Are you looking for a mouth-watering, fall-apart BBQ pulled chicken recipe that’s incredibly easy to make? Look no further. This slow cooker BBQ pulled chicken recipe is perfect for busy days, potlucks, or family gatherings. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll have a deliciously tender and flavorful dish that’s sure to impress.
Why Use a Slow Cooker for BBQ Pulled Chicken?
Using a slow cooker for BBQ pulled chicken is a game-changer. Not only does it save you time and effort, but it also ensures that your chicken is cooked to perfection. The low heat and moisture of the slow cooker break down the connective tissues in the chicken, making it tender and juicy. Plus, the slow cooker allows the flavors to meld together, creating a rich and tangy BBQ sauce that’s infused into every bite of the chicken.
Benefits of Using a Slow Cooker
There are several benefits to using a slow cooker for BBQ pulled chicken:
- Convenience: Simply add all the ingredients to the slow cooker and let it do the work for you.
- Tender and juicy chicken: The low heat and moisture of the slow cooker ensure that the chicken is cooked to perfection.
- Rich and tangy BBQ sauce: The slow cooker allows the flavors to meld together, creating a deliciously rich and tangy BBQ sauce.
- Easy to serve: Simply shred the chicken with two forks and serve on a bun, with some crispy onions and pickles on top.
Ingredients and Equipment Needed
To make this delicious slow cooker BBQ pulled chicken recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients and equipment:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 hamburger buns
- Coleslaw, for serving
- Pickles, for serving
- Slow cooker
- Two forks, for shredding the chicken
Optional Ingredients
If you want to add some extra flavor to your BBQ pulled chicken, you can try adding some of the following ingredients:
- 1/4 cup chopped onions
- 1/4 cup chopped bell peppers
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
Making slow cooker BBQ pulled chicken is incredibly easy. Here’s a step-by-step guide to follow:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Rinse the chicken breasts and pat them dry with paper towels. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Step 2: Add the Chicken to the Slow Cooker
Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Pour in the chicken broth, BBQ sauce, and brown sugar. Stir to combine.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Cook the chicken on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken
After the chicken is cooked, use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces.
Step 5: Serve
Serve the BBQ pulled chicken on hamburger buns, topped with coleslaw, pickles, and any other toppings you like.
Tips and Variations
Here are some tips and variations to help you make the most of your slow cooker BBQ pulled chicken recipe:
- Use a variety of BBQ sauces: Try using different types of BBQ sauce, such as Kansas City-style or Carolina-style, to give your pulled chicken a unique flavor.
- Add some heat: If you like spicy food, add some diced jalapenos or serrano peppers to the slow cooker for an extra kick.
- Try different types of chicken: You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or chicken breasts for this recipe.
- Make it a sandwich bar: Set up a sandwich bar with different toppings, such as coleslaw, pickles, and crispy onions, and let everyone create their own BBQ pulled chicken sandwich.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are some common mistakes to avoid when making slow cooker BBQ pulled chicken:
- Overcooking the chicken: Make sure to cook the chicken until it’s tender and juicy, but not overcooked.
- Not shredding the chicken enough: Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces, so it’s easy to eat.
- Not serving with toppings: Serve the BBQ pulled chicken with some crispy onions, pickles, and coleslaw to add some extra flavor and texture.
Conclusion
Slow cooker BBQ pulled chicken is a deliciously easy recipe that’s perfect for busy days, potlucks, or family gatherings. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll have a tender and flavorful dish that’s sure to impress. Try adding some extra flavor with different types of BBQ sauce, diced jalapenos, or crispy onions. And don’t forget to serve with some coleslaw, pickles, and other toppings to make it a sandwich bar.
What is the best type of chicken to use for slow cooker BBQ pulled chicken?
The best type of chicken to use for slow cooker BBQ pulled chicken is boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Chicken breasts will yield a leaner pulled chicken, while thighs will be juicier and more tender. You can also use a combination of both breasts and thighs for a mix of textures.
It’s essential to choose boneless and skinless chicken to ensure that the meat cooks evenly and is easy to shred. You can also use chicken tenderloins or chicken breast tenderloins, but breasts and thighs are the most popular choices. Avoid using bone-in chicken, as it may not cook evenly and can be difficult to shred.
How long does it take to cook slow cooker BBQ pulled chicken?
The cooking time for slow cooker BBQ pulled chicken depends on the temperature setting of your slow cooker. If you cook it on low, it will take around 8-10 hours, while cooking it on high will take around 4-6 hours. It’s essential to cook the chicken until it’s tender and falls apart easily.
You can check the chicken’s tenderness by inserting a fork or knife into the meat. If it slides in easily, the chicken is cooked. If not, cover the slow cooker and cook for another 30 minutes to an hour. Keep in mind that the longer you cook the chicken, the more tender it will be.
Can I use store-bought BBQ sauce for slow cooker BBQ pulled chicken?
Yes, you can use store-bought BBQ sauce for slow cooker BBQ pulled chicken. In fact, many people prefer the convenience of store-bought BBQ sauce. Look for a sauce that’s low in sugar and made with wholesome ingredients. You can also mix and match different BBQ sauces to create a unique flavor.
However, keep in mind that store-bought BBQ sauce may contain preservatives and additives that you might not find in homemade BBQ sauce. If you’re looking for a more natural option, consider making your own BBQ sauce from scratch. You can find many recipes online that use simple ingredients like ketchup, vinegar, and spices.
How do I shred the chicken for slow cooker BBQ pulled chicken?
To shred the chicken for slow cooker BBQ pulled chicken, use two forks to pull the meat apart. Start by removing the chicken from the slow cooker and placing it on a plate or cutting board. Then, insert two forks into the meat and gently pull them apart. The chicken should shred easily, especially if it’s cooked until tender.
You can also use a stand mixer with a paddle attachment to shred the chicken. Simply place the chicken in the mixer bowl and beat it on low speed until it’s shredded. This method is faster and more efficient, especially if you’re making a large batch of pulled chicken.
Can I serve slow cooker BBQ pulled chicken with other toppings?
Yes, you can serve slow cooker BBQ pulled chicken with other toppings to add more flavor and texture. Some popular toppings include diced onions, coleslaw, pickles, and jalapeños. You can also serve it on a bun with your favorite toppings, such as cheese, bacon, and avocado.
Consider adding some crunchy toppings like chopped nuts or crispy onions to add texture to the dish. You can also serve it with some creamy toppings like sour cream or Greek yogurt to balance out the flavors. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative and experiment with different toppings.
Can I make slow cooker BBQ pulled chicken ahead of time?
Yes, you can make slow cooker BBQ pulled chicken ahead of time. In fact, it’s a great dish to make ahead of time, as the flavors will meld together and the chicken will become even more tender. Simply cook the chicken in the slow cooker, then refrigerate or freeze it until you’re ready to serve.
When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the chicken in the slow cooker or on the stovetop. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overheat the chicken. Consider making a large batch of pulled chicken and freezing it for later use. It’s a great way to meal prep and save time during the week.
Is slow cooker BBQ pulled chicken a healthy option?
Slow cooker BBQ pulled chicken can be a healthy option, depending on the ingredients you use. If you use lean chicken breasts and a low-sugar BBQ sauce, the dish can be relatively healthy. However, if you use a sweet BBQ sauce and add a lot of toppings, the calorie count can add up.
To make slow cooker BBQ pulled chicken a healthier option, consider using a homemade BBQ sauce made with wholesome ingredients. You can also serve it with some healthy toppings like coleslaw or pickles. Additionally, consider using a whole wheat bun or serving it on a bed of greens to increase the fiber content.