Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a game-changer when it comes to weeknight dinners. The slow-cooking process in the Crock Pot ensures the chicken is juicy and tender, while the BBQ sauce infuses the meat with rich, smoky flavor. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also incredibly easy to make. The hands-off cooking method means you can set it and forget it, leaving you with more time to do other things. Plus, it’s versatile—serve it on sandwiches, over rice, or with a side of veggies.

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup BBQ sauce
1/4 cup chicken broth
1 small onion, chopped
1 tablespoon garlic, minced
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of your Crock Pot.
In a small bowl, mix together the BBQ sauce, chicken broth, chopped onion, garlic, smoked paprika, pepper, salt, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar.
Pour the BBQ sauce mixture over the chicken breasts, making sure they are fully coated.
Cover the Crock Pot with the lid and cook on low for 6-7 hours, or until the chicken is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the Crock Pot and shred it using two forks.
Return the shredded chicken to the Crock Pot, stirring it into the sauce.
Serve the pulled BBQ chicken on buns, over rice, or with your favorite side dishes.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4-6 servings
Cooking Time: 6-7 hours on low, or 3-4 hours on high

Variations

Spicy Version: Add some heat by stirring in a teaspoon of chili flakes or a chopped jalapeño to the BBQ sauce mixture.
Sweet and Smoky: For a sweeter, smoky flavor, use a honey BBQ sauce and a teaspoon of liquid smoke.
Different Protein: You can also use boneless skinless thighs for a slightly richer flavor or even pork for a pulled pork BBQ version.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a microwave or on the stove over low heat. Add a little extra BBQ sauce if the chicken looks dry after reheating.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just increase the cooking time by about 1-2 hours on low to ensure they cook through properly.

2. Can I cook this on high instead of low?

Yes, you can cook it on high for about 3-4 hours. However, cooking on low will yield more tender chicken.

3. What if I don’t have chicken broth?

You can substitute chicken broth with water, or even vegetable broth, to maintain moisture and flavor in the recipe.

4. Can I add vegetables to the crock pot?

Absolutely! You can add sliced carrots, bell peppers, or even potatoes to make this a more complete meal in one pot.

5. How can I make the BBQ sauce less sweet?

To reduce the sweetness, you can use a tangier BBQ sauce or adjust the amount of brown sugar in the recipe.

6. Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?

Yes! You can make this in an Instant Pot by cooking on the “Poultry” setting for 12-15 minutes, depending on your chicken’s thickness.

7. Can I freeze the pulled BBQ chicken?

Yes, you can freeze the pulled BBQ chicken for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

8. How do I know when the chicken is done?

The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, and it easily shreds with a fork.

9. Can I use store-bought BBQ sauce?

Yes, store-bought BBQ sauce works perfectly for this recipe, though you can always make your own if you prefer.

10. Can I serve this recipe on something other than buns?

Yes, you can serve it on rice, a baked potato, or even in a lettuce wrap for a low-carb option.

Conclusion

This Pulled BBQ Chicken Crock Pot recipe is a must-try for anyone looking for a flavorful, easy meal. It’s versatile, simple to make, and perfect for busy families or meal prepping for the week ahead. With tender chicken soaked in BBQ sauce, it’s guaranteed to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.