Nothing beats tender, juicy pulled chicken coated in a rich, smoky BBQ sauce. This Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken is easy, foolproof, and packed with flavor, making it the perfect set-it-and-forget-it meal for busy weeknights, potlucks, and summer gatherings.

The best part? This dish requires minimal effort—just toss everything in the slow cooker, let it simmer to perfection, and shred it up. Serve it on toasted buns, in wraps, over rice, or even by itself for a low-carb option.

If you’re looking for a meal that’s simple, delicious, and guaranteed to be a hit, this BBQ pulled chicken is the way to go!

Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken

I highly recommend Kinders BBQ Sauce and McCormick Grill Mates Gluten Free Mesquite Marinade as the only seasonings if you want to make things simple.

Ingredients

3.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 4 large breasts)
2 cups BBQ sauce (Sweet Baby Ray’s or Kinder's recommended)
¼ cup light or dark brown sugar (adds depth and sweetness)
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (for tanginess)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika (adds that smoky BBQ flavor)
¼ - ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)

Instructions

Prepare the Sauce

In the basin of your slow cooker, whisk together the BBQ sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes.

Add the Chicken:Place the chicken breasts into the slow cooker, making sure they are fully coated in the sauce. Use a spoon to spread the sauce evenly.

Slow Cook

Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.

Shred the Chicken

Once cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker. Stir the shredded chicken well to fully coat it in the sauce.

Serve & Enjoy

Serve the BBQ pulled chicken on toasted buns, in tacos, over rice, or as a salad topping. Enjoy!

Notes

Can I Use Frozen Chicken?

For food safety reasons, it's recommended to thaw frozen chicken before adding it to the slow cooker. Cooking chicken from frozen can result in uneven cooking and may not reach a safe internal temperature quickly enough.

How to Prevent Dry Chicken

If possible, use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts—they have more fat and stay extra juicy.
Don’t overcook—once the chicken reaches 165°F, it’s ready to shred. Overcooking can make it dry.
Stir the shredded chicken well to let it soak up all the sauce.

Best BBQ Sauce for Pulled Chicken

Sweet & Tangy: Sweet Baby Ray’s
Smoky & Bold: Kinder’s BBQ Sauce
Spicy: Stubbs Spicy BBQ
Sugar-Free Option: Primal Kitchen BBQ Sauce

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in a zip-top bag or container for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, adding extra BBQ sauce if needed.

Recommended Products

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Nutrition Information

Amount Per Serving Calories 394Total Fat 7gSodium 960mgCarbohydrates 36gSugar 30gProtein 43g

Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered an estimate only. Actual nutritional content will vary based upon brands used, measuring methods, cooking method, portion sizes, and more.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I Make This in an Instant Pot?

Yes! Place all the ingredients in the Instant Pot, seal, and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Let it naturally release for 5 minutes, then manually release the remaining pressure. Shred the chicken and stir well.

Can I Make This Without BBQ Sauce?

Absolutely! Try using a mix of tomato sauce, honey, Worcestershire sauce, and liquid smoke for a homemade BBQ-style flavor.

What’s the Best Way to Serve Pulled BBQ Chicken?

Classic BBQ Sandwich: On toasted brioche or hamburger buns with coleslaw.
Tacos or Wraps: Serve in flour tortillas with avocado and jalapeños.
BBQ Chicken Bowl: Over rice or mashed potatoes with roasted veggies.
Low-Carb Option: Serve over a lettuce wrap or cauliflower rice.

Step-by-Step Guide

The key to perfect pulled chicken is slow cooking it until it’s tender and juicy. Below is a breakdown of how it’s done:

Mix the BBQ sauce, vinegar, sugar, and spices in the slow cooker. This creates a rich, flavorful base.
Add the chicken breasts, making sure they are fully coated in sauce.
Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours (or high for 3-4 hours) until tender.
Shred the chicken with two forks and stir well to soak up the sauce.
Serve hot on toasted buns or as a meal prep option for the week!

Serving Suggestions

This BBQ Pulled Chicken pairs well with:

Classic Sides: Mac & Cheese, Baked Beans, Coleslaw
Healthier Options: Roasted Veggies, Grilled Corn, Quinoa Salad
Drinks: Sweet Tea, Lemonade, or a Cold Beer

Outro

This Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken is an easy, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you serve it on a bun, in tacos, or over rice, it’s guaranteed to be a family favorite.

So grab your slow cooker, throw in the ingredients, and get ready for juicy, smoky BBQ chicken that practically cooks itself!

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