Crock Pot BBQ Chicken

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This Crock Pot Pulled BBQ Chicken is tender and juicy, with the smoky flavor of BBQ sauce seeping into every shred of chicken. It’s a comforting dish that’s perfect for busy days, whether you’re serving it up on buns, with rice, or alongside your favorite sides.

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity – a few pantry staples come together to create an irresistible meal that’s always a hit at dinner time. Plus, it’s so versatile – you can easily adjust the level of spice and sweetness to suit your taste. Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner, potluck, or BBQ, this pulled chicken is guaranteed to impress.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup BBQ sauce
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

1 tablespoon brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup water

Directions:

Place chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker.
In a small bowl, mix together the BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, Worcestershire sauce, and water.
Pour the BBQ sauce mixture over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are well coated.

Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and easily shreds.
Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and shred using two forks.
Return the shredded chicken to the sauce in the slow cooker and stir to coat.

Serve on buns, over rice, or as a main dish with your favorite sides.

Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 6-7 hours | Total Time: 6-7 hours | Kcal: 350 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

Origin of Pulled BBQ Chicken

Pulled BBQ chicken has its roots in Southern American cuisine, particularly in the Carolinas, where slow-cooked meat smothered in BBQ sauce is a staple. While pork is more traditionally used for “pulled” BBQ, chicken is a leaner, quicker alternative that still packs all the flavor and tenderness associated with this style of cooking. This version, made in a slow cooker (or Crockpot), adds convenience to the classic recipe, making it an easy go-to meal for busy families and BBQ lovers alike.

Cooking Tips

Choosing the Right Chicken: For the best results, boneless, skinless chicken breasts are typically used as they cook evenly and shred well. However, you can also use chicken thighs for a richer, juicier pulled chicken.
BBQ Sauce: You can customize the BBQ sauce to suit your taste. Whether you prefer a tangy vinegar-based sauce or a sweet, smoky sauce, there’s no limit to the flavors you can experiment with. Store-bought sauces work great, but homemade BBQ sauce can take your pulled chicken to the next level.
Adjusting the Cooking Time: Cooking time may vary based on your slow cooker. If you’re cooking on low, 6-7 hours is ideal. However, for a quicker meal, you can set the cooker on high for 3-4 hours. Make sure the chicken is tender and easily shreds when pulled with a fork.

Shredding the Chicken: After cooking, remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and shred using two forks. If you’d like a more flavorful dish, return the shredded chicken to the cooker to soak up some of the sauce before serving.
Serving Suggestions: Pulled BBQ chicken is incredibly versatile. Serve it on a toasted bun for a classic BBQ sandwich, or for a healthier alternative, enjoy it over rice, in wraps, or as a topping for baked potatoes or salads.

Variations & Customizations

Spicy BBQ Chicken: Add some heat by mixing in chili powder, cayenne pepper, or jalapeños to your BBQ sauce.

Sweet BBQ Chicken: If you love a sweeter BBQ flavor, incorporate honey or maple syrup into your sauce to balance the tanginess.
Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian take on this dish, you can substitute the chicken with jackfruit, which mimics the texture of pulled chicken and soaks up the flavors of the BBQ sauce beautifully.

Storage and Leftovers

Pulled BBQ chicken is great for meal prep and leftovers. You can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave it or heat it on the stove, adding a little extra BBQ sauce if needed. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months, making it a fantastic option for future meals.

Why You’ll Love It

Convenience: With minimal prep time and the magic of a slow cooker, you can enjoy a delicious, home-cooked BBQ meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Versatility: Pulled BBQ chicken can be used in so many different dishes – sandwiches, tacos, wraps, rice bowls, and more!
Family-Friendly: Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or a big crowd, this easy recipe is sure to please everyone around the table.

Health Benefits of Pulled BBQ Chicken

This dish is not only delicious but also a healthier option compared to traditional pulled pork, especially when made with boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Chicken breasts are high in protein, low in fat, and a great source of essential nutrients like B vitamins and iron. By using lean chicken and a homemade or low-sugar BBQ sauce, you can control the ingredients and make a healthier, more balanced meal.

Additionally, cooking with a slow cooker helps retain more of the chicken’s natural nutrients, as the long cooking process breaks down the chicken and keeps it moist without needing excessive fats or oils.

Ingredient Substitutions

Chicken Thighs: If you prefer a juicier, more flavorful chicken, you can opt for chicken thighs instead of breasts. Thighs have more fat and collagen, which makes them perfect for slow cooking and results in a richer taste.

BBQ Sauce: Homemade BBQ sauce allows you to control the sweetness and spice levels. If you prefer a spicier dish, you can add hot sauce, chili powder, or cayenne pepper to the sauce. For a sweeter version, try adding honey or brown sugar.
Vegan or Vegetarian Option: While chicken is the star of this dish, you can swap it for jackfruit if you’re looking for a plant-based version. Jackfruit has a meaty texture and absorbs the BBQ sauce very well, making it an excellent substitute for shredded chicken.

Storage and Meal Prep Tips

Pulled BBQ chicken is perfect for meal prepping. After cooking, you can store the leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stove, adding a bit more BBQ sauce if it seems dry. This makes it a great option for making ahead of time.

For longer storage, pulled BBQ chicken can be frozen for up to 3 months. Make sure to store it in a freezer-safe container or bag and thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Fun Ways to Serve Pulled BBQ Chicken

There are endless ways to enjoy pulled BBQ chicken, making it a versatile dish that can be served for any occasion:

BBQ Chicken Sandwiches: Pile the pulled chicken on a soft bun and top with coleslaw for the ultimate BBQ sandwich.
BBQ Chicken Tacos: Serve the pulled chicken in soft tortillas with your favorite toppings like lettuce, cheese, and salsa.

BBQ Chicken Salad: For a lighter option, serve the pulled chicken over a bed of greens with your favorite salad ingredients.
BBQ Chicken Wraps: For a quick lunch or dinner, wrap the pulled chicken in a tortilla with veggies and dressing.
BBQ Chicken Pizza: Spread some BBQ sauce on a pizza crust and top with pulled chicken, red onions, cheese, and cilantro for a delicious twist on pizza night.

Tips for Perfect Pulled BBQ Chicken

Shred the Chicken Right: For best results, let the chicken cool for a few minutes before shredding it. Use two forks to gently pull the chicken apart into shreds. If you prefer a finer texture, you can use a stand mixer with the paddle attachment to shred the chicken quickly.
Don’t Overcook: While the slow cooker does most of the work, be sure not to overcook the chicken. Overcooked chicken can dry out, even in the slow cooker. It’s best to check the chicken around the 6-hour mark if you’re cooking on low or 3-4 hours on high.
Add Extra Flavor: For an extra kick, add a splash of vinegar or Worcestershire sauce to the BBQ sauce mixture to balance out the sweetness with a tangy bite.

Leftover Sauce: Don’t let the sauce go to waste! Use it as a marinade for other meats or as a dip for veggies or fries.

Serving Suggestions

Pulled BBQ chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving it with:

Coleslaw: The tangy crunch of coleslaw balances the rich and smoky flavors of BBQ chicken.
Cornbread: A classic southern side, cornbread adds a sweet contrast to the savory chicken.
Grilled Vegetables: Roasted or grilled veggies like corn on the cob, asparagus, or bell peppers complement the flavors of BBQ chicken perfectly.

French Fries or Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy fries make an excellent side to this hearty dish, perfect for dipping into extra BBQ sauce.

Conclusion

Crock Pot Pulled BBQ Chicken is a quick, easy, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners. With minimal prep and the slow cooker doing all the work, you’ll have tender, juicy chicken in no time. This versatile recipe can be served on buns, in tacos, over rice, or as a salad topping, making it a great option for any meal.

Not only is it easy to make, but you can also customize the BBQ sauce to your taste, or try plant-based options for a different twist. Whether you’re meal prepping or entertaining, this dish offers convenience, flavor, and endless possibilities. Enjoy creating a meal your whole family will love!