There’s something incredibly satisfying about the ease and flavor combination in this Ultimate Crockpot BBQ Chicken recipe. Perfect for busy days, this dish transforms simple ingredients into tender, juicy chicken that’s ready to pile onto sliders or fill up a hearty bowl. With minimal prep and maximum taste, it’s a go-to for a comforting meal that everyone will love.
Steps
- In the slow cooker, mix together BBQ sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and crushed red pepper until well combined.
- Add the boneless, skinless chicken breasts to the sauce mixture, ensuring they are well covered with the sauce.
- Cover the slow cooker and let the chicken cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and can be easily shredded.
- Once cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker, mixing thoroughly to coat with the BBQ sauce.
- Serve the pulled chicken on rolls, as a topping for salads, or enjoy it by itself.
Ingredients
- 3.5 lbs (1.5 kg) boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 2 cups BBQ sauce (such as Sweet Baby Ray’s)
- ¼ cup (60 g) packed light or dark brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ to ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Nutritional Values
Calories: 3152kcal | Carbohydrates: 288g | Protein: 344g | Fat: 56g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: N/A | Cholesterol: 1016mg | Sodium: 7744mg | Potassium: 7376mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 240g | Vitamin A: 2400IU | Vitamin C: 24mg | Calcium: 328mg | Iron: 8mg
FAQ
- Can you overcook chicken in a slow cooker?
- Yes, cooking chicken for too long in a slow cooker can make it dry and tough. To avoid this, aim for an internal temperature of 160°F. This typically means cooking for about 3-4 hours on high or 6-7 hours on low.
- What are some good side dishes to serve with pulled chicken?
- Pulled chicken pairs well with many salads and side dishes. Some popular choices include deviled eggs, broccoli salad, macaroni and cheese, and corn salad.
- How do you prepare pulled chicken in a crock pot?
- Combine BBQ sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and crushed red pepper in the slow cooker. Add the chicken breast, cover it with the sauce, and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Once cooked, shred the chicken and mix it well with the BBQ sauce before serving.
- Do I need to thaw chicken before cooking it in a slow cooker?
- Yes, it’s recommended to thaw chicken breast before cooking it in a slow cooker. Cooking frozen chicken in a slow cooker can result in uneven cooking and potential food safety issues.
Tips
- Monitor the chicken’s temperature to avoid overcooking. Aim for an internal temperature of 160°F for tender, easily shredded meat. Cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 6-7 hours.
- Enhance the flavor by adding your own blend of spices to the pre-made BBQ sauce. This allows you to customize the taste to your liking while keeping the preparation quick and simple.
- Thaw the chicken breasts thoroughly before placing them in the slow cooker to ensure even cooking and to adhere to food safety guidelines.
- Serve the pulled chicken with complementary side dishes such as deviled eggs, broccoli salad, macaroni and cheese, or corn salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
Equipment
- Slow Cooker (Crock Pot)
