Description
This Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken recipe is a simple and flavorful dish perfect for busy days. Tender chicken breasts are slow-cooked with a tangy, smoky BBQ sauce and a blend of spices, then shredded and simmered to soak up all the delicious flavors. Ideal for sandwiches, rice bowls, or a hearty main course, it offers a hands-off cooking experience with a satisfying, home-cooked result.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken & Sauce
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Spices & Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Place Chicken in Slow Cooker: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into the slow cooker in an even layer.
- Add BBQ Sauce: Pour the BBQ sauce over the chicken breasts, making sure they are well covered on all sides.
- Add Chicken Broth: Pour the chicken broth around the chicken breasts in the slow cooker to add moisture and help cooking.
- Sprinkle Brown Sugar: Evenly sprinkle the brown sugar on top of the chicken and sauce mixture.
- Add Apple Cider Vinegar: Pour the apple cider vinegar into the slow cooker to add a slight tangy flavor.
- Add Garlic Powder: Sprinkle garlic powder evenly over the chicken and sauce.
- Add Onion Powder: Add onion powder and spread it evenly across the top.
- Add Smoked Paprika: Sprinkle smoked paprika over the chicken for a smoky depth.
- Season with Salt and Pepper: Season the mixture evenly with salt and black pepper to enhance the flavors.
- Cover and Cook: Place the lid on the slow cooker securely.
- Slow Cook the Chicken: Set the slow cooker to low heat and cook for 6 to 7 hours, or until the chicken is tender and can be easily shredded with a fork.
- Remove Chicken: Carefully remove the fully cooked chicken breasts from the slow cooker and place them on a large plate or cutting board.
- Shred the Chicken: Using two forks, shred the chicken into small pieces until thoroughly pulled apart.
- Return Shredded Chicken: Put the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker and stir it into the remaining sauce to soak up the flavors.
- Let it Sit: Allow the shredded chicken to sit in the sauce for an additional 10 minutes on low to absorb more flavor.
- Serve: Serve the flavorful pulled chicken on hamburger buns, over rice, or with your favorite side dishes.
Notes
- Use a good quality BBQ sauce that suits your taste preference, whether smoky, sweet, or spicy.
- Adjust the seasoning with more or less salt and pepper according to your taste.
- For a thicker sauce, you can cook the shredded chicken uncovered on low for another 15-20 minutes to reduce excess liquid.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Serve with coleslaw for a classic pulled chicken sandwich option.
