This slow cooker BBQ pulled chicken is a simple and flavorful dish that’s perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or served over rice. With minimal prep time, you can set it and forget it while the chicken cooks to tender perfection.
The recipe uses basic ingredients like chicken breasts, BBQ sauce, and spices, making it easy to prepare and customize to your taste.
Understanding Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken
Slow cooker BBQ pulled chicken is a delightful dish that brings together tender chicken and rich flavors, making it a popular choice for casual gatherings and family meals.
The process involves cooking chicken breasts in a savory BBQ sauce until they reach a melt-in-your-mouth texture. This method not only simplifies meal preparation but also allows the flavors to develop beautifully over time.
Ingredients That Make a Difference
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a dish that is both satisfying and versatile.
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts serve as the base, while your choice of BBQ sauce adds the essential flavor. A few spices like garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika enhance the taste, making each bite memorable.
Cooking Process: Set It and Forget It
One of the standout features of this dish is the slow cooking process. Simply place the chicken in the slow cooker, sprinkle the seasonings, and pour over the BBQ sauce.
Cover and let it cook on low for 6-8 hours. This hands-off approach means you can focus on other tasks while the chicken transforms into a tender delight.
Serving Suggestions for Maximum Enjoyment
Once the chicken is cooked, it’s time to serve. Shred the chicken and mix it back with the sauce for an extra burst of flavor.
For a classic presentation, pile the pulled chicken high on soft buns and drizzle with additional BBQ sauce. A sprinkle of chopped parsley adds a touch of color and freshness.
Pairing with Coleslaw
No BBQ sandwich is complete without a side of coleslaw. This crunchy, tangy addition complements the rich flavors of the pulled chicken perfectly.
Serve the coleslaw in a small bowl on the side, allowing guests to add it to their sandwiches as they please. This combination creates a satisfying meal that is sure to please a crowd.
Creating the Perfect Atmosphere
To enhance the dining experience, consider the setting. A rustic wooden table provides an inviting backdrop for this hearty dish, reminiscent of backyard barbecues and gatherings with friends.
Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a festive occasion, the combination of slow cooker BBQ pulled chicken and a warm atmosphere sets the stage for enjoyable moments around the table.
Easy Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken
This pulled chicken is made by slow cooking chicken breasts in BBQ sauce until they are tender and easily shredded. The recipe takes about 6-8 hours on low and serves 4-6 people.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your choice of flavor)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Buns or tortillas for serving
- Coleslaw for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
- Add Seasonings: Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper over the chicken.
- Pour BBQ Sauce: Pour the BBQ sauce over the chicken, ensuring it is well coated.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender.
- Shred the Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.
- Mix with Sauce: Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and mix it with the remaining sauce.
- Serve: Serve the pulled chicken on buns or tortillas, topped with coleslaw if desired.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Total Time: 6-8 hours 10 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 4-6 servings
- Calories: 250kcal
- Fat: 5g
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 20g