Description
Crockpot shredded BBQ chicken is a versatile and mouthwatering dish that’s incredibly easy to make, perfect for busy weekdays, casual gatherings, or simply when you’re in the mood for a delicious comfort food that requires minimal effort. The slow cooker does most of the work, infusing the chicken with deep barbecue flavors and ensuring it’s tender enough to shred effortlessly. Here’s how you can make it:
Ingredients
- 2 to 3 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (use your favorite brand or homemade sauce)
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (optional, depending on the sweetness of your BBQ sauce)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Additional barbecue sauce for serving
Instructions
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Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts or thighs with salt and pepper and place them in the bottom of the crockpot.
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Mix the Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine the barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar (if using), Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until well mixed. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
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Combine: Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the crockpot, ensuring each piece is well coated.
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Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken is done when it’s very tender and shreds easily with a fork.
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Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the crockpot and shred it using two forks. This can be done directly in the crockpot if you prefer, but removing it can make the process easier and less messy.
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Final Touches: Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir it into the sauce. Let it cook on low for an additional 30 minutes to allow the chicken to soak up the flavors.
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Serve: Serve the shredded BBQ chicken on buns for a classic pulled chicken sandwich, over rice, or alongside your favorite sides. You can also offer extra barbecue sauce on the side for those who prefer a saucier dish.
Notes
Tips and Variations:
- Customize the Sauce: Feel free to tweak the barbecue sauce mixture by adding more vinegar for tanginess, increasing the sugar for sweetness, or incorporating hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Adding Vegetables: For a more complex flavor and a complete meal in one pot, add sliced onions or bell peppers on top of the chicken before cooking.
- Serving Suggestions: Shredded BBQ chicken pairs wonderfully with coleslaw, baked beans, corn on the cob, or potato salad.
- Storing and Reheating: Leftover shredded BBQ chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a little water or additional barbecue sauce to keep it moist.