An easy and simple crockpot BBQ pulled chicken recipe for when you don’t have time to stand over the stove. Just throw everything in the slow cooker and let it do its magic. Suitable for crazy weeknights or to feed a crowd.
We usually serve these as pulled chicken sandwiches with pickled cucumber and lettuce, but I am giving you more options below.
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❤️ Why You'll Love It
- Easy crockpot chicken recipe that is literally set and forget.
- A kid friendly, family friendly and budget friendly meal.
- Great for company so it is a party favorite too!
- Hearty lunch or dinner.
📝 Ingredients
- Boneless skinless Chicken: here I've used chicken breast, you can choose whatever you have but as long as it is boneless, skinless. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Seasoning: I've used all purpose seasoning, any brand will be ok. Use homemade seasoning, chicken seasoning or just salt and black pepper if this is what you like.
- Garlic cloves and olive oil.
- BBQ sauce: use store bought or homemade.
- Worcestershire and soy sauces: for added flavors.
- Smoking liquid: this is optional as it gives more BBQ flavor.
🥄 Instructions
- Add all the ingredients together in your slow cooker and mix well.
- Add the chicken pieces and cover well with the sauce. Cover and let it cook 3-4 hours on low or until chicken thoroughly cooked and literally fall apart.
- Remove chicken and shred with two forks on a cutting board.
- Return chicken to slow cooker. Stir to coat with the sauce.
💡 Expert Tips
- I've used chicken breast in this recipe but obviously you can use chicken thighs as well.
- Add brown sugar to the bbq sauce for a more molasses sweet taste.
- Add diced onions, or bell pepper to vary the taste a bit.
🧺 Storage
Leftover can be stored in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and in the freezer for up to 4-5 months.
🍽️ Serve With
Stuff these into sandwiches, make wraps, serve with rice , pasta or with some roasted vegetables.
FAQ
It is recommended to cook boneless skinless chicken breast on low so you will not overcook it. In fact it does not take long for this recipe to be done just 3-4 hours and you are good.
Did you forgot to take your chicken out to thaw? No problem it has been proved that cooking frozen chicken breasts in the slow cooker is completely safe but ti might need a little longer. If you want to cut back on this time, you might consider cutting the frozen chicken into smaller pieces.
📣 Related Recipes
- These buffalo chicken sliders are so good, they can be served at dinner, parties or for game day.
- These baked bbq chicken drumsticks are always a hit, you are going to love them!
If you like this recipe do not forget to give it a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ star rating and attach a photo of your finished dish. It is always a pleasure of mine to see your photos and check your own take of the recipe. Thank you.
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Slow cooker BBQ pulled chicken
Ingredients
- 1 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce.
- 2 large garlic cloves minced
- 1 Tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 Tablespoon all purpose seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon liquid smoke optional
- 3 lbs Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients , except for the chicken, together in your slow cooker and mix well.
- Add the chicken pieces and cover well with the sauce.
- Set your slow cooker for 3-4 hours on low and cook until chicken are done or a meat thermometer register 165F.
- Take the chicken out and shred with two forks.
- Return the chicken to the slow cooker and mix well with the sauce.
- Leave it there to soak the sauce for 30 minutes to an hour on warm.
- Serve as desired.
Notes
- Add more bbq sauce if you feel the need to. This was the right amount for my family so you can start with 1 cup and add more when it is done in the final stage after shredding the chicken.
- Use any seasonings you have chicken seasoning, all purpose, Italian or even salt and pepper.
- Store leftover in ana ir tight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Please check the nutrition disclaimer policy.
Nutrition
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First published September 2016 . Last updated September 22, 2022 with important tips, clear step by step instructions and readability.
Evelyne CulturEatz
Love my slow cooker in cooller months, and you are right it takes a while to figure good recipes or how to adapt. A big success here with your pulled chicken. Less sugar is better!
Bam's Kitchen
Loving your sauce...loads of flavors for the perfect sandwich. I still need to get myself a slow cooker for recipes just like yours. Wishing you a super holiday.
Aisha
I just bought a slow cooker and I'm looking for yummy recipes... sure this is one of them! Do you have a recipe for BBQ sauce? I live in Holland and here we don't have it.
Amira
I am still experimenting with mine and I will keep you posted. For the bbq sauce, I've never made my own but I've found this recipe http://www.food.com/recipe/kittencals-famous-barbecue-sauce-for-chicken-and-ribs-232433
and from the reviews I can see lots of people liking it although I think the sugar is too much - or may be it is just me!!.
Joanne T Ferguson
This looks and sounds delicious Amira and perfect for this weather we are having at the moment!
Amira
Yes it works both ways Joanne 🙂 fall and spring seasons. Thank for stopping by dear.
Karen (Back Road Journal)
Your pulled chicken sandwiches sound terrific. I sold my slow cooker when we moved as it was an older model and haven't as yet replaced it. It is recipes like this that will motive me into buying a new one.
Amira
I ALWAYS sell mine when I move, and I moved a lot 7 times so far, and I also ALWAYS buy another one after moving :). Mine are barely used each time, but this time I am starting to love it and you will see more of it in this space. Thanks for stopping by.