Try my Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken for the most delicious, tender, flavorful, easy slow cooker BBQ pulled chicken sandwiches you’ll ever eat! This recipe is perfect for family dinners, tailgating parties, or meal prep. The combination of juicy chicken and tangy barbecue sauce makes it a standout. Plus, it’s incredibly simple to make in your crockpot!

The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken (Easy Pulled Chicken)

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Prepare: Just toss everything into the crockpot and let it do the work for you.
Deliciously Flavorful: The blend of barbecue sauce and spices creates a mouthwatering taste.
Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it on buns, salads, tacos, or even over rice for different meals.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, this recipe fits right in.
Meal Prep Friendly: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week!

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools to make everything go smoothly.

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Essential Tools and Equipment

Large crockpot or slow cooker
Non-stick cooking spray or disposable liners
Medium mixing bowl
Whisk
Meat thermometer

Importance of Each Tool

Crockpot/Slow Cooker: This is essential for slow cooking that results in tender chicken without constant monitoring.
Whisk: Perfect for mixing sauces evenly to ensure every bite is full of flavor.
Meat Thermometer: Ensures your chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165 degrees before serving.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

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

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. For less mess, consider using disposable liners.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Next, season your trimmed boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Place them at the bottom of your crockpot.

Step 3: Mix the Sauce

In a medium-size mixing bowl, add barbecue sauce, Italian dressing, light brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Whisk until combined.

Step 4: Combine Everything in the Crockpot

Pour the sauce mixture evenly over chicken breasts. Place the lid on the crockpot and cook on high for 2.5-3 hours or low for 5-6 hours.

Step 5: Check Doneness

Use your meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees.

Step 6: Shred or Serve Whole

Once fully cooked, you can either serve whole or use two forks to shred the chicken right in the crockpot. This allows it to soak up all the extra marinade and BBQ sauce.

Step 7: Enjoy!

Serve on buns for delicious BBQ pulled chicken sandwiches or get creative by adding it to pizza, salad, tacos, nachos, over rice, or by itself. Enjoy!

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

This delicious pulled chicken is versatile and can be served in many delightful ways. Whether you’re hosting a party or just enjoying a casual family dinner, here are some ideas to make the most of your Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken.

On Sandwiches

Use soft hamburger buns for classic BBQ pulled chicken sandwiches.
Add coleslaw on top for a crunchy texture and extra flavor.

In Tacos

Fill corn or flour tortillas with shredded chicken.
Top with avocado, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime for a fresh taste.

Over Rice

Serve the pulled chicken over a bed of fluffy rice.
Drizzle extra barbecue sauce for added moisture and flavor.

On Pizza

Spread the shredded chicken on pizza dough with your favorite toppings.
Bake until crispy for a tasty BBQ chicken pizza.

In Salads

Toss shredded chicken into your favorite salad mix.
Add ranch dressing or additional BBQ sauce for a hearty meal.

As Nachos

Layer tortilla chips with pulled chicken, cheese, and jalapeños.
Bake until the cheese melts and serve with salsa and sour cream.

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

To achieve mouthwatering results every time you make The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken, keep these tips in mind:

Choose quality chicken: Fresh, high-quality chicken breasts ensure better flavor and tenderness.
Don’t skip seasoning: Properly season the chicken before cooking to enhance its taste.
Use the right barbecue sauce: Select your favorite brand that suits your taste preferences for maximum flavor.
Adjust cooking time based on size: Thicker pieces may need more time; always check internal temperature to avoid undercooking.
Let it rest: Allow the shredded chicken to sit in the sauce after cooking to absorb more flavor before serving.
Experiment with flavors: Feel free to try different sauces or spices to customize your pulled chicken experience!

Best Side Dishes for The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken (Easy Pulled Chicken)

Pairing side dishes with your Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken enhances the meal experience. Here are some great options:

Coleslaw: A creamy or vinegar-based coleslaw adds crunch and balances out the rich flavors of BBQ.
Cornbread: Sweet cornbread complements the smoky flavors of pulled chicken perfectly.
Potato Salad: A classic side that provides a hearty contrast; consider adding bacon bits for extra flavor.
Baked Beans: Smoky baked beans add depth and richness, making them an ideal match for BBQ dishes.
Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal veggies grilled with olive oil provide freshness and balance to the meal.
French Fries: Crispy fries are always a hit; consider sweet potato fries for a twist!
Macaroni and Cheese: This cheesy comfort food pairs well with barbecue flavors, creating a filling combo.
Pickles: Tangy pickles provide an excellent contrast, cutting through the richness of the meat.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken, a few common mistakes can affect your results. Here are some pitfalls to steer clear of:

Skipping the seasoning – Failing to season the chicken can result in bland flavors. Always season generously with salt, pepper, and spices before cooking.
Overcooking the chicken – Cooking the chicken for too long can dry it out. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Using low-quality barbecue sauce – The sauce is a key flavor component. Choose a high-quality barbecue sauce to ensure delicious results.
Not shredding in the sauce – Shredding the chicken directly in the sauce allows it to absorb more flavor. Don’t skip this step for maximum taste.
Ignoring texture variations – Depending on how you want to serve it, adjust cooking time accordingly. For sandwiches, shred finely; for tacos, larger pieces may work better.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
Allow the chicken to cool completely before refrigerating.

Freezing The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken (Easy Pulled Chicken)

Freeze portions in airtight freezer bags or containers for up to 2-3 months.
Label containers with dates for easy tracking.

Reheating The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken (Easy Pulled Chicken)

Oven – Preheat to 350°F and heat chicken in a covered dish for about 20 minutes.
Microwave – Place on a microwave-safe plate and cover; heat in short intervals until warm.
Stovetop – Add a splash of water or sauce to a skillet over medium heat and stir until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken so easy?

The slow cooker does all the work! Just add ingredients, set the timer, and let it cook while you relax.

Can I customize The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite spices or different barbecue sauces for unique flavors.

How do I know when The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken is done?

Use a meat thermometer; it should reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit for safe consumption.

What dishes pair well with The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken?

Serve it on sandwich buns, over rice, or alongside salads and veggies for a complete meal.

Final Thoughts

The appeal of The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken (Easy Pulled Chicken) lies in its simplicity and versatility. You can enjoy it as sandwiches, on salads, or even as toppings for nachos. With options to customize flavors and textures, this recipe will surely become a favorite among family and friends!

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The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken (Easy Pulled Chicken)

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Author: Julia
Total Time: 0 hours
Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x

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Description

For a flavorful, hassle-free meal, try The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken (Easy Pulled Chicken). This recipe transforms simple chicken breasts into tender, savory pulled chicken that’s perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or over rice. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, your slow cooker does all the work while you enjoy time with family or friends. The combination of barbecue sauce and spices creates an irresistible dish that can accommodate any occasion—from casual weeknight dinners to festive gatherings. Whether you serve it in classic sandwiches or get creative with salads and nachos, this easy pulled chicken will quickly become a household favorite.

Ingredients

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2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
1/2 cup Italian dressing
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup light brown sugar
1 tbsp garlic powder
1 tbsp onion powder
Salt and black pepper to taste

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Instructions

Spray the inside of a large crockpot with non-stick cooking spray.
Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder; place at the bottom of the crockpot.
In a bowl, mix together barbecue sauce, Italian dressing, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce; whisk until combined.
Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the crockpot.
Cover and cook on high for 2.5-3 hours or low for 5-6 hours until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Shred the chicken in the sauce using two forks and serve as desired.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: High for about 2.5-3 hours or Low for about 5-6 hours
Category: Main
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American