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The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken (Easy Pulled Chicken) Recipe

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  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2.5-3 hours (high) or 5-6 hours (low)
  • Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes to 6 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This easy Crockpot BBQ Chicken recipe yields tender, flavorful pulled chicken perfect for sandwiches, salads, or tacos. With a simple mix of BBQ sauce, Italian dressing, and spices, the slow cooker does all the work to create a delicious, fall-apart texture with minimal prep.


Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Sauce & Seasoning

  • 1 1/4 cup barbecue sauce (such as Sweet Baby Ray’s Honey BBQ)
  • 1/2 cup Italian dressing
  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/4 cup light brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp onion powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste


Instructions

  1. Prepare the Crockpot: Spray the inside of the crockpot with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
  2. Season the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Place the seasoned chicken breasts into the crockpot in a single layer.
  3. Make the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the barbecue sauce, Italian dressing, light brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well until all ingredients are fully incorporated to form a smooth sauce.
  4. Add Sauce to Chicken: Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the chicken breasts in the crockpot, ensuring they are well coated.
  5. Cook the Chicken: Cover and cook on high for 2.5 to 3 hours or on low for 5 to 6 hours. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is tender enough to shred easily.
  6. Shred and Serve: Once cooked, shred the chicken directly in the crockpot using two forks, allowing the shredded meat to soak up the flavorful sauce before serving.

Notes

  • For best flavor, cook the chicken on low for 5-6 hours.
  • Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs as an alternative for juicier meat.
  • Leftover pulled chicken can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
  • Serve on buns, over rice, or with coleslaw for a complete meal.
  • Adjust barbecue sauce sweetness or spiciness to taste by selecting your preferred brand or adding extra seasonings.