Slow-Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken
Slow-Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, offering a flavorful and effortless meal. The combination of chicken thighs and breasts delivers tender, juicy meat with a perfect balance of light and hearty shreds.
Infused with smoky chipotle chiles, Worcestershire sauce, and onion powder, this dish captures the essence of slow-cooked barbecue. The slow cooker ensures the chicken remains moist and full of flavor, making it a hassle-free option for busy days.
Serve it on buns with pickles and slaw for a classic BBQ experience, or get creative with barbecue chicken pizza. This pulled chicken is versatile, and leftovers make for a tasty meal the next day.
Slow-Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken: Ingredients
The base of this dish is a rich, tomato-based barbecue sauce, which brings a tangy sweetness that melds perfectly with the smoky heat of chipotle chiles in adobo. Worcestershire sauce adds a deep, savory umami, while onion powder provides a subtle, aromatic depth.
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs contribute rich, juicy tenderness, while chicken breasts offer a lean contrast, creating the perfect balance of texture. A sprinkle of salt and black pepper ties everything together, elevating the flavors and ensuring every bite is deliciously seasoned.
Slow-Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken: Recipe Tips
- Layer Your Sauces for Depth of Flavor
For a richer, more complex flavor profile, consider mixing your barbecue sauce with a bit of honey or brown sugar. This will balance the heat from the chipotle chiles and add a touch of sweetness that complements the savory Worcestershire sauce. You can also experiment with different types of barbecue sauce—spicy, smoky, or tangy—to make the dish your own. - Choose Chicken Cuts Wisely
While this recipe works well with both boneless chicken thighs and breasts, using a higher ratio of thighs will result in a juicier, more tender pulled chicken. The thighs contain more fat, which keeps the meat moist during the slow-cooking process. If you prefer leaner meat, go for a higher proportion of breasts but be mindful to monitor the cooking time to avoid drying out. - Don’t Rush the Cooking Time
The key to achieving the perfect pulled chicken texture is slow cooking. It’s important not to rush the process, as the meat needs time to break down and become tender. Depending on the size of the chicken pieces and your slow cooker’s temperature, it may take anywhere from 3 to 5 hours on low. If you prefer a more intense smokiness, consider adding an extra chipotle pepper or a few dashes of liquid smoke in the last hour of cooking.
What to Serve with Slow-Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken
- Classic Coleslaw
The creamy, tangy crunch of coleslaw is the perfect contrast to the tender, flavorful pulled chicken. The coolness of the slaw helps balance the smoky heat from the chipotle chiles, making every bite refreshing and satisfying. Opt for a classic vinegar-based slaw or a creamy version depending on your preference. - Pickled Vegetables
Serve your pulled chicken with a side of pickles or pickled vegetables like cucumbers, red onions, or carrots. The acidity from the pickles cuts through the richness of the barbecue sauce, adding a zesty bite that complements the savory flavors of the chicken. Pickled jalapeños also add a nice spicy kick if you like more heat. - Corn on the Cob
Nothing says summer BBQ like sweet, buttery corn on the cob. Grilled or boiled, corn pairs perfectly with the smoky pulled chicken. You can sprinkle a little chili powder or smoked paprika on top to tie the flavors together, or simply enjoy it with a squeeze of lime for a refreshing, tangy side.
FAQ
- Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
Yes, bone-in chicken works fine, but it will require more time to cook. Be sure to remove the bones before shredding the chicken for the best texture. - Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! This Slow-Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months, so feel free to make a big batch and enjoy it later. - Can I adjust the spice level of this recipe?
Yes, you can easily modify the spice level. For a milder version, reduce or omit the chipotle chiles. If you like it spicier, add more chiles or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce. - Can I cook this on high in the slow cooker?
While cooking on low yields the most tender results, you can cook the pulled chicken on high for about 2 to 3 hours. However, keep an eye on the texture of the chicken to ensure it doesn’t overcook and dry out.
Slow-Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken
Ingredients
- 1½ cups tomato-based barbecue sauce store-bought or homemade
- 1 to 2 chipotle chiles in adobo along with 2 tablespoons of adobo sauce
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce
- 1½ teaspoons onion powder
- 1½ to 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1½ to 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1
- In a 5- to 8-quart slow cooker, combine 1 cup of barbecue sauce with the chipotle chiles, adobo sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and onion powder. Season the chicken thighs and breasts with salt and pepper, then add them to the slow cooker, tossing gently to coat. Cover and cook on low for 3 to 5 hours, or until the chicken easily shreds with a fork.
- Step 2
- Once the chicken is fully cooked and tender, use two forks to shred it directly in the slow cooker. Stir in the remaining ½ cup of barbecue sauce, adjusting the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Serve and enjoy!
