Easy Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken
Enjoy Easy Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken, a tender, tangy dish with juicy chicken in smoky BBQ sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this effortless meal delivers bold, American flavors, ideal for sandwiches or bowls.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Easy Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken is a delicious, hassle-free dinner that transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering, crowd-pleasing meal. The slow cooker does all the work, infusing tender chicken with smoky, tangy BBQ sauce for a result that rivals your favorite barbecue joint. Perfect for busy weeknights, game days, or casual gatherings, this budget-friendly recipe is versatile, allowing you to serve it in sandwiches, wraps, or over rice. Its customizable flavors and easy prep make it a family favorite, delivering comfort and satisfaction with minimal effort and cleanup.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Sear for Depth: Lightly brown chicken before slow cooking to enhance flavor and texture.
- Shred Easily: Use two forks or a stand mixer to shred chicken quickly and evenly.
- Adjust Sauce: Taste BBQ sauce and add vinegar or honey to balance tanginess or sweetness.
- Skim Fat: Remove excess fat from the cooking liquid for a cleaner, richer sauce.
- Add Sauce Gradually: Reserve some BBQ sauce to mix in after shredding for extra flavor.
- Use a Liner: Place a slow cooker liner for effortless cleanup after cooking.
Easy Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken
Easy Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken, a tangy, tender dish perfect for effortless weeknight dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (plus extra for serving)
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 tbsp brown sugar (optional)
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6-8 hamburger buns
- Optional: coleslaw, pickles for topping
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper for a flavorful start.
- Sear the Chicken: In a skillet, sear chicken over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side.
- Layer the Slow Cooker: Place sliced onions in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker.
- Add Chicken: Place seared chicken thighs on top of onions for even cooking.
- Mix the Sauce: In a bowl, combine BBQ sauce, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, garlic, and brown sugar.
- Pour Over Chicken: Pour sauce mixture over the chicken, ensuring it’s fully coated.
- Cook Low and Slow: Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours, until chicken is tender.
- Shred the Chicken: Remove chicken, shred with two forks, and return to the slow cooker with sauce.
- Toast the Buns: Lightly toast hamburger buns for a crisp texture to hold the juicy chicken.
- Serve with Flair: Pile chicken onto buns, top with extra sauce, coleslaw, or pickles, and enjoy!
Notes
- Searing is optional but adds depth; raw chicken cooks well in the slow cooker too.
- For a thicker sauce, simmer reserved liquid on the stovetop for 5-10 minutes.
- Leftovers are great in tacos, salads, or over baked potatoes for versatile meals.
- Use a slow cooker liner for quick cleanup after cooking.
Ingredients Notes
- Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless thighs stay juicy; breasts work but may be less moist.
- BBQ Sauce: Choose a tangy-sweet BBQ sauce; homemade or low-sugar options add control.
- Onion: Sliced yellow onion adds savory sweetness; red onion is a milder alternative.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic boosts flavor; garlic powder is a quick substitute.
- Chicken Broth: Low-sodium broth keeps the dish moist; vegetable broth can substitute.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds a tangy kick to balance sweetness; white vinegar works too.
- Brown Sugar: Enhances sweetness in the sauce; optional for a less sweet dish.
- Buns: Soft hamburger buns hold the chicken well; brioche or whole wheat add variety.
Variations and Substitutions
- Protein Swap: Use chicken breasts or pork shoulder for a different texture; adjust cook time.
- Sauce Variations: Try spicy, honey, or mustard-based BBQ sauce for unique flavors.
- Low-Carb: Serve in lettuce wraps or over cauliflower rice instead of buns.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free buns and ensure BBQ sauce and broth are gluten-free.
- Spicy Kick: Add chili powder, cayenne, or hot sauce for a fiery twist.
- Veggie Add-Ins: Include bell peppers or carrots in the slow cooker for extra nutrition.
- Topping Options: Add coleslaw, pickles, or jalapeños for crunch and contrast.
Storage Options
- Refrigerator: Store shredded chicken in an airtight container for up to 4 days; reheat gently.
- Freezer: Freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months; thaw in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet with a splash of broth or microwave to maintain moisture.
- Meal Prep: Portion with buns or rice for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.
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