When life gets busy, there’s nothing better than a simple, delicious meal that practically cooks itself. This BBQ Pulled Chicken in the Crockpot is exactly that—a flavorful, easy-to-make meal that will have your family begging for more. Whether you’re looking for a BBQ Chicken Crockpot Easy recipe or craving BBQ Shredded Chicken Crock Pot, this recipe is one of the best Crockpot BBQ chicken dishes out there.
With just a few simple ingredients, you can have BBQ Crockpot Chicken that’s tender, juicy, and ready to be served as Pulled BBQ Chicken Sandwiches or even over rice. It’s a perfect dish for busy weekdays or when you’re looking for pulled chicken recipes with minimal effort. Plus, with the help of your slow cooker, you get shredded chicken Crockpot perfection without the hassle of standing over the stove.

This BBQ Pulled Chicken recipe is a must-try if you love Crockpot BBQ recipes or Crockpot Pulled Chicken. It’s one of those Crockpot favorites that you’ll keep coming back to, whether you’re making a simple dinner or a crowd-pleasing meal for your next BBQ. Ready to dig in? Let’s get started!
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Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken: A Simple, Delicious Meal You’ll Love
If you’re anything like me, you’re always looking for ways to make dinner easier without sacrificing flavor. Life gets busy—whether it’s work, school, or just trying to keep everything in balance—and the last thing you want to do is spend hours in the kitchen. That’s where this Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken comes in. It’s the perfect meal for when you want something tasty but don’t have a lot of time to prep.
Check out Air Fryer Chicken recipes:
- Air Fryer Chicken Wings Recipe
- Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings
- Air Fryer Ranch Chicken Wings
- Homemade Air Fryer Chicken Buffalo Wings
- Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Wings
- Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Wings
- Air Fryer Cajun Chicken Wings Recipe
- Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Wings
- Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken Wings
- Air Fryer Hawaiian-Style Chicken Wings
- Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings
Check out for Crockpot versions below:
- Crockpot Honey Chipotle Chicken Wings
- Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken Wings
- Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken Wings Recipe
- Easy Crockpot Honey Chicken Wings
This recipe has become one of my go-to meals. It’s so easy to make, and the chicken comes out so tender and flavorful. The BBQ sauce makes everything taste amazing, and the best part? The crockpot does all the hard work for you.
What You Need:

- 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (thighs make it extra juicy!)
- 1 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 cup of chicken broth or water (just to help keep it moist)
- 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar (this adds a nice tang!)
- 1 tablespoon of brown sugar (for a little sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika (for that smoky flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Optional: hamburger buns, coleslaw, pickles, or serve it over rice if you’re craving something different!
Step-by-Step Directions
Prep the Chicken
First, grab your chicken and place it in the bottom of your crockpot. Don’t worry about it being perfect—just lay it all in there. Sprinkle salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder over the chicken. You want to make sure the chicken is coated with all those yummy spices.
Mix Up the Sauce

In a small bowl, mix together your BBQ sauce, chicken broth (or water), apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar. Stir it up until everything’s well combined. Pour that sauce over the chicken in the crockpot. Make sure every piece of chicken gets a nice coat of sauce.
Let the Crockpot Do the Work
Now, cover the crockpot with its lid. Set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The longer it cooks, the more tender and flavorful the chicken will be. Go do whatever you need to do, and let the magic happen.
Shred the Chicken

Once the chicken is cooked and it looks like it’s falling apart, take two forks and shred it right in the crockpot. It’s gonna be so tender! Stir everything around so the shredded chicken soaks up all the BBQ sauce.
Serve and Enjoy
Now it’s time to eat! You can pile the shredded chicken onto hamburger buns for a classic BBQ sandwich. If you’re looking for something lighter, serve it over rice or with a side of coleslaw. Add pickles or any other toppings you like. Trust me, it’s delicious no matter how you serve it!
Why This Recipe is a Winner
This Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken is a total life-saver. It’s easy, it’s quick (well, it’s slow-cooked, but you don’t have to do much), and it tastes amazing. You can use your favorite BBQ sauce, so it’s totally customizable. Plus, it’s perfect for leftovers. You can turn it into tacos, wraps, or even throw it on a pizza.
I love how simple and tasty this dish is, and I hope you do too. It’s one of those meals that makes you feel good, even when you don’t have the time or energy to cook. Let me know how it turns out for you—there’s just something so satisfying about a meal that does all the hard work for you!
You can purchase the crockpot here: Crock-Pot 6 Quart Cook & Carry Programmable Slow Cooker with Digital Timer, Stainless Steel (CPSCVC60LL-S)
FAQs for Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken
1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just make sure to cook it on low for 7-8 hours instead of 6-7 hours to ensure it cooks thoroughly. It might take a little longer to reach the right tenderness, but the crockpot will still work its magic.
2. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are actually a great choice for BBQ pulled chicken. They’re juicier and more flavorful, making the chicken even more tender when shredded.
3. Can I make this recipe spicy?
Yes! To add some heat, try adding a bit of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the sauce. You can also use a spicy BBQ sauce or add jalapeños for an extra kick!
4. How do I store leftovers?
Leftover BBQ pulled chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months. Just reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a little extra BBQ sauce to keep it moist.
5. Can I cook this on the stovetop instead of the Crockpot?
While the Crockpot makes this recipe super easy, you can also cook the chicken on the stovetop. Simply simmer the chicken with the sauce for about 45 minutes to an hour until it’s tender enough to shred.
6. What can I serve with BBQ pulled chicken?
This BBQ pulled chicken is perfect with hamburger buns for sandwiches, slider rolls for smaller bites, or even served over rice for a lighter meal. It also pairs wonderfully with coleslaw or a simple salad for a fresh crunch.
7. How do I make this recipe into BBQ Chicken Sliders?
For BBQ chicken sliders, simply use smaller buns or slider rolls. Pile the shredded BBQ pulled chicken onto the buns and top with coleslaw, pickles, or any toppings you like. These make for a great appetizer or game-day snack.
8. Can I double this recipe?
Yes! You can double the recipe if you’re feeding a crowd. Just make sure you have a large enough Crockpot to hold all the ingredients. The cook time will stay the same; just keep an eye on it to make sure the chicken cooks through.
9. Can I add vegetables to the crockpot?
If you’d like to add some veggies, you can toss in sliced onions, bell peppers, or carrots. Just make sure they’re cut into larger pieces, so they don’t cook down too much during the long cooking time.
10. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe can be made gluten-free! Just be sure to use a gluten-free BBQ sauce and check the labels for any other ingredients that might contain gluten.
If you’re looking for a hassle-free, flavorful meal that everyone will love, this BBQ Pulled Chicken recipe is exactly what you need. With just a few simple ingredients, the Barbecue Chicken Crock Pot does all the work for you, turning basic chicken into a tender, saucy masterpiece. Whether you’re making BBQ Shredded Chicken Crock Pot or serving up some tasty BBQ Chicken Sliders Instant Pot, this recipe is versatile and can be adapted to fit your needs.
BBQ Pulled Chicken Recipe Card

Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup BBQ sauce your favorite brand or homemade
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional for serving:
- Hamburger buns or slider rolls
- Coleslaw
- Pickles
Instructions
Prep the Chicken:
- Place the chicken in the bottom of the crockpot. Season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Make the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, mix BBQ sauce, chicken broth (or water), apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar. Pour the sauce over the chicken in the crockpot.
Cook:
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shreds.
Shred the Chicken:
- Using two forks, shred the chicken in the crockpot. Stir the chicken to coat it in the sauce.
Serve:
- Serve the pulled chicken on buns with coleslaw and pickles, or over rice for a lighter meal.
Notes
- For a sweeter BBQ sauce, add a little more brown sugar.
- You can substitute chicken thighs for extra juiciness and flavor.
- Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze for later!
For the Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken, look no further—this is one of those Crockpot favorites that will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. It’s a perfect dish for busy weeknights, weekend gatherings, or whenever you crave that smoky, tangy flavor.
From Crockpot Pulled BBQ Chicken sandwiches to Pulled Chicken and Coleslaw on a bun, the possibilities are endless. Whether you’re making Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken or a Crockpot Pulled Chicken dinner, you’ll find yourself returning to this easy BBQ chicken recipe time and time again.
So, grab your Crockpot, and get ready for a meal that’s both delicious and effortless. With BBQ Crockpot Chicken recipes like this, you can enjoy a flavorful meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
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