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slow cooker pulled chicken 1

Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken

This slow cooker pulled chicken recipe transforms ordinary chicken breasts into mouthwatering, sauce-infused meat that's perfect for sandwiches, sliders, or as a protein-packed topping for salads and baked potatoes. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, it's a foolproof way to create restaurant-quality BBQ in your own kitchen.
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Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, BBQ
Keyword: Pulled Chicken, BBQ Chicken, Slow Cooker Chicken, Crockpot Chicken, Easy Dinner
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 285kcal

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Whisk
  • Two Forks (for shredding)

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for extra juiciness
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce store-bought or homemade
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth can substitute with water or apple juice
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar honey or maple syrup work too
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar white vinegar or lemon juice can be alternatives
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika regular paprika with a drop of liquid smoke works in a pinch
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  • Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker in a single layer for optimal flavor absorption.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce, chicken broth, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  • Pour the BBQ mixture over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well-coated. Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 7-8 hours.
  • Once the chicken is cooked through and tender (internal temperature should reach 165°F), transfer to a cutting board and shred using two forks.
  • Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir well to combine with the sauce. Let it cook for an additional 15-20 minutes on low to allow the chicken to absorb more flavor.
  • Serve on buns for sandwiches, in sliders, over baked potatoes, in wraps, or however you prefer.

Notes

For meal prep, portion into individual containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
If using frozen chicken, add an additional 30 minutes to your cooking time and ensure it reaches 165°F internal temperature.
For a healthier version, use sugar-free BBQ sauce and monk fruit sweetener instead of brown sugar.

Nutrition

Calories: 285kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 32g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 96mg | Sodium: 620mg | Potassium: 550mg | Fiber: 0.5g | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 150IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 30mg | Iron: 1.2mg
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