why make this recipe
Crockpot BBQ Chicken is one of the easiest and most delicious meals you can prepare. It’s perfect for busy days when you want a homemade meal without the fuss. Just toss the ingredients in the crockpot, set the timer, and let it do the work for you. This recipe yields tender, flavorful pulled chicken that is versatile and satisfying. Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering or need a simple dinner idea, this dish is a crowd-pleaser.
how to make The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken (Easy Pulled Chicken)
Ingredients :
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, with fat trimmed off
- 1 1/4 cup barbecue sauce (We love Sweet Baby Ray’s Honey BBQ)
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing (I use this fat-free one)
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar (can reduce to 1/8 cup or omit if you prefer it less sweet)
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Directions :
- First, liberally spray the inside of a large crockpot or slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray. For less mess, use one of these awesome disposable liners.
- Season your trimmed boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Place them in the bottom of your crockpot.
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the barbecue sauce, Italian dressing, light brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Whisk until well mixed.
- 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.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees.
- Once fully cooked, you can serve the chicken whole or use two forks to shred it. Shredding in the crockpot allows the chicken to soak up all the extra marinade and BBQ sauce.
- Serve on buns for tasty BBQ pulled chicken sandwiches or enjoy on pizza, salad, tacos, nachos, over rice, or by itself. Enjoy!
how to serve The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken (Easy Pulled Chicken)
This pulled chicken is great on its own or used in various dishes. Serve it on hamburger buns with coleslaw for a classic BBQ sandwich. You can also toss it in a salad for extra protein, use it as a topping for nachos, or add it to tacos for a fun twist. The possibilities are endless!
how to store The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken (Easy Pulled Chicken)
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It should be good for about 3-4 days. You can also freeze the shredded chicken for up to 3 months. Just make sure to label the container, so you know what it is when you’re ready to use it.
tips to make The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken (Easy Pulled Chicken)
- For a spicier kick, add some cayenne pepper or your favorite hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
- You can use any barbecue sauce you prefer, depending on your taste.
- If you’re short on time, you can skip the browning of the chicken and go straight into the crockpot.
- Consider adding chopped onions or bell peppers for extra flavor and texture.
variation
You can customize this recipe by using different meats such as pork or turkey. For a low-carb version, skip the brown sugar and serve the chicken over cauliflower rice.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but the cooking time may need to be increased. Make sure they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees.
Can I use a different type of barbecue sauce?
Absolutely! Feel free to use any barbecue sauce that you like. Different flavors will give the chicken a unique twist.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165 degrees. This ensures the chicken is safe to eat and perfectly cooked.
Crockpot BBQ Chicken
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 180 minutes
- Total Time: 190 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Paleo
Description
A simple and delicious recipe for Crockpot BBQ Chicken that yields tender pulled chicken perfect for sandwiches or various dishes.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, trimmed
- 1 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Spray the inside of a large crockpot with non-stick cooking spray.
- Season the chicken with salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Place in the bottom of the crockpot.
- Combine the barbecue sauce, Italian dressing, light brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce in a bowl. Whisk until well mixed.
- Pour the mixture over the chicken breasts.
- Cover and cook on high for 2.5-3 hours or low for 5-6 hours.
- Check that the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees.
- Shred the chicken in the crockpot to soak up the extra sauce.
- Serve on buns or enjoy in various dishes.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Can freeze for up to 3 months. For extra flavor, add cayenne pepper or use different barbecue sauces.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg