This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Juicy, saucy, and irresistibly smoky, this Slow Cooker Pulled BBQ Chicken is what weeknight dreams are made of. With just 10 minutes of hands-on prep, your slow cooker does all the heavy lifting!
This easy pulled BBQ chicken is an absolute crowd-pleaser. It’s sweet, smoky, and tender with a hint of tang from your favorite BBQ sauce—and the slow cooker guarantees melt-in-your-mouth texture every time! It’s great to have on hand during the week for easy meal ideas, from pulled chicken sandwiches to BBQ chicken nachos. Whether you’re hosting a backyard gathering, meal prepping for the week, or just need a low-effort dinner, this one’s a serious keeper!
Nikki’s Recipe Rundown
- Taste & Texture: Sweet, smoky, and tender with a juicy, pull-apart texture.
- Ease: Just 5 minutes of prep and your slow cooker does the rest!
- Pros: Great for meal prep, always a crowd-pleaser, and super versatile.
- Considerations: Chicken can release a lot of liquid, so you’ll want to get rid of some of the liquid in the crockpot before adding the shredded chicken back in!
- Repeat Worthy: Definitely—this easy pulled BBQ chicken is easy, flavorful, and always a hit!
Ingredients Needed for Slow Cooker Pulled BBQ Chicken
- Chicken Breast: Lean, easy to shred, and a great blank canvas for BBQ flavor. You can also use thighs for extra richness.
- Spices: Use a combination of garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper to season the chicken to perfection!
- Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps balance the tang of the sauce.
- Beer or Chicken Broth: Beer adds flavor complexity, but broth is perfect if you want to keep it alcohol-free.
- Barbecue Sauce: I love KC Masterpiece for its thick texture and bold flavor, but use whatever brand you love.
Variations and Substitutions
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for extra moisture and richer flavor.
- Make it spicy! If you like a bit of spice, try adding cayenne pepper, chipotle powder, red pepper flakes, or using a spicy BBQ sauce. Or, add a splash of hot sauce or some diced jalapeños to the slow cooker.
- Try different sauces. Honey BBQ, Carolina-style vinegar sauce, or even a mustard-based BBQ sauce all work great.
How To Make Shredded BBQ Chicken in the Slow Cooker
✱ Be sure to see the recipe card below for exact ingredients and full recipe instructions!
Step 1 | Season the Chicken
Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Sprinkle evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, brown sugar, and salt and black pepper (to taste).
Step 2 | Add Liquid
Pour in the light beer (or chicken broth) around the chicken on the bottom of the slow cooker and 1 cup of the barbecue sauce on top of the chicken.
Step 3 | Slow Cook
Cover and cook on LOW for 4–6 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shredded. It should have a 165℉ internal temperature.
Step 4 | Shred the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. Spoon some of the cooking juices over the shredded meat for extra flavor and moisture. If there’s more liquid than you prefer, ladle out the extra and add it back little by little to your liking.
Tip: Chicken can sometimes create more or less liquid depending on the batch. Adjust as needed to keep the perfect juicy texture without making it soupy!
Step 5 | Add More Sauce
Drizzle the remaining barbecue sauce over the shredded chicken and toss to coat. (Or, if you prefer, you can drizzle the sauce individually over each sandwich when serving.)
Step 6 | Serve
Pile high on hamburger buns, top with creamy coleslaw if desired, and enjoy every sweet and smoky bite!
Recipe Tips
- Let the chicken cool slightly before shredding. It’s easier on your hands and helps you get that perfect pulled texture. Two forks work great (this allows more control over the size and thickness of the shred), or try a hand mixer for super quick shredding (this will give you a finer shred)!
- Adjust the juices. Chicken sometimes releases more liquid than expected. That is why I usually pull the chicken out to a cutting board, or a paper plate if I don’t want extra clean up. After shredding, you can take some of the juices out of the crockpot before adding the shredded chicken back in to make sure there isn’t too much liquid!
- Prep ahead. You can cook and shred the chicken up to 3 days in advance. Reheat with a splash of broth or sauce to keep it juicy. I do this a lot and reheat it in the slow cooker or on the stovetop for dinner or lunch on Sunday.
- Picky eaters: If everyone doesn’t really love the BBQ sauce, you can omit it while cooking and add it to the chicken individually. I use just 1 cup, so it isn’t overwhelming, but it just adds flavor.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, but it’s safest to thaw it first for even cooking. Using frozen chicken directly in a slow cooker can increase the risk of bacteria due to the slow heat.
Absolutely. This shredded BBQ chicken in the crock pot is a perfect meal prep recipe. Store it in the fridge or freezer and reheat with extra BBQ sauce.
Yes! You can cook it on HIGH for 2–3 hours if you’re short on time. Just make sure the chicken reaches an internal temp of 165°F.
Want to Save this Recipe?
Enter your email below & we'll send it straight to your inbox. Plus you’ll get great new recipes from us every week!
By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from Soulfully Made.
Ways to Use Slow Cooker Pulled BBQ Chicken
Everyday Meal Ideas
- Classic Sandwiches – Pile high on hamburger buns, add a little slaw for crunch, and serve with chips or fries.
- Tacos – Tuck into flour or corn tortillas and top with shredded cheese, pickled onions, and a drizzle of ranch or sour cream.
- Loaded Baked Potatoes – Spoon over a fluffy baked potato, then sprinkle with cheese, green onions, or even chopped bacon.
- BBQ Chicken Pizza – Spread on a pizza crust with BBQ sauce, red onions, mozzarella, and a little cilantro.
- Salads – Make a BBQ Chicken Salad – add it to a bed of greens with corn, black beans, cherry tomatoes, and crispy tortilla strips.
- Wraps – Roll it up with cheese and lettuce in a tortilla for an easy on-the-go lunch.
- Sliders for Parties – Serve on small buns for a perfect party snack or game day treat.
Comforting Dinner Options
- BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese – Stir into creamy mac for a smoky, cheesy twist.
- Over Rice or Grits – A cozy bowl of pulled BBQ chicken over white rice or buttery Southern grits is comfort in a bowl, or try it over fried grit cakes.
- Casserole Style – Layer with cornbread batter or biscuits and bake for a homestyle BBQ chicken cobbler, similar to my chicken and dumpling casserole.
What to Serve with Easy Crock Pot BBQ Chicken
Slow cooker pulled BBQ chicken pairs well with all your favorite BBQ sides. For a satisfying crunch and contrast, serve it with a creamy coleslaw right on the sandwich or on the side. Potato salad or macaroni salad adds a cool, creamy element that balances the warm, smoky chicken.
You can round out your meal with baked beans, buttery cornbread, or Instant Pot corn on the cob for a comforting Southern-style meal. Onion rings, chips, or even sweet potato fries are also great options to serve on the side!
Storage
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Freeze shredded chicken in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
To Reheat: Warm on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of chicken broth or extra BBQ sauce to keep it moist.
Other Recipes to Try
- Buffalo Chicken Tacos
- Loaded Chicken Nachos
- Honey Chipotle BBQ Wings
- BBQ Chicken Salad
- Homemade Meatloaf
Hungry for more easy, home-cooked, delicious recipes?
Sign up for my free recipe club to get family-friendly recipes in your inbox each week! Find me sharing daily meal-time inspiration on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram.
Easy Crock Pot Pulled BBQ Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast, can use thighs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- Kosher Salt & black pepper to taste
- ½ cup light beer or chicken broth
- 2 cups bbq sauce, I love kc masterpiece, divided
Instructions
- Place chicken breast in the slow cooker and season with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, brown sugar, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Add 1 cup barbecue sauce, and beer. Cover and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours
- Remove chicken from the slow cooker and shred using two forks. Ladle some of the juices onto the chicken. Remove any additional juices from the slow cooker you don’t want to use.
- TIP: Chicken can sometimes produce more or less juice. Once your chicken is cooked, you may have a lot or a little bit of juice. Remove the chicken and shred it separately. If you want to serve in the slow cooker, pour out juices to a measuring cup or bowl and add back into the shredded chicken as you like.
- Drizzle with remaining barbecue sauce and serve on hamburger buns with coleslaw.
Want to Save this Recipe?
Enter your email below & we’ll send it straight to your inbox. Plus you’ll get great new recipes from us every week!
By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from Soulfully Made.
Notes
- Chicken Choice: If you want to change it up, boneless, skinless thighs will give you even richer flavor and tenderness!
- Liquid Options: Light beer adds a subtle depth of flavor, but chicken broth is a fantastic substitute for an alcohol-free version.
- BBQ Sauce: KC Masterpiece is my go-to for its bold, sweet, smoky flavor, but use your family’s favorite brand to make it your own. It’s a nice, thick sauce with some sweet heat. Use your favorite.
Nutrition Information
Nutritional Disclaimer
Soulfully Made is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is only an estimate. We recommend running the ingredients through an online nutritional calculator if you need to verify any information.
©️Soulfully Made
