Ready in: 8 hours · Serves: 6-8 · Technique: Slow Cooking · Storage: Up to 4 days in the refrigerator or 3 months in the freezer.
Quick Answer
To make Slow Cooker Shredded BBQ Chicken, place thawed chicken breasts in a slow cooker, mix barbecue sauce with broth and spices, pour over the chicken, and cook on low for 6-8 hours before shredding.
Living in the vibrant city of New York, I've often found myself craving comfort food that's not just delicious but also easy to prepare amidst the bustling schedule of city life. With Thanksgiving and Christmas approaching, it's time to think about crowd-pleasing dishes that require minimal hands-on time while delivering maximum flavor. Enter my Slow Cooker Shredded BBQ Chicken-an effortless dish that transforms the humble chicken breast into tender, flavorful goodness that elicits oohs and aahs at any gathering.
A Perfect Holiday Gathering Delight
This Slow Cooker Shredded BBQ Chicken is perfect for holiday feasts, allowing you to enjoy the flavors while spending less time in the kitchen and more time with your loved ones.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Effortless preparation: Just set it and forget it with the slow cooker.
- Rich and flavorful: Tender chicken infused with your favorite barbecue sauce.
- Perfect for gatherings: A dish that pleases crowds at any holiday or family dinner.
- Versatile serving options: Enjoy it on buns, over coleslaw, or with your favorite sides.
Ingredients
To create this barbecue masterpiece, you'll need:
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How to Make Slow Cooker Shredded BBQ Chicken (Step-by-Step)
This slow cooker recipe is not only simple but will also fill your home with the most delightful aroma as it cooks.
Step 1: Prep the Slow Cooker
Start by placing your boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker. There's something satisfying about arranging them just so.
Step 2: Mix the Sauce
In a medium bowl, combine the barbecue sauce, chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk it until it's beautifully smooth and well-combined. The aroma of the vinegar and sauce mingling together is intoxicating!
Step 3: Pour Over Chicken
Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken. Cover and set your slow cooker on low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken
Once the cooking time is up, remove the chicken and place it on a cutting board. Using two forks, shred the chicken. It should easily pull apart-this is the moment you realize your patience has paid off in juicy, flavorful chicken!
Step 5: Combine with Sauce
Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, mixing it well with the sauce. Let it sit in the slow cooker for another 10-15 minutes to soak up even more flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using Frozen Chicken: It's crucial to start with thawed chicken breasts for even cooking.
- Skipping the Liquid: Ensure a good balance of sauce and broth to prevent drying out or burning.
- Overcooking the Chicken: Aim for the lower time range to avoid mushiness.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Serving Suggestions: Serve on toasted buns for a sandwich or over coleslaw for a twist.
- Make It Spicy: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce for heat.
- Customization: Experiment with different barbecue sauces or spices to suit your taste.
Variations
- Use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for a richer flavor.
- Substitute honey or maple syrup for a touch of sweetness in the sauce.
- Add smoked paprika for a smoky flavor profile.
- Incorporate diced bell peppers or onions into the slow cooker for extra texture.
How to Serve
- On toasted buns with coleslaw for a classic sandwich.
- Over rice for a hearty meal.
- With cornbread and pickles for a BBQ experience.
- Stuffed in tacos with fresh toppings.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the sauce a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through, adding a splash of broth if needed to keep it moist.
- Freezing: This chicken freezes beautifully! Let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. It will last for up to 3 months in the freezer.
Recipe Notes / What I Learned
In testing this recipe, I learned that the right barbecue sauce can truly elevate the dish; don't be afraid to choose one that you absolutely love. Additionally, the convenience of a slow cooker allows me to prepare other parts of the meal while trusting that my main dish is developing rich flavors.
Yield and Serving Size
Yield: 6 servings · Serving Size: ½ cup shredded chicken
Nutrition Snapshot
Estimated Nutrition Per Serving: ~250 calories · 30g protein · 10g carbs · 8g fat
Recipe by:
Easy Slow Cooker Shredded BBQ Chicken
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by placing your boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker.
- In a medium bowl, combine barbecue sauce, chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk until smooth.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken. Cover and set the slow cooker on low for 6 to 8 hours.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken and shred it using two forks. Return it to the slow cooker and mix with the sauce.
Notes
FAQs
- Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
- No, it's crucial to start with thawed chicken breasts for even cooking. Frozen chicken can lead to uneven texture and cooking times.
- How long can I store the leftovers?
- You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Can I customize the barbecue sauce?
- Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different barbecue sauces or add your favorite spices to personalize the flavor.
- What’s the best way to serve shredded BBQ chicken?
- It's delicious served on toasted buns for sandwiches or over a bed of coleslaw. Pair it with cornbread and pickles for a classic BBQ experience.
- Does this recipe freeze well?
- Yes, the chicken freezes beautifully. Just let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe bag. It will last for up to 3 months in the freezer.
