The Best Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken

Hey there! Today, I want to share with you my absolute favorite recipe for slow cooker BBQ pulled chicken. It’s a dish that never fails to impress my family and friends, and it’s incredibly easy to make. The tender, juicy chicken, smothered in tangy and sweet barbecue sauce, is a crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone asking for seconds. So, let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This

I make this when I’m in the mood for a delicious, hassle-free meal. It’s perfect for busy days when I don’t have much time to spend in the kitchen. The slow cooker does all the work, and the result is mouthwatering pulled chicken that falls apart with a fork. My family goes crazy for this because it’s packed with flavor and makes for amazing sandwiches, tacos, or even on its own with a side of coleslaw.

Ingredients

For this recipe, you’ll need:

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Optional substitutions: I sometimes use bone-in chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for extra flavor. You can also experiment with different barbecue sauce flavors to find your favorite combination.

Directions

1. In a small bowl, mix together the barbecue sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.

2. Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker and pour the sauce mixture over them, ensuring they are well coated.

3. Cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shreds with a fork.

4. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and mix it with the sauce.

5. Let the chicken sit in the sauce for an additional 10-15 minutes on low heat, allowing the flavors to meld together.

6. Serve the BBQ pulled chicken on buns for sandwiches, in taco shells with your favorite toppings, or simply on a plate with a side of coleslaw. Enjoy!

Notes

I’ve found that using a smoky barbecue sauce gives the chicken an extra depth of flavor. If you prefer a spicier kick, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce mixture.

Don’t worry if the sauce looks watery when you first mix it with the chicken. As it cooks, the chicken will release its juices, creating a deliciously rich and flavorful sauce.

This recipe is also great for meal prepping. You can store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Though honestly, in my house, it never lasts more than a day!

Variations

I’ve tried experimenting with different variations of this recipe, and one of my favorites is adding a tablespoon of honey to the sauce mixture for a touch of sweetness. It gives the chicken a delightful caramelized flavor.

Equipment

If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can still make this recipe using a Dutch oven or a large pot on the stovetop. Simply cook the chicken on low heat, covered, until it is tender and easily shreds.

Serving Suggestions

Personally, I love serving this BBQ pulled chicken on soft burger buns with a side of coleslaw and pickles. The combination of flavors and textures is simply irresistible. However, you can get creative and use it in a variety of ways. Try it in tacos, quesadillas, or even as a topping for loaded fries.

Pro Tips

One pro tip I’ve learned from experience is to resist the temptation to rush the cooking time. Low and slow is the key to tender, flavorful chicken. Trust me; it’s worth the wait!

Another thing I’ve discovered is that the leftovers taste even better the next day. The flavors have time to develop and intensify, making each bite even more delicious. If you can resist devouring it all at once, save some for the following day.

FAQ

Q: Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

A: Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly. Cook on low heat for 8-10 hours or high heat for 4-6 hours.

Q: Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?

A: Absolutely! Bone-in chicken, such as thighs or drumsticks, will add extra flavor to the dish. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as bone-in chicken takes slightly longer to cook.

Q: Can I double the recipe?

A: Of course! This recipe is easily scalable. Simply double the ingredients and adjust the cooking time accordingly. Keep in mind that you might need a larger slow cooker to accommodate the increased quantity.

Q: Can I freeze the leftovers?

A: Absolutely! Allow the pulled chicken to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm it up in a saucepan or microwave.

So there you have it – my tried and true recipe for the best slow cooker BBQ pulled chicken. Give it a try, and I’m sure it will become a staple in your household too. Happy cooking!

The Best Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken