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Slow Cooker Pulled BBQ Chicken Recipe

This slow cooker pulled BBQ chicken recipe delivers juicy, tender shredded chicken infused with smoky, tangy barbecue flavors. Perfect for sandwiches, tacos, salads, and more, this effortless dish is great for meal prep and family dinners. Let your slow cooker do the work while you enjoy a mouthwatering, easy-to-make meal!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 to 3 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for extra juiciness)
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce homemade or store-bought
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder optional, for spice

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

  • Trim any excess fat from the chicken breasts or thighs.

Step 2: Mix the BBQ Sauce & Seasonings

  • In a bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and all the seasonings.

Step 3: Add Ingredients to the Slow Cooker

  • Place the chicken in the slow cooker and pour the BBQ sauce mixture over the top, ensuring the chicken is well coated.

Step 4: Slow Cook

  • Low setting: Cook for 6-7 hours.
  • High setting: Cook for 3-4 hours.

Step 5: Shred the Chicken

  • Once the chicken is fully cooked, use two forks to shred it directly in the slow cooker. Stir to ensure it absorbs all the flavorful sauce.

Step 6: Let It Sit & Serve

  • Allow the shredded chicken to sit in the sauce for 15-20 minutes before serving. Serve on buns, tacos, salads, or baked potatoes!

Notes

  • For extra juiciness: Use chicken thighs instead of breasts.
  • Saucy chicken: Add extra BBQ sauce after shredding if desired.
  • Storage: Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Reheating: Warm in the microwave, stovetop, or slow cooker with a splash of broth or BBQ sauce.
  • Variations:
  • Spicy: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
  • Sweet BBQ: Stir in honey.
  • Buffalo BBQ: Mix in buffalo sauce.