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The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken (Easy Pulled Chicken)
Have you ever found yourself staring at the clock at 5 PM, wondering what to make for dinner? That familiar twinge of stress creeps in as you think about juggling dinner prep alongside your busy family life. If this sounds like you, then you’ll love making the Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken. With tender, flavorful pulled chicken that practically cooks itself, it’s a weeknight hero that will satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe not only highlights the incredible ease of using a crockpot but also incorporates savory flavors that will have your family asking for seconds. Here’s everything you need to know to make it tonight. You may also find Best Bbq Chicken Mac And Cheese useful.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tender, juicy chicken that falls apart easily.
- Rich, smoky flavor from a delightful barbecue sauce that you can customize.
- Set it and forget it convenience—simply toss the ingredients in the crockpot and let it do all the work.
- Feeding a crowd? This recipe is perfect for parties, potlucks, or family gatherings.
- Quick to prepare, it’s ready to go in under 15 minutes before cooking.
- Leftovers can be turned into delicious meals for days, ensuring nothing goes to waste.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, with fat trimmed off
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
For the Sauce:
- 1 1/4 cup barbecue sauce (We love Sweet Baby Ray’s Honey BBQ)
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing (I use a fat-free version)
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar (can reduce to 1/8 cup or omit if you prefer it less sweet)
Step-by-Step Instructions
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First, liberally spray the inside of a large crockpot or slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray. For even less mess, consider using one of these awesome disposable liners.
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Next, season your trimmed boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder, and place them in the bottom of your crockpot.
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In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine barbecue sauce, Italian dressing, light brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Whisk until well combined.
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Pour the mixture evenly over the chicken breasts. Place the lid on the crockpot and cook on high for 2.5-3 hours or low for 5-6 hours.
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Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees.
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Once fully cooked, you can either serve the chicken whole or use two forks to shred the chicken. I like to shred it right in the crockpot to soak up all the extra marinade and BBQ sauce.
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Serve the shredded chicken on buns for delicious BBQ pulled chicken sandwiches or try it on pizza, salad, tacos, nachos, over rice, or even by itself. Enjoy!
Pro Tips & Variations
- Best Results: For even more flavor, marinate the chicken in the sauces overnight before cooking.
- Add Some Heat: Toss in a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or some sliced jalapeños to add a kick to your BBQ chicken.
Variations:
- Air Fryer Version: If you want to speed up the cooking, try an air fryer variant that cooks the chicken in just 25 minutes at 375°F.
- Keto Option: Swap out the brown sugar for a sugar substitute like erythritol to keep it low-carb.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. You can also freeze the pulled chicken in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and warm on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until heated through.
FAQ
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Can I use chicken thighs instead? Absolutely! Chicken thighs will give you a richer flavor and are just as easy to use.
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Can I make this ahead? Yes, the flavors actually improve if you let it sit for a day in the fridge before serving.
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What can I serve with this? This BBQ chicken pairs wonderfully with coleslaw, potato salad, or baked beans for a complete meal.
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Can I double the recipe? Definitely! Just ensure your crockpot is large enough to accommodate the additional chicken without overflowing.
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What are some ideas for leftovers? You can mix any leftover chicken into scrambled eggs for a hearty breakfast or use it in a BBQ chicken mac and cheese dish for a comforting meal—one of my family’s favorites.
Conclusion
The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken is not just easy; it’s also an invitation to gather around the table and enjoy a meal together. I encourage you to give this simple and scrumptious recipe a try. If you’re looking for other delicious BBQ inspirations, you might want to check out The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken – Family Fresh Meals or Pulled Chicken (Crock Pot BBQ Chicken) – Sugar Spun Run. Your family will be grateful, and I would love to hear how it turns out—leave a comment and let me know!
Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken (Easy Pulled Chicken)
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, with fat trimmed off
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
For the Sauce
- 1.25 cups barbecue sauce (e.g., Sweet Baby Ray's Honey BBQ)
- 0.5 cups Italian dressing (fat-free version suggested)
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 0.25 cups light brown sugar can reduce to 1/8 cup or omit for less sweetness
Instructions
Preparation
- Liberally spray the inside of a large crockpot or slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray.
- Season the trimmed boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder, and place them in the bottom of the crockpot.
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine barbecue sauce, Italian dressing, light brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Whisk until well combined.
- Pour the mixture evenly over the chicken breasts.
Cooking
- Place the lid on the crockpot and cook on high for 2.5-3 hours or low for 5-6 hours.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees.
Serving
- Once fully cooked, you can serve the chicken whole or use two forks to shred the chicken.
- Serve the shredded chicken on buns for sandwiches or enjoy it in various dishes like pizza, salad, or tacos.