The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken (Easy Pulled Chicken)

Ingredients

• 2 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (Trim fat from the chicken breasts.)
• 1.25 cup barbecue sauce (The author recommends sweet Baby Ray’s Honey BBQ sauce.)
• 0.5 cup Italian dressing (The author uses fat-free Italian dressing.)
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 0.25 cup light brown sugar (May be reduced to 1/8 cup or omitted for a less-sweet result.)
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp onion powder
• salt and black pepper (To taste.)
• nonstick cooking spray (For coating the slow cooker; a disposable slow-cooker liner may be used instead.)

Steps

1. 1

   Liberally spray the inside of a large crockpot or slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray. For less mess, use a disposable slow-cooker liner instead.

2. 2

   Season the trimmed boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Place the seasoned chicken in the bottom of the crockpot.

3. 3

   In a medium mixing bowl, add the barbecue sauce, Italian dressing, light brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Whisk until the mixture is combined.

4. 4

   Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the chicken breasts. Place the lid on the crockpot.

5. 5

   Cook on high for 2½–3 hours or on low for 5–6 hours.

6. 6

   Use a meat thermometer to verify that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

7. 7

   When the chicken is fully cooked, serve the breasts whole or shred them with two forks. The author prefers shredding the chicken directly in the crockpot so it absorbs the extra chicken juices and BBQ sauce.

8. 8

   Serve on buns for BBQ pulled chicken sandwiches, or serve the chicken on pizza, salad, tacos, nachos, over rice, or by itself.

Notes

Leftover shredded chicken can be stored in an airtight freezer-safe container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. To freeze smaller portions, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until warm. The recipe may be assembled the night before and refrigerated before cooking. The author notes that frozen chicken breasts may work but require a slightly longer cooking time. Dry Italian seasoning may be prepared according to the packet directions as a dressing and added to the chicken mixture.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• slow-cooked
• crockpot
• pulled chicken
• sandwiches
• meal prep
• freezer-friendly
• party food