The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken (Easy Pulled Chicken)
Try my Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken for the most delicious, tender, flavorful, easy slow cooker BBQ pulled chicken sandwiches you’ll ever eat!
The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken (Easy Pulled Chicken)
Hey everyone! One of my absolute favorite easy crockpot meals that I’ve been making for my family for years and years is Crockpot BBQ Chicken.
Today I’m so excited to share my simple and delicious recipe for The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken (AKA Pulled Chicken), and it really is SO easy to make.
My recipe uses simple ingredients for a flavorful and delicious homemade BBQ sauce you’ll love.
Even better, this crockpot BBQ chicken is super versatile, freezer-friendly, and is perfect for eating on sandwiches, on pizza, in a wrap or taco, or with a fork by itself.
If you want to learn how to make The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken sandwiches then keep reading below and be sure and check out my step-by-step video tutorial over here.
Don’t forget to subscribe to my Youtube Channel for weekly recipe videos!
The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken
One of the reasons I love this crockpot BBQ chicken so much is the fact that you only need just a handful of ingredients, a Crockpot, and a few basic kitchen tools.
Just throw it in the crockpot and let the cooking magic happen.
- No fancy equipment needed.
- No crazy ingredients.
- This BBQ pulled chicken is just simple and delicious!
Tips for the Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken
1. Use a programmable crock-pot/slow cooker
I love my original old-school crock-pot, but much prefer to use a programmable slow cooker like this nowadays.
It’s so easy to just set the timer/temperature in the morning and then no matter if I’m home or not, it will automatically switch over to warm mode once it’s done cooking.
Plus, I really like that this particular crockpot has a locking lid for easy traveling whenever I want to take this dish to gatherings with family/friends.
2. Use a crockpot liner for easy clean-up
Wanna save time and energy scrubbing your crockpot clean?
Do yourself a favor and grab some of these disposable slow cooker liners.
They’re affordable and super easy to use and make clean up a breeze!
3. Use Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce
For this recipe, I recommend using Sweet Baby Ray’s Honey BBQ.
Combined with the Italian Dressing it gives it the absolute perfect sweet and tangy flavor!
Delicious Ways to Serve Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken
Not only is this slow cooker BBQ chicken delicious for a quick and easy dinner throughout the week or on the weekend, it’s also great for parties and potlucks!
This crockpot BBQ chicken is great for serving on slider buns when making them for a crowd, or you can serve it alongside your favorite sides.
Check out some of our recommended ways to serve it below!
- On a large bun or slider buns for delicious BBQ pulled chicken sandwiches
- On 2-Ingredient Pizza Dough for a delicious BBQ chicken pizza
- On top of a salad for a healthy BBQ chicken salad
- On a tortilla with cheese and lettuce for yummy BBQ pulled chicken tacos
- In yummy BBQ chicken cups topped with cheese
- On top of a baked potato or sweet potato for BBQ chicken baked potatoes
- On top of tortilla chips for BBQ chicken nachos
- Over a bed of rice with sautéed veggies for BBQ chicken rice and veggies
What sides go well with Crockpot BBQ Chicken?
Shredded Crockpot BBQ Chicken is such a classic all-American food and we love eating it with the following:
- Creamy Mac and Cheese
- Buttery, Homemade Biscuits
- Oven Sweet Potatoes
- French Fries
- Potato Chips
- Coleslaw
- Baked Beans
- Grilled corn on the cob
Easy Crockpot BBQ Chicken FAQ’s
What’s the best chicken for crockpot BBQ chicken?
I prefer using boneless skinless chicken breasts, but you can also use boneless chicken thighs or a combo of the two!
What’s the best way to shred chicken?
The chicken in this recipe will be very tender when finished cooking and it’s SO easy to just shred with a couple of large forks.
Another simple method is to use an electric mixer which is quick and easy!
Can you freeze pulled BBQ chicken?
Yes, crockpot BBQ chicken is freezer-friendly and we almost always have leftovers.
You can freeze leftover pulled chicken for up to 3 months in an airtight container or freezer bag.
Can you overcook chicken in a slow cooker?
Unfortunately, yes!
It’s especially easy to do with boneless skinless chicken breasts, and will result in dry/tough chicken.
To avoid this, I recommend following the guidance below and using the recommended cooking times in my recipe card.
How can I avoid overcooking crockpot chicken?
To avoid dry, tough chicken, I recommend cooking your chicken at the lowest time first, and checking it with this instant thermometer.
Chicken should only be cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees F, and it’s quite easy to overcook boneless skinless chicken breast if you’re not careful.
Plus, an instant thermometer is one of my top must-have baking tools and is super helpful to have on hand.
Can I use a different barbecue sauce?
Yes, you can use whatever barbecue sauce is your favorite, just know that it will slightly change the flavor.
We use Sweet Baby Ray’s Honey BBQ for a more sweet flavor, but you can also use a sweet and spicy BBQ sauce for an extra kick, or a more tangy BBQ if you prefer that.
You can also lessen the amount of brown sugar or completely omit if you prefer it less sweet.
How To Make Crockpot BBQ Chicken (AKA Pulled Chicken) – Step by Step
INGREDIENTS FOR CROCKPOT BBQ CHICKEN
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts (with fat trimmed off)
- Barbecue Sauce (our family loves Sweet Baby Ray’s Honey BBQ, but any kind will do)
- Italian Dressing (I use fat-free)
- Worcestershire Sauce
- Light Brown Sugar
- Garlic Powder
- Onion Powder
- Salt
- Black Pepper
RECOMMENDED KITCHEN TOOLS
- Crock Pot Slow Cooker
- Disposable Liners
- Medium Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring Cups
- Magnetic Measuring Spoons
- Instant Thermometer
Step 1:
First liberally spray the inside of a large crockpot or slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray, or for less mess, use one of these awesome disposable liners.
Next, season your trimmed boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder, and place in the bottom of your crockpot.
Step 2:
In a medium size mixing bowl, add barbecue sauce, Italian dressing, light brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Whisk until combined.
Pour mixture evenly over chicken breasts, place the lid on the crockpot, and cook on high for 2.5 – 3 hours or low for 5-6 hours.
To avoid over-cooking, I recommend checking it at the lowest time with this meat thermometer.
The chicken should be cooked to 165 degrees internal temperature.
Step 3:
Once fully cooked, you can either serve whole or use two forks to shred chicken.
I like to shred it right in the crockpot to soak up all the extra chicken marinade and BBQ sauce.
Serve on buns for delicious BBQ pulled chicken sandwiches or serve on pizza, salad, tacos, nachos, over rice, or by itself.
Crockpot BBQ Chicken Storage Tips
To Store:
Leftover shredded crockpot BBQ chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
To Freeze:
Place leftover shredded crockpot BBQ Chicken in an airtight freezer-safe container or Ziploc bag and freeze for up to 3 months.
If desired, you can freeze smaller portions for quick and easy lunches/dinners. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and then re-heat via stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until warm.
To Re-heat:
Chicken can be reheated in individual servings in the microwave or you can heat it all at once in a pot on the stove over medium heat.
The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken (Easy Pulled Chicken)
Try my Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken for the most delicious, tender, flavorful, easy slow cooker BBQ pulled chicken sandwiches you’ll ever eat!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 2.5 hours
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 8-10 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker Crockpot
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, with fat trimmed off
- 1 1/4 cup barbecue sauce (We love sweet Baby Ray’s Honey BBQ)
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing (I use this fat-free one)
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar (can reduce to 1/8 cup or omit if you prefer it less sweet)
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- First liberally spray the inside of a large crockpot or slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray, or for less mess, use one of these awesome disposable liners.
- Next, season your trimmed boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder, and place in the bottom of your crockpot.
- In a medium size mixing bowl, add barbecue sauce, Italian dressing, light brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Whisk until combined.
- Pour mixture evenly over chicken breasts, place the lid on the crockpot, and cook on high for 2.5-3 hours or low for 5-6 hours.
- Use this meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked to 165 degrees internal temperature.
- Once fully cooked, you can either serve whole or use two forks to shred chicken. I like to shred it right in the crockpot to soak up all the extra chicken marinade and BBQ sauce.
- Serve on buns for delicious BBQ pulled chicken sandwiches or serve on pizza, salad, tacos, nachos, over rice, or by itself. Enjoy!
Notes
To Store: Leftover shredded crockpot BBQ chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
To Freeze: Place leftover shredded crockpot BBQ Chicken in an airtight freezer-safe container or Ziploc bag and freeze for up to 3 months. If desired, you can freeze smaller portions for quick and easy lunches/dinners. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and then re-heat via stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until warm.
To Re-heat: Chicken can be reheated in individual servings in the microwave or you can heat it all at once in a pot on the stove over medium heat.
Popular Chicken Recipes You’ll Love:
- Easy Chicken and Stuffing Casserole
- Slow Cooker Honey Sesame Chicken
- Oven Baked Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs
- Easy Cajun Chicken Alfredo Pasta
Hope you enjoyed today’s recipe for my Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken recipe! Do you love shredded BBQ chicken too? Let me know in the comments below!
Thanks for stopping by! – Cara
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This was fantastic! I subbed Caesar dressing because I didn’t have Italian on hand. Definitely adding it to my rotation!
Thank you! That sounds great!
This is my favorite recipe in the whole world. I made it last year when I was pregnant and too exhausted to put effort into anything. It amazes me that it’s so fast and easy and so so good. I’ve made it many times but I always add a little extra bbq sauce because one time when I made it it was a little dry, so I might’ve had too much chicken. But when it’s saucy it is soooo delicious. I share this post with everyone on FB who asks for recipe recommendations. So thankful I found this, it’s made my life easier.
Thanks, Kim! I’m so glad you love it too!
Loved this recipe! Even my 1year old loved it , I used breast and thighs because that’s what I had in my fridge and this will be a staple !
Thanks, Brenna!
I followed the same recipe instructions and change the sauce and it turned out so delicious!!!
Thanks, Lucia!
Sounds delish but was wondering if I use Sweet Baby Rays Sweet and Spicy BBQ sauce should I keep all other ingredients the same? Would it taste same as your recipe but with a kick?
Yes, it will taste great with that swap! Hope you enjoy it!
I gave this recipe to my daughter to make for our family dinner night. We liked it so much I’m making it again today. Thinking of leaving the chicken whole this time. This is an excellent BBQ chicken. I will recommend to all my friends.! Thank you for sharing ❤️
Thanks Lisa! I’m so glad you all enjoyed it!
This was way better than pulled chicken recipes I’ve had before! I never would have thought of Italian dressing. I tripled the recipe for a party. It made enough sauce to set some aside, which is good because I hate thin, watery sauce. When chicken was done I removed it, ditched the juices, put chicken back in with the thick, yummy sauce I had set aside. (Just because I’m picky!) But the recipe itself I followed exactly, though I didn’t triple the Worchestershire sauce bc it smelled pretty strong. Make this!
Thanks Kristen! So glad you enjoyed it!
This is the best BBQ Pulled Chicken we have ever had. Better than any restaurant or other recipes I have tried.
Thank you so much for the recipe!
You’re very welcome, Judy! Thank you for the kind comment and 5 star rating!
Could I use dry Italian seasoning (the packet)? Thank you!
Yes, simply follow the instructions on the back of the packet and prepare as a dressing, and add to the chicken mixture.
Did this in the instapot on high for the slow cook option for 2.5 hours and cooked to perfection! Tasted like restaurant bbq chicken
Thanks so much, Kailey!
What is the nutrition info for this?
Hi Courtney! You should be able to put the link to this recipe in the myfitnesspal app and it can easily calculate that for you.
Made this several times, turned out perfect every time! Love this recipe. Thank you!!
So glad you enjoy it, Rose! You’re most welcome.
I can’t wait to try this recipe it sounds amazing. I’ll let you know how it is after I make it.
Hope you enjoy it!
Making this tonight! My store gave me tenders instead of breasts in my grocery order, can they be used instead?
Yes, that should be just fine.
Can you use chicken thighs instead?
Yes my husband loves it when I make it with thighs because he says they’re more tender. Or you can do half of each. It’s yummy either way!
Added some spicy BBQ to make it sweet and spicy!! Delicious 👍
Sounds great! Thanks, Frank!
I thought Worcestershire had gluten. Is there a gluten free Worcestershire sauce? Thank you for letting me know!
Lea & Perrin’s is gluten-free as far as I’m aware. It’s always good to check the labels just in case though.
So good! Made tonight for Sunday family dinner and was perfect after a day of soccer in the sun!! A new staple for sure!!
Thank you, Sarah! Glad you and your family enjoyed it!
Would this still turn out if I don’t use Italian dressing? Or is there another substitute I could use instead?
It won’t taste the same, but yes you can technically still make it without. That said, if you omit the Italian dressing I wouldn’t recommend adding the brown sugar – otherwise it might be too sweet (depending on what type of bbq sauce you use). Hope that helps!
Made this last night and it was amazing. We both went back for seconds. I added some red cayenne to add some spice and it was delicious
So glad you enjoyed it – thank you!
If you double it, how much do you need to adjust the time?
It generally should take around the same amount of time although it might need 30 minutes – 1 hour longer, depending on the size of your crockpot.
I never would have thought of the Worcestershire sauce and the Italian dressing. They made it so good!
Thanks, Lisa! So glad you enjoyed it!
Do I have to use brown sugar? What can I substitute it with if I don’t have it in my pantry?
Hi Mary – you can use honey, maple syrup, or even just granulated sugar. It will taste slightly different but still be delicious.
I just started cooking and this is the first recipe that I am ever cooking in my crock pot. Does the chicken have to be thawed prior to going into the crockpot or can it be frozen?
I recommend it being thawed. Hope you enjoy it!
I have a question I only have 3 1/2 hours to cook this and if I cook it on high is the barbecue sauce going to burn? How should I handle this?
No, it won’t burn. You can cook it either on high for 3-4 hours or low for 5-6 hours. Enjoy!