The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken (Easy Pulled Chicken)

If you’re looking for an easy, mouthwatering dinner idea that everyone in the family will love, then you’ve come to the right place! My Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken (Easy Pulled Chicken) is not just a recipe; it’s a cherished family tradition. This is the kind of dish that fills your kitchen with warm, delicious aromas and makes everyone’s tummy rumble with anticipation. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something quick but still packed with flavor or for family gatherings where you want to impress without spending all day in the kitchen.

What I love most about this recipe is how simple it is. Just toss everything into your slow cooker, and let it work its magic while you go about your day. You’ll be greeted by tender, juicy pulled chicken that’s perfect for sandwiches or even served over rice or salad. Trust me; once you try this recipe, you’ll be coming back to it time and time again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick prep: In just 5 minutes, you can have everything ready to cook.
• Flavorful goodness: The combination of barbecue sauce and Italian dressing creates a sweet and tangy profile that’s irresistible.
• Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy these juicy pulled chicken sandwiches!
• Versatile serving options: Enjoy it on buns, in tacos, or even over rice—there are so many ways to savor it.
• Make-ahead convenience: Perfect for meal prep; just store leftovers in the fridge for easy lunches throughout the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for simple, wholesome ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. Here’s what you need:

For the Chicken

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, with fat trimmed off
• salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Sauce

• 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

Variations

One of the best parts about this recipe is its flexibility. You can easily customize it to suit your tastes or what you have on hand!

• Swap the protein: Try using shredded turkey or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
• Add some heat: Mix in some hot sauce or red pepper flakes if you like a spicy kick.
• Change the sauce: Experiment with different barbecue sauces for unique flavors—from smoky to tangy!
• Throw in veggies: Toss in some bell peppers or onions as the chicken cooks for extra flavor and nutrition.

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. If you’re looking to make clean-up easier, consider using one of those awesome disposable liners. It saves time and hassle later on!

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Next, season your trimmed boneless, skinless chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. This step adds so much flavor directly to the chicken! Once seasoned, place them at the bottom of your crockpot.

Step 3: Mix Up Your Sauce

In a medium-size mixing bowl, add your barbecue sauce, Italian dressing, light brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Whisk until combined; this mixture will create that delicious marinade we all crave! Pour this flavorful blend evenly over the chicken breasts.

Step 4: Cook It Low and Slow

Place the lid on your crockpot and set it to cook on high for 2.5-3 hours or low for 5-6 hours. Cooking slowly allows all those flavors to meld beautifully and ensures your chicken comes out fork-tender.

Step 5: Check for Doneness

Use a meat thermometer to check that your chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures it’s fully cooked and safe to eat!

Step 6: Shred Your Chicken

Once fully cooked, you can either serve whole or use two forks to shred the chicken right in the crockpot. I like doing it this way because all that extra marinara gets soaked up into every bite!

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve your delicious BBQ pulled chicken on buns for sandwiches or get creative—use it on pizza, salads, tacos, nachos, over rice…or simply enjoy it as is! There are endless possibilities here; just dig in and relish every mouthful!

Pro Tips for Making The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken (Easy Pulled Chicken)

Making the perfect pulled chicken is all about the right techniques, and I’m here to help you nail it!

• Choose the Right Chicken: Opting for boneless, skinless chicken breasts ensures a tender and juicy result. They cook evenly in the crockpot and absorb all that delicious BBQ flavor.

• Season Generously: Don’t skimp on salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder! These seasonings create a flavor base that enhances the taste of your BBQ sauce and chicken.

• Cooking Time Matters: Keep an eye on the cooking time. Overcooking can lead to dry chicken. If possible, use a meat thermometer to ensure it’s perfectly cooked at 165 degrees.

• Shred in the Sauce: Shredding the chicken directly in the crockpot allows it to soak up more of that tangy barbecue sauce. This will make each bite bursting with flavor!

• Customize Your Sauce: Feel free to experiment with different barbecue sauces or add extra spices like smoked paprika or cayenne for a little kick. Personalizing your sauce can turn this dish into your new favorite!

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

Serving your crockpot BBQ chicken can be just as fun as making it! Here are some ideas to present this mouthwatering dish beautifully.

Garnishes

• Chopped Fresh Cilantro: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro adds a burst of color and bright flavor that pairs perfectly with BBQ.
• Sliced Jalapeños: For those who enjoy heat, jalapeños provide an exciting kick that contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the sauce.

Side Dishes

• Coleslaw: A cool and crunchy coleslaw complements the warm, tender pulled chicken and adds a refreshing crunch.
• Sweet Potato Fries: Baked sweet potato fries are a healthier alternative to regular fries and their sweetness balances out the savory flavors of the chicken.
• Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn on the cob brings a lovely sweetness and is perfect for summer gatherings.
• Baked Beans: A classic pairing with BBQ dishes, baked beans offer a hearty side that’s full of flavor and protein.

Now you’re all set to enjoy The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken! Whether it’s for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, this dish promises to impress everyone around the table. Enjoy every delicious bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a big batch of this delicious BBQ chicken and store it for later use, making weeknight dinners a breeze.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the pulled chicken to cool completely before storing.
• Place the chicken in an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

• Portion the shredded chicken into freezer-safe bags or containers.
• Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen chicken in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of water or extra BBQ sauce to keep it moist.
• Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring in between until heated through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this recipe that might help you out!

Can I make The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken (Easy Pulled Chicken) with frozen chicken?

Yes! You can cook frozen chicken breasts directly in the crockpot. Just increase the cooking time by about an hour and ensure that it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees.

What should I serve with The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken (Easy Pulled Chicken)?

This pulled chicken pairs wonderfully with coleslaw, baked beans, or corn on the cob. It’s also great on top of salads or served with rice for a hearty meal!

Can I use other barbecue sauces for this recipe?

Absolutely! You can use any brand or flavor of barbecue sauce that you enjoy. Feel free to experiment with spicy or smoky varieties to suit your taste!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken (Easy Pulled Chicken)! This recipe is not only simple but also incredibly versatile, allowing you to serve it in various ways throughout the week. Whether it’s on sandwiches, salads, or even tacos, it’s sure to be a hit at your dinner table. Enjoy every bite and happy cooking!

---

Dinner