The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken (Easy Pulled Chicken)

Update : March 25, 2026

Delicious Crockpot BBQ chicken served on a plate

why make this recipe

If you love delicious, easy meals, this crockpot BBQ chicken is for you! It’s simple to prepare and requires minimal effort. Just throw the ingredients into the crockpot and let it do the work for you. The chicken comes out tender and soaked in the flavor of the BBQ sauce, making it perfect for various dishes. Whether you want BBQ pulled chicken sandwiches or a tasty topping for salads and nachos, this recipe is a winner.

how to make The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken (Easy Pulled Chicken)

Ingredients:

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, with fat trimmed off
1 1/4 cup barbecue sauce (We love Sweet Baby Ray’s Honey BBQ)
1/2 cup Italian dressing (I use this fat-free one)
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup light brown sugar (can reduce to 1/8 cup or omit if you prefer it less sweet)
1 tbsp garlic powder
1 tbsp onion powder
Salt and black pepper, to taste

Directions:

First, liberally spray the inside of a large crockpot or slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray, or for less mess, use disposable liners.
Next, season your trimmed chicken breasts with salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder, and place them in the bottom of your crockpot.
In a medium-size mixing bowl, add barbecue sauce, Italian dressing, light brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Whisk until combined.
Pour the mixture evenly over the chicken breasts, place the lid on the crockpot, and cook on high for 2.5-3 hours or low for 5-6 hours.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Once fully cooked, you can either serve the chicken whole or use two forks to shred it. I prefer to shred it right in the crockpot to soak up all the tasty juices.
Serve on buns for delicious BBQ pulled chicken sandwiches or use it on pizza, salad, tacos, nachos, over rice, or by itself. Enjoy!

how to serve The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken (Easy Pulled Chicken)

This BBQ chicken is incredibly versatile! You can serve it on toasted buns for classic pulled chicken sandwiches. It’s also fantastic as a topping for nachos or pizza. Simply add your favorite cheese and toppings for a scrumptious dish. Or, toss it on a salad for a hearty meal. The options are endless!

how to store The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken (Easy Pulled Chicken)

To store leftover BBQ chicken, let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.

tips to make The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken (Easy Pulled Chicken)

For a spicier version, add some hot sauce to the BBQ sauce mixture.
To save time, you can prepare the chicken and sauce a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator before cooking.
If you prefer a smokier flavor, consider using smoked BBQ sauce.

variation

You can easily customize this recipe by trying different barbecue sauces or adding more spices according to your taste. For a Mediterranean twist, consider adding some olives and feta cheese when serving over salad.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts! Just cook them on the high setting for an additional hour or so to ensure they are fully cooked.

What can I do with leftovers?
Leftovers can be used in sandwiches, salads, or tacos. You can also mix it with pasta or serve it over rice for a quick meal.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe can be made gluten-free by ensuring that the BBQ sauce and Worcestershire sauce you use are gluten-free. Check the labels before purchasing.