Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken

Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken is juicy, flavorful. and preps in minutes! This simple dish is great for holidays, parties and potlucks!

Because it’s a classic slow cooker recipe, this easy Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken won’t heat up the house. Try pairing this smoky meat with Easy Coleslaw, Corn on the Cob, and Fruit Salad.

Easy BBQ Pulled Chicken

I love a good pulled meat sandwich! This chicken breast version is super simple, super flavorful and is a great dinner option for a large gathering or party.

These Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken sandwiches are great on their own, but they taste especially delicious on a bun topped with coleslaw (if you haven’t tried it – you must)!

It’s a weeknight win that delivers juicy shredded meat infused with a smoky-sweet flavor that comes from BBQ sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, olive oil and garlic powder.

Pulled Chicken is one of those fabulous set it and forget it slow cooker meals that take little prep and are great for busy days.

How to Make Pulled Chicken

COMBINE. Add barbecue sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, olive oil and garlic powder to your slow cooker and mix until combined.

COAT. Add chicken breast to the slow cooker making sure to coat all sides of the chicken with the sauce.

COOK. Cook on HIGH for 4 hours or LOW for 7-8 hours.

SHRED. Shred chicken and serve warm. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Use two forks to shred, or place chicken in your stand mixer with a paddle attachment and turn on LOW speed until shredded. You can also use a hand mixer.

Serve with

Here are some of our favorite sides to make with pulled chicken.

• Easy Coleslaw
• Yellow Squash Casserole
• Baked Beans
• Favorite Broccoli Salad
• Easy Fruit Salad

Recipe Tips

How much to make? Plan for ¼ pound of chicken per person. One pound of chicken will yield about 2 cups of pulled chicken.

When you’re making it for a large group, don’t worry if you over estimate so you don’t run out of food. You can always freeze any leftover pulled chicken to be used later.

Chicken. I used boneless skinless chicken breast for this recipe, but you can also use boneless skinless chicken thighs. 

Do not overcook. The crock pot is a great way to start and then forget about dinner. However, you can overcook food in a crockpot. Overcooked chicken can become dry and tough. To keep this recipe moist and tender cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. 

Crock pot liner. For easy clean up use a crockpot liner.

Toast the Buns. Spread a bit of butter on the inside of the buns, sprinkle with some garlic salt and broil on High heat for 2-3 minutes or until lightly golden. 

Serve on. Shredded chicken is most often served on a hamburger bun, but you can also use: Slider buns, in a tortilla, with pita, with corn chips or even over rice!

Variations

Spruce it up! Whether you’re looking to get a little extra heat or just a twist of flavor you can easily do so. Try adding:

• worcestershire sauce
• hot sauce
• red pepper flakes
• paprika
• taco seasoning
• chili powder
• Adding veggies is another easy way to add flavor and texture. Try diced onion, chopped celery, jalapenos or bell peppers

Storing and Using LEftovers

STORE leftover pulled chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for 4-5 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months. 

Use any leftover chicken in some of these recipes to change it up!

• Use it to top a Baked Potato, or inside a Stuffed Sweet Potato
• Eat them in a tortilla, pita or lettuce wrap
• Serve them inside a Quesadilla, on top of Nachos, or in a Burrito Bowl
• Make Barbecue Chicken French Bread

For more Chicken Recipes, check out:

• Baked BBQ Chicken
• Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken
• Cafe Rio Shredded Chicken
• Ranch Chicken
• Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls