easy meal!
FAQ for Easy Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just remember to set your crockpot to cook on high for 4-5 hours instead of the standard low setting, as frozen chicken takes longer to cook. Ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F before serving.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the pulled chicken a day in advance. Once cooked, let it cool, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a bit of extra BBQ sauce if needed.
Can I Substitute the BBQ Sauce?
Definitely! Feel free to use any BBQ sauce you love, or make your own for a personalized touch. For a tangy twist, try a vinegar-based sauce. If you’re watching sugar intake, opt for a low-sugar BBQ sauce.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pulled chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months! Just make sure to cool it completely before freezing. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat before serving.
