Description
Crock Pot BBQ Pulled Chicken is tender, juicy, and packed with smoky-sweet barbecue flavor. This dump-and-go slow cooker recipe takes just 5 minutes of prep — perfect for sandwiches, tacos, sliders, and easy weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 2½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1½ cups barbecue sauce
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Step: Place the 2½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs) in the bottom of your slow cooker in a single layer.
- Step: In a bowl, whisk together 1½ cups barbecue sauce, 2 tablespoons yellow mustard, ¼ cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, ¾ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper until smooth.
- Step: Pour the sauce over the chicken, turning to coat each piece evenly.
- Step: Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is fork-tender and reaches 165°F.
- Step: Shred the chicken with two forks directly in the sauce and stir to coat. Let it rest 10–15 minutes to soak up the sauce.
- Step: Serve on buns, in tacos, over rice, or however you like. Top with extra sauce or pickles if desired.
Notes
Watery sauce? It’s normal — shredding fixes most of it. If still loose, stir in a slurry of 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon cold water and cook uncovered on HIGH for 10–15 minutes. Thighs stay juicier than breasts and are harder to overcook. Frozen chicken: thaw first for food safety; cook to 165°F. No slow cooker? Stovetop: simmer covered 15–25 min. Oven: bake covered at 350°F for 40–60 min. Cook to 165°F either way. Make spicy: add cayenne, crushed red pepper, or a spicy BBQ sauce.
- Prep Time: PT5M
- Cook Time: PT240M
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 382 kcal
- Sugar: 33 g
- Sodium: 1305 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 39 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 41 g
- Cholesterol: 121 mg
Keywords: Crock Pot BBQ Pulled Chicken, slow cooker chicken, BBQ chicken, easy dinner, shredded chicken