With just 4 ingredients and a hands off approach, this Slow Cooker Pulled BBQ Chicken is perfect for any occasion. Easy to prep for backyard parties, picnics, and game day gatherings, this is hands down one of my favorite recipes for busy weeknights too!

Super Easy BBQ Chicken Recipe

When I say this is easy, I really mean it! Ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, chicken, and a crock pot is all you need.

And the result is a saucy, tender, and delicious recipe for bbq chicken. So do we call it shredded or pulled chicken?

What is pulled chicken?

Pulled chicken is just a fancy way of saying shredded chicken. So really they are the same thing one just sounds fancier than the other, LOL.

Whether you pull it apart by hand, or shred it with forks, it’s delicious and can be served many different ways!

What goes with Crock Pot BBQ Chicken?

Some of my favorite ways to enjoy it is on slider buns topped with a creamy coleslaw for the best bbq chicken sandwiches. Put some in a lettuce wrap with some pickled red onions.

Toss on pizza dough and make a bbq chicken pizza. Stuff a baked potato along with some sour cream and chives. Sprinkle on top of nachos with extra cheese!

For a kid friendly meal, serve on hamburger buns with some corn on the cob or a side of potato salad.

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bbq sauce ingredients and chicken for a simple recipe

Ingredients Needed

Chicken – Use boneless skinless chicken breasts for best results.

Ketchup – I like regular ketchup but you can also substitute chipotle ketchup.

Brown sugar – Light or dark brown sugar will work. Or make your own with white sugar and a tablespoon of molasses.

Vinegar – Regular white distilled vinegar or substitute apple cider vinegar.

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How to Make BBQ Pulled Chicken in the Slow Cooker

First: In a small bowl, whisk ketchup, brown sugar and vinegar to make the homemade BBQ sauce.

Second: Place chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour BBQ sauce over chicken and spread evenly.

place chicken in a single layer in the bottom of your slow cooker and place sauce on top of the chicken breast

Third: Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours. Remove chicken from crockpot and place on cutting board or in a bowl.

Fourth: Using 2 forks, pull chicken in to small pieces. Return back to crockpot and stir to coat with sauce and heat through. Serve immediately on buns with toppings and extra bbq sauce.

For the full recipe and detailed instructions, please refer to the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

easy meal prep make this one of my favorite slow cooker recipes

How long does it last?

Store any leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Can I make it ahead of time?

You can make this up to 4 days in advance. Keep cooked chicken in the fridge in an airtight container. When ready to serve, warm over low until heated through.

You might need to add a touch more sauce, ketchup, or chicken broth.

pulled bbq chicken is one of those easy chicken recipes you will make all the time

Can I freeze it?

Cook the chicken as directed. Cool completely and store in a freezer bag, removing as much air as possible.

Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat.

slow cooker full of shredded and pulled bbq chicken

How long do you cook chicken in the crockpot?

This recipe takes 2-3 hours on high but I like to cook mine on low for 4-6 hours so I don’t burn the bbq sauce. Just be sure the internal temperature reaches 165F.

Can you overcook it?

It is possible to overcook the chicken. Left in too long and it will dry out and be tough to chew. Stick with the times listed in the recipe for optimal results.

Othe Favorite BBQ Recipes

Speaking of BBQ and Crockpots, check out my BBQ Little Smokies Recipe, my BBQ Meatballs, and my Crack Chicken!

Tapas Tips & Tricks

Use boneless skinless chicken breasts for best results. If you use bone in, remove all bones before shredding.
Substitute boneless skinless chicken thighs if desired.
Don’t want to use ketchup, etc, substitute your favorite bbq sauce from the store.
You can shred large amounts of chicken using a hand mixer if you don’t want to get your hands dirty!
The tangy bbq sauce can be substituted with your own bbq sauce.

If you love this recipe as much as I do, please write a five-star review in the comment section below (or on Pinterest with the “tried it” button – you can now add pictures into reviews, too!), and be sure to help me share on facebook!

This pulled bbq chicken is a great dish for summer gatherings, tailgating, pot lucks, parties, and easy weeknight meals.