Easy Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken is the perfect recipe for busy weeknights or casual gatherings with family and friends. With minimal effort, you can create a deliciously tender, flavorful dish that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, allowing the chicken to absorb the savory BBQ sauce and spices. Whether served on a bun or alongside your favorite sides, this recipe is both satisfying and incredibly easy to make.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes (low) or 3 hours 10 minutes (high)
- Servings: 6 servings
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: Approximately 320
- Protein: 36 grams per serving
- Carbohydrates: 18 grams per serving
- Fat: 10 grams per serving
- Fiber: 1 gram per serving
- Sugar: 8 grams per serving
- Sodium: 800 mg per serving
Why Make This Easy Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken
This recipe is a go-to for so many reasons. First, it’s incredibly simple—just toss everything into the slow cooker and let it work its magic. The result? Juicy, tender pulled chicken infused with sweet and tangy BBQ flavors that are hard to resist. It’s also highly versatile; you can customize the spices or use different BBQ sauces based on your personal preference. Enjoy it on a bun, serve it over rice, or pair it with a fresh salad. It’s also a fantastic option for meal prepping, making weeknight dinners easier and quicker.
How to Make Easy Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Buns for serving
Directions:
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Step 1: Preparation
Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
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Step 2: Mixing
In a bowl, mix together the BBQ sauce, chicken broth, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
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Step 3: Cooking
Pour the mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds.
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Step 4: Finishing
Remove the chicken from the slow cooker, shred it with two forks, and return it to the sauce. Serve on buns with extra BBQ sauce if desired.
How to Serve Easy Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken
This pulled chicken is delicious served on soft hamburger buns. You can also offer a variety of toppings, such as coleslaw, sliced pickles, or jalapeños, to elevate the dish further. Consider pairing it with sweet potato fries, corn on the cob, or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal that everyone will love.
How to Store Easy Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken
Leftover pulled chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you want to freeze it, place the pulled chicken in freezer-safe bags, remove as much air as possible, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it on the stove or in the microwave.
Expert Tips for Perfect Easy Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken
- Use fresh chicken for the best flavor; thawed chicken may release excess water.
- Experiment with different BBQ sauces to find your favorite combinations—thick sauces provide a richer flavor.
- For a kicked-up flavor, add a couple of teaspoons of smoked paprika or chili powder to the sauce mixture.
- Ensure the chicken is submerged in the sauce for even cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken; it should reach 165°F.
Delicious Variations
- Spicy Pulled Chicken: Add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the sauce mixture for a spicy kick.
- Tropical Flavor: Incorporate pineapple juice into the BBQ sauce for a sweet, tropical twist.
- Chipotle BBQ: Use chipotle BBQ sauce for a smoky, spicy flavor.
- Herb-infused Chicken: Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for an aromatic touch.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but you will need to increase the cooking time by 1 to 2 hours. - What type of BBQ sauce is best for this recipe?
The best BBQ sauce depends on your taste preferences. Sweet sauces like honey BBQ work well for a classic flavor, while vinegar-based sauces offer a tangy kick. - Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will yield an even richer flavor and are equally delicious for pulled chicken. - Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, but make sure to use a gluten-free BBQ sauce if you need to adhere to a gluten-free diet. - How can I spice it up?
Add chili powder or cayenne pepper to the BBQ sauce mixture for a spicier pulled chicken.
Conclusion
Easy Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken is an excellent choice for busy cooks and BBQ lovers alike. It’s simple to prepare, packed with flavor, and can be enjoyed in various ways. With minimal effort and maximum taste, this dish will undoubtedly become a family favorite. So gather your ingredients, set your slow cooker, and enjoy the delicious aroma wafting through your home as you look forward to a delightful meal. Don’t hesitate to customize it to your tastes, and happy cooking!
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Easy Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken
- Total Time: 370 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A tender and flavorful pulled chicken dish made in a slow cooker with minimal effort, perfect for weeknights or gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Buns for serving
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
- In a bowl, mix together the BBQ sauce, chicken broth, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds.
- Remove the chicken from the slow cooker, shred it with two forks, and return it to the sauce. Serve on buns with extra BBQ sauce if desired.
Notes
Use fresh chicken for best flavor and consider experimenting with different BBQ sauces and spices for variations.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 360 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
