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 fresh and high-quality chicken for the best flavor and texture. Avoid using frozen or low-quality chicken, as it may affect the overall taste and texture of the dish. Additionally, make sure to trim any excess fat or connective tissue from the chicken before cooking to ensure it shreds easily.
How long does it take to cook slow cooker BBQ pulled chicken?
The cooking time for slow cooker BBQ pulled chicken can vary depending on the size of your chicken and the temperature of your slow cooker. Generally, it takes around 6-8 hours on low heat or 3-4 hours on high heat to cook the chicken until it’s tender and falls apart easily.
It’s crucial to check the chicken periodically to avoid overcooking. You can check the chicken’s tenderness by inserting a fork or knife; if it slides in easily, the chicken is cooked. If not, cover the slow cooker and cook for another 30 minutes to an hour before checking again.
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 store-bought BBQ sauces are made with high-quality ingredients and can add a rich, tangy flavor to your pulled chicken. Look for a BBQ sauce that’s low in sugar and made with wholesome ingredients for the best flavor.
However, keep in mind that store-bought BBQ sauces can be high in salt and preservatives. If you’re watching your sodium intake or prefer a more natural flavor, consider making your own BBQ sauce from scratch using 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 chicken apart into tender, juicy strands. You can also use a stand mixer with a paddle attachment or a meat claw to shred the chicken more efficiently.
It’s essential to shred the chicken while it’s still warm, as this will help the chicken absorb the BBQ sauce more evenly. If the chicken has cooled down, you can reheat it in the slow cooker or oven before shredding.
Can I serve slow cooker BBQ pulled chicken with other toppings or sides?
Yes, you can serve slow cooker BBQ pulled chicken with a variety of toppings or sides to add texture, flavor, and nutrition. Some popular toppings include diced onions, coleslaw, pickles, and jalapeños. You can also serve the pulled chicken on a bun, with cornbread, or over a bed of greens.
Consider adding some crunchy elements like crispy onions or chopped nuts to balance out the soft texture of the pulled chicken. You can also serve the pulled chicken with a side of roasted vegetables, baked beans, or grilled corn for a well-rounded meal.
Can I make slow cooker BBQ pulled chicken ahead of time?
Yes, you can make slow cooker BBQ pulled chicken ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it for later use. In fact, the flavors of the pulled chicken will meld together and intensify over time, making it even more delicious.
To refrigerate the pulled chicken, let it cool down to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To freeze the pulled chicken, let it cool down to room temperature, then transfer it to a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months.
Is slow cooker BBQ pulled chicken a healthy meal option?
Slow cooker BBQ pulled chicken can be a healthy meal option if made with wholesome ingredients and cooked using a low-fat method. Chicken is a lean protein source, and when cooked in a slow cooker, it retains its moisture and tenderness without adding extra fat.
However, the BBQ sauce can add a significant amount of sugar and salt to the dish. To make a healthier version, consider using a low-sugar BBQ sauce or making your own BBQ sauce from scratch using natural ingredients. Additionally, serve the pulled chicken with a side of roasted vegetables or a salad to balance out the meal.