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    Home » Recipes

    Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken

    Published: Jul 19, 2023 by Alison · This post may contain affiliate links ·

    Jump to Recipe

    This Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken is an easy recipe to dump and forget about. Serve on buns topped with coleslaw and a side of chips for a delicious meal everyone loves!

    BBQ pulled chicken on a sandwich bun with coleslaw

    Discover the perfect solution for those busy school nights when everyone’s schedule is packed with activities – like this easy dinner recipe with minimal prep work.

    Get ready to savor the rich and deep taste of chicken slow-cooked in a mouthwatering BBQ sauce with a hint of sweetness that beautifully complements the tender meat.

    The secret to achieving the juiciest and most flavorful chicken lies in the slow cooker. By cooking it long and slow, you’ll experience the ultimate comfort food that tastes fantastic on the first day and becomes even more irresistible when reheated for leftovers the next day – though there’s rarely any left!

    In fact, you might want to consider making a double batch right from the start, as you’ll surely wish for more once you’ve had a taste.

    Whether you’re hosting a backyard cookout or simply craving some comforting goodness, this recipe is destined to be your go-to crowd-pleaser.

    So, grab your slow cooker and be prepared for everyone asking for the recipe!

    two barbeque pulled chicken sandwiches on a tray with chips and pickles
    Jump to:
    • Why You’ll Love This BBQ Pulled Chicken Recipe
    • BBQ Pulled Chicken Ingredients
    • Recipe Variations
    • How to Make BBQ Pulled Chicken in the Slow Cooker
    • What to Serve with BBQ Pulled Chicken
    • Recipe Tips
    • Storing and Reheating
    • FAQs
    • More Slow Cooker Chicken Recipes
    • Recipe

    Why You’ll Love This BBQ Pulled Chicken Recipe

    • Easy to make! Just throw all of the ingredients into your slow cooker and let it do its thing.
    • Tender and flavorful! The perfect pulled chicken for your next BBQ!
    • Great for meal prep! Cook up a batch on the weekend and then enjoy healthy, pre-made meals all week long.
    BBQ pulled chicken ingredients

    BBQ Pulled Chicken Ingredients

    • Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
    • BBQ sauce
    • Brown sugar
    • Apple cider vinegar
    • Worcestershire sauce
    • Smoked paprika
    • Garlic powder
    • Onion powder
    • Salt
    • Black pepper
    • Hamburger buns or sandwich rolls, for serving

    Recipe Variations

    • Add some heat with a tablespoon of cayenne or chili powder.
    • Make it tangier by adding extra vinegar or extra Worcestershire sauce.
    • Mix in a can of drained and rinsed kidney beans or black beans for extra fiber and protein.
    • Add some veggies such as stirring in a cup of frozen corn kernels during the last hour of cooking – great for tacos!

    How to Make BBQ Pulled Chicken in the Slow Cooker

    Barbeque sauce mixture for pulled chicken

    Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.

    In a mixing bowl, combine the BBQ sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.

    barbeque sauce mixture poured over top of chicken in a slow cooker

    Pour the BBQ sauce mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker, making sure the chicken is evenly coated.

    Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be cooked through and tender enough to shred.

    Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and transfer it to a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.

    shredded cooked bbq chicken in a crock pot

    Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir it into the sauce to coat evenly. Allow it to cook for an additional 15-20 minutes on low heat to absorb more flavor.

    Serve the pulled BBQ chicken on hamburger buns or sandwich rolls. You can top it with additional BBQ sauce or your favorite coleslaw, if desired. Enjoy!

    coleslaw and pulled chicken on a bun

    What to Serve with BBQ Pulled Chicken

    The best part of this recipe is that it can be served as the main dish or as a sandwich filling. Here are some ideas of what to serve with your BBQ pulled chicken:

    • Chips
    • Baked Beans
    • Coleslaw
    • French Fries
    • Roasted Potatoes
    • Side Salad
    • Corn on the Cob
    • Roasted Vegetables
    • Bread or Rolls

    Recipe Tips

    • Use boneless, skinless chicken for the best results.
    • Best to cook chicken long and slow on low heat.
    • For the easiest way to shred chicken, use two forks or a paddle attachment on a stand mixer.

    Storing and Reheating

    • To Store: Place leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
    • To Freeze: Place BBQ pulled chicken in an airtight freezer safe container in the freezer for up to 4 months. Thaw in fridge overnight before reheating.
    • To Reheat: Heat to desired temperature in microwave.
    pulled chicken sandwiches on a tray with potato chips

    FAQs

    What kind of barbeque sauce should I use?

    For this recipe we used Sweet Baby Rays but you can use your favorite brand, store brand or make your own barbeque sauce.

    Can you put raw chicken in the slow cooker?

    Yes, you can put raw chicken in the slow cooker.

    What kind of chicken should I use?

    We recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts, however, you could use boneless, skinless chicken thighs.

    Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

    Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time and store in fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.

    More Slow Cooker Chicken Recipes

    • Slow Cooker Chicken Carnitas
    • Slow Cooker Ritz Chicken
    • Slow Cooker Crack Chicken
    • Slow Cooker Mississippi Chicken

    Recipe

    Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken

    Alison McFadden
    This Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken is an easy recipe to dump and forget about. Serve on buns topped with coleslaw and a side of chips for a delicious meal everyone loves!
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    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time 3 hours hrs
    Course Slow Cooker
    Cuisine American
    Servings 4 servings

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts about 5- 6 breasts
    • 1½ cups BBQ sauce
    • ¼ cup brown sugar
    • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
    • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
    • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1 teaspoon onion powder
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ½ teaspoon black pepper
    • Hamburger buns or sandwich rolls for serving

    Instructions
     

    • Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
    • In a mixing bowl, combine the BBQ sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
    • Pour the BBQ sauce mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker, making sure the chicken is evenly coated.
    • Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be cooked through and tender enough to shred.
    • Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and transfer it to a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
    • Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir it into the sauce to coat evenly. Allow it to cook for an additional 15-20 minutes on low heat to absorb more flavor.
    • Serve the pulled BBQ chicken on hamburger buns or sandwich rolls. You can top it with additional BBQ sauce or your favorite coleslaw, if desired. Enjoy!

    Notes

      • To Store: Place leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
      • To Freeze: Place BBQ pulled chicken in an airtight freezer safe container in the freezer for up to 4 months. Thaw in fridge overnight before reheating.
      • To Reheat: Heat to desired temperature in microwave.
     
    Makes about 8 servings if used for sandwiches.

    Nutrition Disclosure

    Nutritional facts are estimates and are provided as a courtesy to the reader. Please utilize your own brand nutritional values to double check against our estimates. Nutritional values are calculated via a third party. Changing ingredients, amounts or cooking technique will alter the estimated nutritional calculations.

    Tried this recipe?Tag @everydayshortcuts or use #everydayshortcuts on Facebook, TikTok or Instagram to let us know!

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    Alison is a wife and mother of three who embraces the simple life, finding joy in easy recipes, DIY projects, life hacks, and her passion for travel. Learn more about me!

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    Alison McFadden

    Welcome to Everyday Shortcuts, where I share delicious and simple recipes that anyone can cook, practical household tips and clever shortcuts to help simplify your everyday life. 

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