Description
This Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken is a tender, flavorful dish perfect for a hands-off meal. Juicy chicken breasts are slow-cooked in a tangy and smoky BBQ sauce infused with spices and brown sugar, resulting in a deliciously shredded chicken that can be served on buns, over rice, or with your favorite sides. Ideal for easy weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Sauce and Seasoning
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Place chicken in slow cooker: Add the boneless, skinless chicken breasts to the slow cooker, spreading them evenly at the bottom.
- Add BBQ sauce: Pour the cup of BBQ sauce over the chicken breasts, making sure they are well coated with the sauce.
- Pour in chicken broth: Add half a cup of chicken broth by pouring around the chicken to keep the sauce flavorful and moist.
- Add brown sugar: Sprinkle the tablespoon of brown sugar evenly over the chicken to balance the flavors with a hint of sweetness.
- Add apple cider vinegar: Pour the tablespoon of apple cider vinegar into the slow cooker to add tanginess.
- Season with garlic powder: Evenly sprinkle the teaspoon of garlic powder over the chicken for a robust, savory taste.
- Season with onion powder: Add the teaspoon of onion powder, distributing it evenly for depth of flavor.
- Add smoked paprika: Sprinkle the half teaspoon of smoked paprika across the chicken for a smoky, warm undertone.
- Season with salt and pepper: Evenly season the chicken with the quarter teaspoon of salt and quarter teaspoon of black pepper to enhance all the other flavors.
- Cover and cook: Place the lid on the slow cooker and set it to low. Cook the chicken for 6 to 7 hours until it is tender and easy to shred.
- Remove chicken for shredding: Take the cooked chicken breasts out of the slow cooker and place them on a large plate or cutting board.
- Shred the chicken: Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized, tender pieces.
- Return shredded chicken to sauce: Put the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker and stir it into the remaining sauce to absorb more flavor.
- Let sit in sauce: Allow the chicken to sit in the sauce for an additional 10 minutes on low heat to meld the flavors.
- Serve: Serve your BBQ pulled chicken hot, on toasted buns, over rice, or alongside your favorite side dishes.
Notes
- For best flavor, use a smoky or spicy BBQ sauce depending on your preference.
- Cooking times may vary slightly depending on your slow cooker model and size.
- Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Can be frozen after cooking for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- For a thicker sauce, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking to reduce excess liquid.
