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This pulled BBQ chicken in the crockpot recipe is a simple, set-it-and-forget-it dinner made with just a few pantry staples. Perfect for pulled BBQ chicken sandwiches, wraps, salads, or easy meal prep.

A pot full of shredded BBQ chicken with a wooden spoon stirring.

Why You’ll Love Pulled BBQ Chicken Recipe

Quick prep and zero fuss. Just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it simmer
Cooks low and slow for juicy and flavorful results
Makes a big batch so there’s plenty to feed a crowd
Uses simple ingredients you likely already have
Freezer friendly and family approved for future meals

Ingredients Notes

Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Lean and easy to shred once cooked. You can also use bone-in or boneless chicken thighs for extra flavor and moisture; just remove bones after cooking.
BBQ sauce: Use any thick and smoky store-bought brand or make your own homemade BBQ sauce. If you want a bbq sauce with a bite, try my Fireball BBQ Sauce or Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce.
Italian salad dressing: We like Wish Bone, but any zesty, oil-based version adds great flavor.
Brown sugar: Either light or dark works. You can also substitute with honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetness.
Worcestershire sauce: Adds depth and umami. In a pinch, soy sauce can be used as a substitute for a similar salty kick.

See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

Tongs holding tender, shredded BBQ pulled chicken above a slow cooker.

How to Make BBQ Chicken in the Crockpot

Mix the ingredients: Whisk together the BBQ sauce, Italian dressing, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce in a small bowl.
Add to crockpot: Place chicken breasts in the crock pot and pour the sauce mixture over the top.
Cook: Cover and cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 6-7 hours, until the chicken is tender.
Shred: Use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the crockpot. Stir to coat the shredded chicken in the sauce.
Serve: Pile onto toasted buns or enjoy over salads, rice bowls, baked potatoes, or quesadillas.

Does cooking on low or high make a difference?

Yes. Cooking on low helps keep the crockpot BBQ chicken extra moist and tender. If you’re short on time, high works too; just keep an eye on it to avoid drying out.

Collage of makings of BBQ Pulled Chicken in the Crockpot, cooked chicken breast with sauce inside the crockpot, shredding the cooked bbq pulled chicken with a pair of fork.

Serving Suggestions

Serve it classic

Pile onto buttered and toasted hamburger buns or brioche rolls
Top with homemade coleslaw for the perfect crunchy contrast
Pair with classic sides like baked beans, corn on the cob, mac and cheese, cornbread, or roasted vegetables

Use the leftovers in:

Wraps or sliders for quick lunches or game day snacks
Quesadillas – try it in Crockpot Queso Chicken Quesadillas
Nachos with melty cheese, jalapeños, and sour cream
Barbecue chicken pizza with red onions and mozzarella
Tacos, enchiladas, or burritos – makes a flavorful filling for Mexican-inspired meals

Slow cooker Pulled BBQ Chicken served in hamburger buns

Recipe Tips

Use thawed chicken; frozen chicken can cook unevenly and is not safe for slow cooking
Don’t peek! Keep the lid closed to maintain heat and ensure even cooking
Shred the chicken while warm for the softest texture and best barbecue sauce absorption
Add extra BBQ sauce before serving if you like your slow cooker chicken extra saucy
I love using crockpot liners! They make cleanup so much easier.

Storage Instructions

Store: Keep leftover slow cooker BBQ chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Warm the slow cooker BBQ pulled chicken in the microwave in short intervals or on the stovetop with a splash of sauce or water to keep it moist.
Freeze: Freeze in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Close-up of BBQ pulled chicken cooking in a crockpot.

More Easy Crockpot Chicken Recipes

Looking for more dump-and-go chicken dinners? Try these favorite slow cooker recipes from the site:

If you’ve tried this Pulled BBQ Chicken in the Crockpot Recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a star rating and let me know how it turned out in the comments below.

5 from 1 vote