Shredded BBQ Chicken
The best BBQ isn't always grilled - this Shredded BBQ Chicken comes together in the slow cooker and makes enough for a crowd. Perfect for parties or a weeknight dinner, it's easy and delicious with very little effort.
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Slow Cooker Shredded BBQ Chicken Recipe
When it comes to slow cooker meals, people usually envision cozy soups, stews and other hearty, comforting wintertime dishes. It's easy to forget the slow cooker is a wonderful secret weapon in the summertime - especially here in Arizona when I want to keep heat sources far, far away from me.
This slow cooker Shredded BBQ Chicken is one of my summer secrets. I love to bring out this recipe when we are having friends over for BBQ sliders or even just when I want a low-effort weeknight dinner. It has all the smoky flavor you love - without you having to spend an iota of time in front of the grill.
BBQ is delicious any time of year, and BBQ chicken is a surefire way to please just about everyone. Especially you, because you are going to love how simple this recipe is!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Get ready to love this BBQ shredded chicken recipe - here's why:
- This BBQ chicken is stupid easy. Just throw all the ingredients in the slow cooker, let it do its thing, and you've got tender, flavorful BBQ chicken that shreds apart effortlessly. Perfect for busy nights!
- You can feed a crowd. Whether you're hosting a game day party, a summer cookout or just have a hungry family to feed, this recipe makes plenty - and leftovers are still good the next day.
- BBQ chicken is super versatile. You can serve it on slider buns, stuff it into tacos or pile it on a salad or even eat it plain with your favorite BBQ sauce. However you serve it, I can just about guarantee everyone will love it.
Ingredients
You only need a few simple ingredients to make this shredded BBQ chicken recipe. Here's what to grab at the grocery store:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt
- Black pepper
- BBQ sauce - I use honey BBQ sauce, it's my fave!
- Chicken broth
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is very versatile. Here are a few things you can do to mix it up!
- Use chicken thighs. Boneless chicken thighs make a fine substitute. Just make sure you are measuring by weight the same amount of meat as you do for chicken breasts.
- Sub vegetable broth. Beef broth works too, or you can even use bouillon.
- Use barbecue seasoning. Save some time and use a BBQ seasoning instead of all the other spices. Don't add extra salt if your seasoning already contains salt, though.
- Use the Instant Pot. You can make this slow cooker recipe in your Instant Pot, too. Just use the slow cook setting.
How to Make Shredded BBQ Chicken
Making this Shredded BBQ Chicken in your slow cooker is easy - here's what to do:
- Season chicken breasts on both sides with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Place chicken in slow cooker.
- Pour ¾ cup of your favorite BBQ Sauce over the top, reserving the remaining sauce.
- Add chicken broth to the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 3-4 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours, until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), and easily shreds.
- Remove from slow cooker and shred chicken with two forks. You can do this over a cutting board or use a stand mixer!
- Return shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir in the remaining ¼ cup of BBQ Sauce.
- Cover and cook on LOW for an additional 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Storage tips: Store in a food-safe, airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm the chicken in a skillet over medium heat, microwave until heated through, or bake in the oven covered at 325°F (165°C) for 15-20 minutes.
Tips for Success
Make your shredded BBQ chicken even better with these helpful tricks!
- Make sure you have extra BBQ sauce. Stock up, because barbecue sauce is great for dipping, drizzling over BBQ chicken sandwiches or saving for another meal later in the week! Use this chicken to make BBQ tacos on your favorite tortillas.
- Use an instant-read meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. You want the chicken to be 165°F (74°C). If you overcook it, it will be tough to shred. If it is undercooked, it needs more time in the slow cooker.
- Freeze the leftovers. You can easily reheat shredded barbecue chicken that's been frozen. Simply thaw it overnight in the fridge, then warm it in a skillet or microwave until hot.
What to Serve With BBQ Pulled Chicken
You can enjoy this shredded BBQ chicken on its own with a fork and some more BBQ sauce. It's also great spooned into tacos and burrito bowls, fluffy buns for sandwiches and even on nachos or a BBQ chicken pizza.
BBQ chicken pairs well with a variety of sides, whether you're serving them for a party or a casual dinner. Here are some great options:
- BBQ sides: Think crunchy chips, tangy pickles, no-mayo coleslaw, easy potato salad, crispy green beans or simple grilled vegetable skewers.
- Fresh sides: A bright and fresh fruit salad or a strawberry spinach salad would also be a perfect match.
- Something sweet: Berry cobbler is a warm, fruity dessert that screams summer. Brownies or M&M's bars are easy to make ahead and perfect for a crowd.
FAQ
Keep leftovers in a food-safe, airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until hot. You can also freeze the chicken. When ready to use, thaw it in the fridge overnight, then reheat as usual.
Yes, chicken thighs work great in this recipe. They tend to be more flavorful and stay extra juicy after slow cooking. Just use the same temperature and check the temperature sooner since they are usually a little smaller than breasts.
Did you make this recipe?
If you make and love this recipe, please leave a ★★★★★ review below! It means so much to me when you try my recipes, and I'd love to know how it goes. Please leave a comment below if you have any questions.
Shredded BBQ Chicken
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup BBQ Sauce
- ¼ cup chicken broth
Instructions
Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken
- Season chicken breasts on both sides with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Place chicken in slow cooker and pour ¾ cup of the BBQ Sauce over the top, reserving the remaining sauce.
- Add chicken broth to the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 3-4 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours, until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internal temperature and easily shreds.
- Remove chicken from slow cooker and shred with two forks.
- Return shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir in the remaining ¼ cup of BBQ Sauce.
- Cover and cook on LOW for an additional 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Nutrition
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