Crockpot Shredded BBQ Chicken: Slow Cooker Shredded BBQ Chicken is the ultimate crowd-pleaser with tender, juicy chicken coated in a smoky and tangy barbecue sauce that can be served in countless ways.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Prep: Throw everything into the crockpot, set it, and forget it.
- Versatile Uses: Perfect for sandwiches, tacos, salads, or as a standalone dish.
- Family-Friendly: A hit with kids and adults alike.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Make a big batch for easy meals throughout the week.
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect BBQ Chicken
- Don’t Overcook: While crockpots are forgiving, overcooked chicken can become dry. Stick to the recommended cooking times.
- Customize the Sauce: Add a splash of hot sauce, a dash of liquid smoke, or a pinch of cayenne for extra depth.
- Shred with Ease: Use a hand mixer for quick shredding if you’re short on time.
- Thicken the Sauce: If the sauce is too thin, remove the chicken and simmer the sauce in the crockpot on high until it thickens.
Variations
- Spicy BBQ Chicken: Add diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or chipotle powder for a fiery kick.
- Honey BBQ Chicken: Mix honey into the sauce for a sweeter profile.
- Pineapple BBQ Chicken: Add canned pineapple chunks for a tropical twist.
- Buffalo BBQ Chicken: Replace half the barbecue sauce with buffalo sauce for a tangy flavor.
How to Serve Crockpot Shredded BBQ Chicken
The possibilities are endless! Here are some of our favorite serving ideas:
- Classic Sandwiches: Pile the chicken on a soft bun and top with coleslaw.
- Tacos: Serve in tortillas with diced onions, cilantro, and a drizzle of lime juice.
- Baked Potatoes: Spoon over baked potatoes and garnish with shredded cheese and green onions.
- Salads: Toss on top of a bed of greens with ranch or blue cheese dressing.
- Rice Bowls: Layer with rice, black beans, and corn for a hearty meal.
How to Store and Reheat
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Place in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or barbecue sauce if needed.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes! Just ensure the chicken is fully cooked by the end. You may need to add extra time for frozen chicken.
What’s the best barbecue sauce to use?
Go with your favorite! Sweet Baby Ray’s, Stubbs, or homemade BBQ sauce all work beautifully.
Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Absolutely. Cook on high pressure for 10-12 minutes (for fresh chicken) or 12-15 minutes (for frozen), then use the quick-release method before shredding.
How can I make it healthier?
Opt for a low-sugar barbecue sauce and use skinless chicken breasts. You can also skip the sweeteners.
What if I don’t have a crockpot?
No problem! Simmer the ingredients on the stovetop in a covered pot on low heat for 1-2 hours, checking for tenderness.
Crockpot Shredded BBQ Chicken
Crockpot Shredded BBQ Chicken: Slow Cooker Shredded BBQ Chicken is the ultimate crowd-pleaser with tender, juicy chicken coated in a smoky and tangy barbecue sauce that can be served in countless ways.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1½ cups Honey BBQ Sauce (double for saucier chicken)
- 1½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt & pepper
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
Instructions
- Mix garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cut chicken breasts in half (for faster cooking), then rub the seasoning all over.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet until shimmering. Add seasoned chicken in batches (to avoid overcrowding) and cook for 7-10 minutes per side, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165ºF.
- Let the cooked chicken rest for 5 minutes, then shred with two forks or use a stand mixer with a paddle attachment for a quick shredding method.
- In the same skillet, melt butter. Add shredded chicken back to the pan, pour in the Honey BBQ Sauce, and mix well. Add extra sauce if needed.
- Serve immediately in sandwiches, tacos, or over rice!
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 841Total Fat: 25gSaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 292mgSodium: 644mgCarbohydrates: 110gFiber: 1gSugar: 107gProtein: 56g
Chickenrecipes.blog, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Crockpot Shredded BBQ Chicken is a game-changing recipe for anyone who loves the convenience of slow cooking and the bold flavors of barbecue. With endless variations and serving options, it’s a dish you’ll want to make on repeat. Whether you’re prepping for a busy week or hosting a casual dinner, this recipe has you covered.
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