A simple recipe that shows you how to make Crock Pot BBQ chicken (also known as BBQ Pulled Chicken!) at home in your slow cooker! This is a quick, easy, and so flavorful recipe that’s perfect for any party, potluck, or picnic!
My oven broke earlier this week and as I type this it is currently in pieces across the kitchen while Zach works on repairing it. If all goes as planned, we’ll be back in the baking business by the end of the day, but just in case it doesn’t I have a batch of Crock Pot BBQ Chicken simmering in my slow cooker and ready to go for dinner tonight.
This Crock Pot BBQ Chicken has come in handy a lot this week while I’ve been oven-less, but it’s actually been my go-to dinner option for the past few summers. It’s a great and simple dinner option any time of the year, but especially during the summer when the weather’s too hot and humid for me to feel like turning on the oven.
Preparation involves the following:
- Pour BBQ sauce (I use Sweet Baby Ray’s) and spices in crockpot.
- Add Chicken and cover with sauce.
- Cook. Shred. Enjoy.
Boom, done. Delicious.
And yes, I do use a pre-made BBQ sauce as the base for this recipe, though I also add other seasonings and spices to really develop the flavor. This is how I’ve made this Crock Pot BBQ Chicken for years and it keeps it simple, something you can toss together in the morning before you go to work without a second thought and it’ll be ready to serve when you walk back through the door in the evening.
That said I may also be working on developing my own BBQ sauce, which I’ll definitely link to whenever I get that down 100%… stay tuned.
Until then I’m sharing this well-tested and well-loved pulled chicken recipe, It tastes great on a fresh roll but I also enjoy eating it by the forkful out of a bowl, no roll required.
This recipe is so simple that I don’t have many tips to include today — it’s essentially foolproof, there are just a few FAQ’s I’d like to cover.
Can you overcook chicken in a slow cooker?
Yes, overcooking your chicken will result in meat that is tougher and drier than desired. For best results, monitor your chicken for it to reach a temperature of 160F and it should be easy to shred. For this recipe that means cooking it around 3-4 hours on high, or 6-7 hours on low.
What goes well with pulled chicken?
Most salads and side dishes go well with pulled chicken. These are my personal favorites:
Alright, wish me luck with my oven because this is a pretty nerve-wracking ordeal for me, seeing it in 20 pieces across my kitchen!
Enjoy!
How do you make pulled chicken in a crock pot?
Crock Pot BBQ Chicken
Ingredients
- 3.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast (1.5g)
- 2 cups BBQ sauce (I use Sweet Baby Ray's)
- 1/4 cup light or dark brown sugar packed (60g)
- 2 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼-½ teaspoon crushed red pepper
Instructions
- Combine BBQ sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and crushed red pepper in the basin of a slow cooker
- Place chicken breast in sauce and use a spoon to cover with sauce.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high 3-4 hours. Chicken is done when it is easily shredded with a pair of forks.
- Shred chicken and stir well to coat with BBQ sauce. Serve.
Jordan says
Best recipe I have tried yet. Everybody loves and had to make more.
Sugar Spun Run says
I am so glad that everyone enjoyed the pulled chicken! Thanks for commenting, Jordan! 🙂
Kelli says
This is a favorite in my house! We love it! I prolly make it every two weeks!
Sugar Spun Run says
I am so glad that everyone loves the pulled chicken and you use the recipe often, Kelli. Thanks for commenting. 🙂
Janet says
Why do you need the oil?
Sugar Spun Run says
Hi, Janet! Oil mixed with the other spices acts like a marinade for the chicken. The oil helps the meat retain moisture. I hope that helps!
Sharon says
I’m trying to make a small meal, using only 1 lb of chicken. How do I alter the measurements based upon that? Should I divide by 3?
Sugar Spun Run says
Hi, Sharon! Yes, If you divide it by 3 or cut the recipe in half that will work. 🙂
Peyton R. says
I haven’t really left a total rating because I haven’t made it yet. Just started. But I only have chicken and bbq sauce and oil. Will this work? I’m just a 24 year old trying to cook something for my boyfriend and we don’t have any money left. So I was going to do this recipe and make some pulled chicken sandwiches. Do you think it will be ok with out the spices?
Sugar Spun Run says
Hi, Peyton! You should be fine using just chicken, bbq, and oil. I won’t have the same flavor, but should still taste good. Let me know how it turns out for you. 🙂
Steve-O says
Hi Sam! We made this recipe for the first time tonight! Thanks for sharing. Everything came out great except that it could have used more salt. Then we noticed salt is actually missing from the ingredient list. 🙂 Not sure if that was intentional or not?
Thanks again!
Steve
Sam says
Hi Steve! I’ve found that the bbq sauce usually adds enough salt so it is intentionally missing from the ingredient list. You can certainly add some to taste, though, and I will add a line saying so to the recipe. I’m glad that overall it was enjoyed! 🙂
Lila Wild says
Could I use Frozen Chicken Breast’s? Or does the chicken need to be thawed?
Sugar Spun Run says
Hi, Lila! The frozen chicken breast will work fine, however, it may need more time to cook. 🙂
Minda James says
I give this 6 stars I make it time after time and it’s so good and simple easy
Sugar Spun Run says
Thank you so much for the rave review. I am so glad that you enjoy the pulled chicken recipe, Minda! 🙂
Robo says
Can you use boneless chicken thighs for this? If so how long approximately?
Sugar Spun Run says
Hi, Robo! Boneless chicken thighs should work fine. If not sure of the exact cook time, I would just keep an eye on it. 🙂
Stephanie says
Can I freeze it for use another day?
Sugar Spun Run says
Hi, Stephanie! I haven’t frozen it myself, but I don’t see any problems doing so. Enjoy! 🙂
Gwen says
I freeze pulled chicken all the time. I usually make two meals for 4 people. Serve 1/2 the first night then freeze the rest for another day.
Thaw and heats by microwave or saucepan
Sugar Spun Run says
Thanks for sharing, Gwen! I am so glad that you have been able to enjoy this for multiple meals. 🙂
Bre says
Can I make the sauce the night before, if I chill it overnight?
Sugar Spun Run says
Hi, Bre! Yes, that will be fine. I hope that you enjoy the bbq chicken. 🙂
Bre says
Ended up just making the sauce morning of. Pretty much followed the recipe, except I omitted the garlic and onion powder (didn’t realize I was out).
Served on a toasted bun with coleslaw and banana peppers. Will definitely make this again.
Sugar Spun Run says
Thank you so much for letting me know how it turned out for you, Bre! I am so glad that you enjoyed it! 🙂
Mark says
Could you use this with pork shoulder
Sam says
I don’t see why not 🙂
Meighan says
How much is one serving?? It says it’s 355cal but I don’t see a size. Thanks!
Sam says
Hi Meighan, it is 1/8 of the recipe. I hope you love the bbq chicken!
Cindi says
Can I use thighs instead of breasts?
Sugar Spun Run says
Hi, Cindi! If they are boneless than yes. 🙂
Cindy N. says
Just placed everything into the crockpot, can’t wait to taste it!
Sugar Spun Run says
I can’t wait to hear what you think of the pulled chicken, Cindy! I hope that you enjoy it! 🙂
Cindy N. says
It was the crockpot bbq pulled chicken, and it has been delicious–everyone is enjoying. It’s nice too that you can get several meals from it! Will make again for sure.
Sam says
Whoops! Haha, I’m glad you enjoyed still! Thank you for commenting!! 🙂