Oh my goodness, if you’re looking for a dish that’s both simple and packed with flavor, you absolutely have to try my pulled BBQ chicken crock pot recipe! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve made this for family gatherings, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. Just the smell of it cooking all day makes my mouth water! I remember one summer evening, we had friends over, and this chicken was the star of the show. Everyone couldn’t get enough of the tender, juicy bites slathered in barbecue sauce. Trust me, you’ll want to dive right into this recipe!

Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to bring this delicious pulled BBQ chicken crock pot recipe to life. Trust me, these ingredients are simple but essential for that perfect flavor:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – they’re the star of the show, so make sure they’re fresh!
- 1 cup packed barbecue sauce – I love a sweet and tangy sauce that really clings to the chicken!
- 1/2 cup chicken broth – this adds moisture and keeps everything tender, so don’t skip it!
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce – just a little bit goes a long way for depth of flavor.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – because who doesn’t love a hint of garlic?
- 1 teaspoon onion powder – this adds a subtle sweetness that balances the barbecue sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – to enhance all those yummy flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper – a bit of spice to kick things up!
Gather these ingredients, and you’re well on your way to making some mouthwatering pulled BBQ chicken!
How to Prepare Instructions
Alright, let’s get cooking! This pulled BBQ chicken crock pot recipe is as easy as it gets, and I’m here to guide you through each step. You’ll have tender, flavorful chicken ready for sandwiches or just on its own in no time!
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
First things first, grab your fresh boneless, skinless chicken breasts and place them right into the crock pot. Make sure they’re spread out nicely so they cook evenly. No need to fuss over them just yet; we’ll add all the flavor soon!
Step 2: Mix the Sauce
Now, let’s whip up that delicious sauce! In a medium bowl, combine your barbecue sauce, chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir until everything’s well mixed. The aroma will start to get your taste buds excited!
Step 3: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Time to bring it all together! Pour that sauce mixture right over the chicken in the crock pot. Make sure every piece of chicken is covered; this is where the magic happens. Once it’s all coated, cover the crock pot with its lid.
Step 4: Cooking Time
Now, it’s time to set the cooking time. You can choose to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. I usually go for low and slow because it really lets the flavors meld together beautifully, but do whatever works best for your schedule!
Step 5: Shred and Serve
Once the cooking time is up, remove the lid and get ready for the fun part! Using two forks, shred the chicken right in the crock pot—it’s so tender it practically falls apart. Give it a little stir to mix it with the sauce, then serve it on buns or alongside your favorite sides. Enjoy every bite!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional side of this tasty pulled BBQ chicken crock pot recipe! Just a quick heads up: nutrition values may vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands you choose, so take these numbers as a general guide rather than precise values. Here’s what you can expect per serving:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 5g
- Protein: 40g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
It’s packed with protein, which is perfect for a hearty meal! Pair it with some veggies or a side salad for a balanced plate, and you’re all set for a delicious dinner!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just a few minutes of prep time, you can set it and forget it while the crock pot does all the magic!
- Flavorful: The combination of barbecue sauce and spices creates a mouthwatering taste that everyone will love.
- Tender Chicken: Cooking low and slow results in perfectly tender chicken that practically melts in your mouth.
- Perfect for Gatherings: This recipe is great for feeding a crowd, making it perfect for parties, game days, or family get-togethers.
- Gluten-Free: Enjoy this dish without worry, as it fits perfectly into a gluten-free diet!
Tips for Success
Here are a few of my top tips to ensure your pulled BBQ chicken crock pot recipe turns out absolutely perfect every time:
- Choose Quality Chicken: Fresh, high-quality chicken breasts make a huge difference in flavor and tenderness. Don’t skimp here!
- Adjust the Sauce: Feel free to tweak the amount of barbecue sauce to match your taste. If you love it saucy, go for more!
- Don’t Skip the Broth: Chicken broth keeps the chicken moist and adds extra flavor. It’s a must for this recipe!
- Control the Heat: If you’re short on time, cooking on high works, but I recommend low and slow for the best results.
- Shred While Hot: Shredding the chicken while it’s still warm makes it easier and helps it soak up that delicious sauce!
- Serve with Sides: Classic coleslaw or pickles are fantastic accompaniments that cut through the richness of the chicken.
With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to making the most delicious pulled BBQ chicken ever!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous or just want to switch things up a bit, there are so many fun ways to customize this pulled BBQ chicken crock pot recipe! Here are some ideas to inspire you:
- Different Barbecue Sauces: Experiment with different flavors of barbecue sauce! Try a spicy sauce for a kick, or go for a honey barbecue for a sweeter twist. You could even use a mustard-based sauce if you’re feeling bold!
- Add Spices: Spice things up by adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika or chili powder to the sauce mix. It’ll give your chicken an extra layer of flavor that’s absolutely delicious!
- Sweet and Savory: For a unique blend, mix in a tablespoon of brown sugar or honey into the sauce. It creates a lovely caramelized taste that balances the tangy barbecue flavor.
- Vegetable Boost: Toss in some sliced onions, bell peppers, or even carrots into the crock pot with the chicken. They’ll soften beautifully and add more texture to the dish.
- Switch Up the Protein: Not a chicken fan? You can use pork shoulder or beef chuck roast instead! Just adjust the cooking time slightly as needed.
- Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the sauce for a fresh, aromatic touch. Just toss them in whole; they’ll infuse their flavor as it cooks.
The beauty of this pulled BBQ chicken crock pot recipe is its versatility! Feel free to mix and match these variations to make it your own. Enjoy the process and have fun experimenting!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Alright, let’s make sure you enjoy every last bite of your delicious pulled BBQ chicken! If you have any leftovers (which I hope you do because they’re amazing), here’s how to store them properly:
- Cooling: Allow the pulled BBQ chicken to cool down to room temperature before storing. This helps prevent condensation in the container.
- Storage: Transfer the chicken to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It’ll stay fresh for up to 3-4 days!
- Freezing: If you want to save some for later, you can freeze the pulled chicken! Just place it in a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty zip-top bag. It’ll keep well for up to 3 months.
When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, here’s how to reheat them:
- Microwave: Place the chicken in a microwave-safe dish, cover it loosely with a lid or microwave-safe wrap, and heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through until heated through. Be careful, it can get hot!
- Stovetop: For a more even heat, warm it up in a skillet over medium heat. Stir occasionally until it’s heated to your liking. You can add a splash of barbecue sauce or broth to keep it moist.
- Crock Pot: If you want to take it slow, you can reheat the chicken in the crock pot on low for about 30 minutes, adding a bit of sauce to keep it juicy.
With these storage and reheating tips, you’ll keep the flavors fresh and delicious, ready for you to savor whenever you’re ready for a tasty meal!
For more delicious recipes, check out BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders or Homemade BBQ Sauce Recipe.
Print
Pulled BBQ Chicken Crock Pot Recipe for Ultimate Flavor
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Crock Pot
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This pulled BBQ chicken crock pot recipe is simple and flavorful. It cooks slowly to create tender chicken infused with barbecue sauce.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts in the crock pot.
- Mix barbecue sauce, chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Shred the chicken with two forks and mix with the sauce in the crock pot.
- Serve on buns or with sides of your choice.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of barbecue sauce to your taste.
- Serve with coleslaw for a classic pairing.
- This recipe can be doubled for larger gatherings.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: pulled BBQ chicken, crock pot chicken, easy chicken recipe