Introduction
BBQ chicken cooked slowly in a crock pot results in tender, fall-off-the-bone meat infused with a sweet and tangy barbecue flavor. Making crock pot BBQ chicken is an easy weeknight dinner and requires little prep work. The chicken cooks low and slow, becoming soaked in the flavorful sauce. Follow this simple recipe to make delicious BBQ pulled chicken sandwiches, tacos, pizza and more using your crock pot.
Ingredients Needed
- 4-6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
- Place the chicken breasts or thighs in the slow cooker insert. Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder and onion powder.
Make the BBQ Sauce
- In a small bowl, stir together the barbecue sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce and smoked paprika until well combined.
Cook the Chicken
- Pour the barbecue sauce mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker. Use a spoon to coat the chicken evenly with the sauce.
- Cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or high heat for 4 hours. The chicken is done when it shreds easily with a fork.
- Carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker using tongs or a slotted spoon. Transfer to a cutting board or plate.
Shred the Chicken
- Using two forks, shred the cooked chicken by pulling it apart into long thin strands. Discard any bones or skin.
- Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and mix well with the remaining BBQ sauce.
Serve and Enjoy
- Use the BBQ pulled chicken to make sandwiches, tacos, pizza, nachos, salads or eat it plain. Leftovers can be refrigerated for 3-4 days.
Tips and Tricks
- For extra flavor, saute chopped onions and garlic before adding to the slow cooker.
- Use chicken broth or apple cider vinegar instead of water in the BBQ sauce.
- Mix in diced pineapple chunks or bell peppers for sweetness and crunch.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro, scallions or cheese for extra flavor.
- Serve on buns or bread with desired toppings like lettuce, tomato, pickles, etc.
- Shredded chicken freezes well for longer storage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of barbecue sauce works best?
Any store-bought or homemade barbecue sauce will work well. Sweeter, tomato-based sauces complement the savory chicken nicely.
Can I use boneless chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They may cook slightly faster so check for doneness after 4-5 hours on low.
How long does it take to cook chicken in a slow cooker?
Cook for 6-8 hours on low or 4 hours on high. Chicken is done when it shreds easily with a fork and is no longer pink inside.
Can I use a whole chicken?
Yes, a 3-4 pound whole chicken can be used. Increase cook time to 8-10 hours on low. Remove meat from bones when done.
Can I prep this the night before?
Absolutely! Assemble the chicken and sauce in the slow cooker insert. Refrigerate overnight, then cook the next day.
Conclusion
BBQ pulled chicken made in the crock pot results in extremely moist and flavorful meat for sandwiches, tacos, nachos, pizza and more. The sweet and tangy sauce infuses the chicken with barbecue flavor as it slowly cooks all day. Follow this easy recipe for a crowd-pleasing family meal. Add your favorite mix-ins and toppings to customize each serving. Enjoy!