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Crock Pot BBQ Pulled Chicken Recipe

Crock Pot BBQ Pulled Chicken

5 from 4 votes
Author: Laurie Fleming
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings

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, your favorite brand
  • 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

  • Place the 2½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs) in the bottom of your slow cooker in a single layer.
  • 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.
  • Pour the sauce over the chicken, turning to coat each piece evenly.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Serve on buns, in tacos, over rice, or however you like. Top with extra sauce or pickles if desired.

Equipment

  • Slow cooker / Crock Pot (4–6 quart)
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Two forks (for shredding)
  • Tongs

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 (USDA recommendation); 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.

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 382kcalCarbohydrates: 39gProtein: 41gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.02gCholesterol: 121mgSodium: 1305mgPotassium: 908mgFiber: 1gSugar: 33gVitamin A: 386IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 48mgIron: 1mg