BBQ Pulled Chicken: The Ultimate Slow Cooker Recipe

This BBQ pulled chicken recipe is your ticket to the most tender, juicy, and flavorful shredded chicken you’ve ever had. Made effortlessly in the slow cooker, this dump-and-go meal is perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or game-day feasts. Forget complicated steps; this recipe is all about minimal effort and maximum flavor, creating delicious sandwiches, tacos, or salads that everyone will love.

We’re using a simple homemade spice rub to build a deep flavor base before smothering the chicken in your favorite BBQ sauce. The slow cooker does all the hard work, gently cooking the chicken until it’s fall-apart tender and incredibly moist. Get ready to make your new favorite comfort food!

Why You’ll Love This BBQ Pulled Chicken Recipe

• Incredibly Easy: With just a few minutes of prep time, this is a true “dump-and-go” meal. The slow cooker handles everything else!
• Packed with Flavor: A simple yet powerful combination of a savory spice rub and smoky BBQ sauce creates an irresistible taste.
• Perfectly Tender & Juicy: Slow cooking guarantees perfectly tender chicken that shreds with a fork.
• Super Versatile: Serve it on buns for classic sandwiches, in tortillas for tacos, over rice, or on top of a fresh salad. The possibilities are endless. For another super simple slow cooker meal, try this dump-and-go buffalo chicken.

The Key Ingredients for Perfect Pulled Chicken

The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You only need a handful of pantry staples to create unforgettable BBQ pulled chicken.

For the Chicken:

• Chicken: I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Thighs will yield a slightly more moist and flavorful result due to their higher fat content, but breasts work wonderfully and are a leaner option.
• Yellow Onion: Thinly sliced onion creates a fragrant base that infuses the chicken with flavor as it cooks.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds a pungent, aromatic depth that complements the smoky BBQ sauce.

For the BBQ Spice Rub & Sauce:

• Brown Sugar: Adds a touch of molasses-rich sweetness to balance the spices.
• Smoked Paprika: This is the secret to a deep, smoky flavor without any liquid smoke.
• Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: These provide a foundational savory flavor.
• Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken properly.
• BBQ Sauce: The star of the show! Use your favorite brand. Whether you prefer sweet, smoky, or spicy, choose a high-quality sauce for the best results.

How to Make BBQ Pulled Chicken (Step-by-Step)

Making this crockpot BBQ chicken couldn’t be simpler. Just follow these easy steps for perfect results every time.

1. Prepare the Spice Rub: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly distributed.
2. Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Rub the spice mixture generously over all sides of the chicken breasts or thighs.
3. Load the Slow Cooker: Place the sliced onions and minced garlic in the bottom of your slow cooker. Arrange the seasoned chicken on top of the onions.
4. Add the Sauce: Pour your favorite BBQ sauce over the chicken, ensuring it’s fully coated.
5. Cook Low and Slow: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken is done when it’s cooked through and easily shreds with a fork.
6. Shred and Serve: Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and place it on a large cutting board. Use two forks to shred the meat. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir it into the sauce. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to soak up all the delicious juices before serving.

Expert Tips for the Best Results

While this recipe is incredibly straightforward, a few pro tips can elevate your BBQ pulled chicken from great to absolutely spectacular.

• Don’t Overcook: Chicken breasts can become dry if overcooked. Start checking for doneness at the lower end of the cooking time range.
• Thighs for Flavor: For the most tender and flavorful pulled chicken, use boneless, skinless chicken thighs.
• Easy Shredding: For ultra-fast shredding, you can use a hand mixer or a stand mixer with the paddle attachment. Just be sure to do it on low speed to avoid over-shredding!
• Toast Your Buns: If you’re making sandwiches, lightly butter and toast the buns. This adds a fantastic texture and prevents them from getting soggy. If you love one-pan meals, check out this creamy tomato chicken pasta.

Serving Suggestions

The beauty of BBQ pulled chicken is its versatility. Here are some of our favorite ways to serve it:

• Classic Sandwiches: Pile high on a toasted brioche bun with a scoop of creamy coleslaw and a few pickles.
• Loaded Potatoes: Spoon the pulled chicken over a baked potato or a baked sweet potato and top with cheese, sour cream, and green onions.
• Flavorful Tacos: Serve in warm tortillas with your favorite taco toppings like shredded lettuce, pico de gallo, and cotija cheese.
• BBQ Chicken Nachos: Spread over tortilla chips, cover with cheese, and bake until bubbly. Top with jalapeños and a dollop of sour cream.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover BBQ pulled chicken is fantastic for meal prep. Here’s how to store and reheat it properly:

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Allow the chicken to cool completely, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: The best way to reheat pulled chicken is on the stovetop over medium-low heat. You may need to add a splash of water or extra BBQ sauce to keep it moist. You can also reheat it in the microwave in 30-second intervals until warmed through.

a

What kind of chicken is best for pulled chicken?

Both boneless, skinless chicken breasts and thighs work well. Thighs are recommended for the most tender and moist results due to their higher fat content, but breasts are a great leaner option.

a

How do you know when pulled chicken is done?

The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is tender enough to be easily shredded with a fork. It should fall apart with minimal effort.

a

Can I use frozen chicken in the slow cooker?

For food safety reasons, it is not recommended to cook chicken from frozen in a slow cooker. The slow heating time can allow bacteria to grow. Always thaw your chicken completely in the refrigerator before cooking.

a

What goes on a BBQ pulled chicken sandwich?

A classic BBQ pulled chicken sandwich is delicious on a toasted brioche bun, often topped with creamy coleslaw and dill pickle slices. You can also add sliced red onion or jalapeños for extra crunch and heat.

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How can I make my pulled chicken more flavorful?

To boost the flavor, always start with a dry spice rub, as included in this recipe. Additionally, after shredding the chicken, let it sit in the sauce in the slow cooker for at least 10 minutes to absorb all the juices.

Save This Delicious Recipe!

This slow cooker BBQ pulled chicken is a guaranteed winner for any occasion. It’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again for its simplicity and incredible flavor. If you make it, we’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment below, and don’t forget to save this recipe to your favorite board on Pinterest!

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BBQ Pulled Chicken: The Ultimate Slow Cooker Recipe

This BBQ pulled chicken is the ultimate slow cooker recipe! It's incredibly easy to make with just a few simple ingredients, resulting in the most tender, juicy, and flavorful shredded chicken for sandwiches, tacos, and more.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 4 hours hrs

Total Time 4 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Servings: 8 people

Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 315

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x?

• 2.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 yellow onion thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar packed
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 18 oz BBQ sauce your favorite brand

Equipment

• 1 Slow Cooker A 6-quart slow cooker is recommended.
• 1 Small Bowl

Method

 

1. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
2. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Rub the spice mixture generously over all sides of the chicken.
3. Place the sliced onions and minced garlic in the bottom of your slow cooker. Arrange the seasoned chicken on top.
4. Pour the BBQ sauce over the chicken. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
5. Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to combine with the sauce. Let it absorb the sauce for 10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 315kcalProtein: 38gFat: 6gFiber: 1g

Notes

Easy Shredding Tip: Use a hand mixer on low speed directly in the slow cooker (after removing most of the liquid) to shred the chicken in seconds.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Keyword bbq pulled chicken,crockpot pulled chicken,slow cooker chicken

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