I’ve always loved meals that are simple, delicious, and can feed a crowd without a ton of fuss. One recipe my family keeps coming back to over and over is Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken. Honestly, it’s a lifesaver on busy weekdays or when I’m hosting friends and family for a casual dinner. The slow cooker does all the hard work while you’re off doing other things, and the result is tender, juicy chicken coated in rich, smoky-sweet barbecue sauce.
Our family loves this recipe because it’s not just easy—it’s versatile. We’ll eat it on toasted buns for sandwiches, pile it onto baked potatoes, or even stuff it in soft tortillas for BBQ chicken tacos. My kids especially love helping me shred the chicken—they think it’s fun, and honestly, it makes the whole kitchen smell amazing while they’re at it!
Over the years, I’ve tried different BBQ sauces, adjusted the spices, and experimented with both chicken breasts and thighs. This version is my personal favorite because it hits that perfect balance between tangy, sweet, and smoky flavors without being overpowering. Plus, it’s budget-friendly, which is always a bonus when feeding a family.
BBQ Pulled Chicken Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for extra juiciness)
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cups of your favorite barbecue sauce
- 1/4 cup chicken broth (or water)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (optional, but adds sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
BBQ Pulled Chicken Instructions
- Prepare the slow cooker
Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker with a little cooking spray or olive oil to prevent sticking. - Layer the ingredients
Place the sliced onions at the bottom of the slow cooker. Then lay the chicken on top. This layering helps infuse the chicken with flavor while it cooks. - Mix the sauce
In a bowl, combine barbecue sauce, chicken broth, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Pour over the chicken, making sure it’s evenly coated. - Cook low and slow
Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and shreds easily with a fork. - Shred the chicken
Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred using two forks. Return to the sauce and cook for an additional 15–20 minutes on low so it absorbs all the flavors.
Serving Ideas
- Pulled Chicken Sandwiches – Toasted buns with coleslaw and pickles.
- BBQ Chicken Tacos – Soft tortillas with chicken, shredded lettuce, cheese, and ranch.
- Loaded Baked Potatoes – Topped with pulled chicken, cheese, and sour cream.
- Meal Prep Bowls – Served with rice, roasted vegetables, and extra barbecue sauce.
Tips for the Perfect Pulled Chicken
- Use chicken thighs for juicier meat.
- Add liquid smoke for extra smoky flavor.
- Thicken the sauce by cooking uncovered for 20 minutes if too thin.
- Freeze for later—this chicken stores well for up to 3 months.
Final Thoughts
Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken is comforting, flavorful, and versatile. It’s perfect for busy families, casual get-togethers, or meal prepping for the week. Walking into a home that smells like smoky BBQ is pure joy, and this recipe delivers every time.
My family absolutely loves it, and I love that it’s easy, affordable, and stress-free.
👉 For more budget-friendly recipes my family loves, check out my full collection here: Budget-Friendly Recipes