Slow Cooker Pulled BBQ Chicken Recipe Easy Perfect Weeknight Meal
A simple, comforting slow cooker pulled BBQ chicken recipe that is perfect for easy weeknight dinners. Tender chicken breasts slow-cooked in a smoky, tangy barbecue sauce, ideal for sandwiches, bowls, or tacos.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-7 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes to 7 hours 10 minutes (low) or 3 hours 10 minutes to 4 hours 10 minutes (high)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (240 ml)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Rinse and pat dry 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Place them in the slow cooker in a single layer.
- In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup barbecue sauce, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon hot sauce if desired. Stir well to blend all flavors.
- Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Use a spoon to coat the chicken well but not swimming in sauce.
- Cover and set the slow cooker to low for 6-7 hours, or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shredded with a fork. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking.
- Use two forks or tongs to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker. Stir the shredded chicken into the sauce to coat completely.
- If the sauce is too thin, turn the slow cooker to high and cook uncovered for 15-20 minutes to thicken. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve the pulled BBQ chicken on toasted buns, over rice, or with your favorite sides.
Notes
For a gluten-free option, ensure BBQ sauce is gluten-free. Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for richer flavor and juiciness. If sauce is watery after cooking, cook uncovered on high for 15 minutes to thicken. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat gently with a splash of water or BBQ sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 4 ounces (115g
- Calories: 275
- Sugar: 8
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 5
- Saturated Fat: 1
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Fiber: 0.5
- Protein: 30
Keywords: slow cooker, pulled chicken, BBQ chicken, easy dinner, weeknight meal, barbecue sauce, crockpot recipe, pulled chicken sandwiches