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 casual gatherings, weeknight dinners, or meal prep. With its sweet and tangy flavor profile, this dish elevates any occasion. Enjoy the simplicity of a slow cooker while creating a meal that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can set it and forget it!
• Flavorful: The combination of barbecue sauce and Italian dressing infuses the chicken with rich flavors.
• Versatile: Serve this pulled chicken on buns, over rice, in tacos, or on top of salads—perfect for any meal.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will rave about these BBQ chicken sandwiches!
• Meal Prep Friendly: Make a large batch and store leftovers for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools. Having the right equipment ensures a smooth cooking process for your Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker (crockpot)
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Meat thermometer
• Non-stick cooking spray

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker (crockpot): This is essential for hands-off cooking. It allows for even heat distribution, ensuring your chicken becomes tender and juicy.
• Meat thermometer: Ensures that your chicken reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit for safe consumption.
• Whisk: Perfect for mixing sauces without lumps, giving you a smooth blend of flavors.

Ingredients

Main 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 Your Crockpot

First liberally spray the inside of a large crockpot or slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray. For less mess, consider using 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 the Sauce

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

Step 4: Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot

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

Step 5: Cook Time

Cook on high for 2.5-3 hours or low for 5-6 hours. Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked to 165 degrees internal temperature.

Step 6: Shred the Chicken

Once fully cooked, you can either serve whole or use two forks to shred chicken directly in the crockpot to soak up all the extra chicken marinade and BBQ sauce.

Step 7: Serve Your Dish

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

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

This delicious pulled chicken is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a casual gathering or just looking for a hearty meal, these serving suggestions will elevate your BBQ experience.

On Sandwiches

• Serve on soft hamburger buns for a classic BBQ pulled chicken sandwich that everyone loves.

Over Rice

• Serve the shredded chicken over a bed of fluffy rice to soak up all the flavorful sauce.

In Tacos

• Use corn or flour tortillas to create tasty BBQ chicken tacos topped with slaw or avocado.

With Salad

• Add the pulled chicken on top of a fresh salad for a protein-packed meal that’s both healthy and satisfying.

On Pizza

• Spread the shredded chicken on pizza dough, topped with cheese and your favorite veggies for a unique twist.

As Nachos

• Layer tortilla chips with pulled chicken, cheese, jalapeños, and sour cream for a crowd-pleasing snack.

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

To achieve the ultimate flavor and texture in your crockpot BBQ chicken, follow these simple tips.

• Choose Quality Chicken: Use fresh, boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the best texture and flavor.

• Don’t Skip Seasoning: Generously season the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to enhance its taste.

• Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to modify the amount of brown sugar based on your sweetness preference; it can even be omitted.

• Shred in Sauce: Shred the chicken directly in the crockpot so it absorbs more sauce and becomes extra flavorful.

• Check Temperature: Always ensure that the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit for safe consumption.

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

Pairing side dishes with your pulled chicken can make your meal even more enjoyable. Here are some great options:

1. Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw complements the flavors of BBQ perfectly while adding freshness.
2. Cornbread: Sweet cornbread is an excellent side that balances the smoky flavors of BBQ.
3. Baked Beans: Rich and hearty baked beans are classic companions that add depth to your meal.
4. Potato Salad: Creamy potato salad provides a cool contrast to warm BBQ chicken.
5. Grilled Vegetables: Lightly grilled veggies add color and healthiness to your plate.
6. Fries or Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy fries are always a hit alongside any BBQ dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken, avoid these common pitfalls to ensure a delicious outcome.

• Skipping the seasoning: Not seasoning the chicken can lead to bland flavors. Always season your chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder before cooking.
• Overcooking the chicken: Cooking for too long can make the chicken dry. Stick to the recommended cooking times of 2.5-3 hours on high or 5-6 hours on low.
• Using low-quality barbecue sauce: A poor-quality sauce can ruin your dish. Invest in a good brand like sweet Baby Ray’s Honey BBQ for best results.
• Not shredding in sauce: Skipping the step of shredding the chicken in the sauce may result in dry meat. Shred it in the crockpot to soak up all that flavorful marinade.
• Ignoring proper storage: Failing to store leftovers correctly can lead to spoilage. Make sure to use airtight containers for refrigeration or freezing.
• Serving without sides: Serving plain pulled chicken may miss out on a complete meal experience. Consider pairing it with buns, salads, or sides for a balanced meal.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken in an airtight container.
• It will last for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken (Easy Pulled Chicken)

• To freeze, place cooled chicken in freezer-safe bags or containers.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Make sure to label with date.

Reheating The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken (Easy Pulled Chicken)

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place chicken in a baking dish covered with foil until heated through.
• Microwave: Transfer portions to a microwave-safe dish and heat on medium power until warm, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: In a skillet over medium heat, add chicken and a splash of barbecue sauce; stir occasionally until heated thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

What makes The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken so easy?

The slow cooker does most of the work! Simply add ingredients, set cook time, and enjoy tender pulled chicken without much fuss.

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just increase your cooking time by an hour if cooking on low.

How do I customize The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken?

Feel free to adjust spices or change the barbecue sauce. You can also add other ingredients like diced onions or peppers for extra flavor.

What is the best way to serve pulled chicken?

The pulled chicken is fantastic served on buns as sandwiches, but you can also enjoy it over rice, in tacos, or on salads.

Final Thoughts

The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken is not only flavorful but also versatile. You can customize it based on your taste preferences and serve it in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a cozy dinner at home, this easy pulled chicken recipe is sure to please everyone at the table!