Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken Delight

$- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup BBQ sauce - 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar - 2 tablespoons brown sugar - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional) - Salt and black pepper, to taste - Soft buns for serving - Coleslaw for topping When making this Crockpot BBQ pulled chicken, I love how simple and quick the ingredients are. You start with chicken breasts, which are lean and easy to cook. The BBQ sauce gives it that sweet and tangy flavor we all crave. Using low-sodium chicken broth keeps it moist without being too salty. I always add apple cider vinegar to give a nice tang. Brown sugar balances the flavors, making it sweet and savory. Smoked paprika adds depth and a hint of smokiness, which is perfect for BBQ. For seasonings, garlic powder and onion powder bring out the best taste. If you like a bit of heat, cayenne pepper is a great choice. Don’t forget to add salt and black pepper to suit your taste. For serving, soft buns are a must. They hold all that tasty chicken and sauce perfectly. Coleslaw on top adds a nice crunch. It’s the perfect finish to a simple yet flavorful meal! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start with two pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Season them well. Use salt and black pepper to taste. Then, sprinkle on smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper if you like heat. Rub the spices all over the chicken. This helps every bite taste great. To make the BBQ sauce, grab a bowl. Mix one cup of your favorite BBQ sauce with half a cup of low-sodium chicken broth. Add one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar for a tangy kick. Stir in two tablespoons of brown sugar to balance the flavors. Whisk until smooth and the sugar dissolves. This sauce should be rich and tasty. Now, layer the chicken in the bottom of the crockpot. Pour the BBQ sauce over the chicken. Make sure every piece is covered. Cover the pot with the lid. Set your crockpot to low for six to eight hours or high for four hours. The chicken is ready when it’s tender. You should be able to shred it easily with a fork. After cooking, use tongs to take the chicken out. Shred it using two forks until it’s the texture you want. Then, put the shredded chicken back into the crockpot. Mix it well with the BBQ sauce. This gives you a sticky, flavorful meal. Serve on soft buns and top with coleslaw if you like. Enjoy your delicious pulled chicken! To get the best flavor in your pulled chicken, choose a BBQ sauce you love. Popular options include sweet, smoky, or spicy sauces. I often use a honey BBQ sauce for a sweet touch. Season the chicken well before cooking. Use salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. This mix helps the chicken soak up all those great flavors. If you have a busy day, adjust the cooking time. You can set your crockpot to low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours. If you are in a hurry, the high setting works well. Always check the chicken for tenderness. It should shred easily with a fork. This method ensures the chicken remains juicy and flavorful. Serve your pulled chicken in soft buns for a cozy meal. To make it more fun, add coleslaw on top of the chicken. This adds a nice crunch and a fresh taste. For a beautiful display, use a wooden board. Place the sandwiches on the board, and include pickles and extra BBQ sauce on the side. This makes your meal inviting and delicious. Pro Tips Use Quality BBQ Sauce: The flavor of your pulled chicken largely depends on the BBQ sauce you choose. Opt for a high-quality sauce that suits your taste preference to elevate the dish. Chicken Shredding Technique: After cooking, let the chicken rest briefly before shredding. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful and moist pulled chicken. Make it Ahead: This recipe is perfect for meal prep! Cook a larger batch and store leftovers in the fridge or freezer for quick meals throughout the week. Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust the spice levels and ingredients to your liking. Add more cayenne for heat or some cumin for an extra flavor twist! {{image_4}} You can change up the taste of your BBQ pulled chicken in fun ways. For a spicy kick, add more cayenne pepper to your spice mix. You can also use a spicy BBQ sauce. This adds heat and a rich depth. For sweet and tangy flavors, choose a BBQ sauce with honey or fruit. Adding a splash of pineapple juice can enhance this sweetness. If you need a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free BBQ sauces. Many brands offer tasty choices that fit this need. You can also serve your pulled chicken on lettuce wraps instead of buns. For low-carb options, skip the buns completely. Instead, serve it over cauliflower rice or a salad. Both keep it light but still full of flavor. Southern-style BBQ often includes toppings like pickles and onions. You can also mix in some smoked sausage for a hearty twist. If you want to try something unique, look at other BBQ styles. For example, adding a dash of soy sauce brings in Asian flavors. Or, try a Caribbean twist with jerk seasoning. Each option gives you a new way to enjoy your pulled chicken. To store your pulled chicken, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and avoids odors. Keep it in the fridge for up to four days. Always label your container with the date. This way, you know how long it's been there. For safe refrigeration, set your fridge to 40°F or lower. This helps limit bacteria growth and keeps the food safe to eat. If you want to keep pulled chicken longer, freezing works great. First, let it cool completely. Then, put it in freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. To reheat, use the microwave or stovetop. Add a splash of BBQ sauce to keep it moist and tasty. In the fridge, pulled chicken stays good for about four days. After that, it may spoil. Signs of spoilage include a sour smell or a change in color. If you see any mold, throw it out. Always trust your senses; if it looks or smells off, it's best to discard it. Enjoy your pulled chicken fresh for the best taste! You should cook the chicken for 6-8 hours on low or 4 hours on high. Cooking it low and slow makes the chicken super tender. The longer cooking time also helps the flavors mix well. If you’re in a hurry, choose the high setting. Just make sure the chicken is fully cooked and shreds easily with a fork. Yes, you can use frozen chicken. However, you need to adjust the cooking time. Frozen chicken needs about 6-8 hours on high heat or 8-10 hours on low heat. It's best to check that it reaches 165°F inside. This ensures it's safe to eat. You may want to add a bit more liquid to the crockpot since frozen chicken can release water. You can choose any BBQ sauce you like! Sweet, smoky, or tangy sauces all work well. I suggest trying a classic sweet barbecue sauce for a balanced taste. If you enjoy heat, a spicy sauce adds a nice kick. You can even mix sauces to create your perfect flavor. Absolutely! This recipe is great for meal prep. You can cook the chicken a day ahead. Just store it in the fridge in an airtight container. When you’re ready to eat, heat it on the stove or in the microwave. This way, you can enjoy a quick, tasty meal any day! In this blog post, we covered how to make delicious BBQ pulled chicken in a crockpot. We discussed key ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, and tips for best flavor. You learned about serving suggestions, variations for dietary needs, and storage advice for leftovers. As you try this recipe, remember it's flexible. Adjust the flavors to fit your taste. Enjoy creating a meal that is easy, fun, and full of flavor!$

Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken Delight

A delicious and easy-to-make pulled chicken dish cooked in a crockpot with BBQ sauce, perfect for sandwiches.

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Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup BBQ sauce
0.5 cup chicken broth
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper
to taste salt and black pepper
as needed soft buns
as needed coleslaw

Instructions

Start by seasoning the boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt and black pepper. Sprinkle on the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and optional cayenne pepper. Ensure the spices coat the chicken evenly for maximum flavor.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar. Stir until all ingredients are well mixed and the sugar has dissolved, creating a luscious sauce.
Transfer the seasoned chicken breasts into the bottom of the crockpot. Carefully pour the mixed BBQ sauce over the chicken, ensuring it is well covered for tender and flavorful results.
Cover the crockpot with its lid. Set your cooker to low and let it cook for 6-8 hours, or on high for 4 hours. The chicken is done when it has turned tender and can be shredded effortlessly with a fork.
Once the cooking time is up, remove the chicken from the crockpot using tongs or a slotted spoon. Shred it with two forks until it reaches your desired texture. Return the shredded chicken back into the crockpot, mixing it well with the barbecue sauce for a deliciously sticky consistency.
Generously spoon the pulled BBQ chicken onto soft buns. If desired, top with a generous helping of coleslaw for added crunch and flavor.

Notes

For an appealing serving idea, present your pulled chicken sandwiches on a wooden board. Serve alongside a dish of pickles and a small bowl of extra barbecue sauce for drizzling.

Keyword BBQ, crockpot, pulled chicken, sandwich