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Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken Recipe

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  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 0h 10m
  • Cook Time: 6h 0m
  • Total Time: 6h 10m
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

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

  1. Place chicken in slow cooker: Add the boneless, skinless chicken breasts to the slow cooker, spreading them evenly at the bottom.
  2. Add BBQ sauce: Pour the cup of BBQ sauce over the chicken breasts, making sure they are well coated with the sauce.
  3. Pour in chicken broth: Add half a cup of chicken broth by pouring around the chicken to keep the sauce flavorful and moist.
  4. Add brown sugar: Sprinkle the tablespoon of brown sugar evenly over the chicken to balance the flavors with a hint of sweetness.
  5. Add apple cider vinegar: Pour the tablespoon of apple cider vinegar into the slow cooker to add tanginess.
  6. Season with garlic powder: Evenly sprinkle the teaspoon of garlic powder over the chicken for a robust, savory taste.
  7. Season with onion powder: Add the teaspoon of onion powder, distributing it evenly for depth of flavor.
  8. Add smoked paprika: Sprinkle the half teaspoon of smoked paprika across the chicken for a smoky, warm undertone.
  9. 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.
  10. 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.
  11. Remove chicken for shredding: Take the cooked chicken breasts out of the slow cooker and place them on a large plate or cutting board.
  12. Shred the chicken: Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized, tender pieces.
  13. 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.
  14. Let sit in sauce: Allow the chicken to sit in the sauce for an additional 10 minutes on low heat to meld the flavors.
  15. 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.