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Did you know that over 60% of families struggle to find time for home-cooked meals during busy weeknights? If you're among them, you might be looking for quick and easy solutions that don't sacrifice flavor. Discover how these 7 simple crockpot BBQ pulled chicken recipes can transform your dinner routine. Each recipe offers a unique twist on traditional flavors, making it easy to enjoy delicious meals without the hassle.
Key Takeaways
- Classic BBQ Pulled Chicken is a simple recipe using chicken, BBQ sauce, and spices, cooked in a crockpot for 6-8 hours on low.
- Honey Garlic Pulled Chicken combines honey and soy sauce for a sweet flavor, perfect for sandwiches or rice bowls.
- Spicy Chipotle BBQ Pulled Chicken adds a kick with chipotle peppers, making it great for tacos or over rice.
- Pineapple Teriyaki Pulled Chicken features a tropical twist with pineapple and teriyaki sauce, ideal for quick meal prep.
- Each recipe allows for marination overnight to enhance flavor, and is versatile for various serving options like buns or bowls.
Classic BBQ Pulled Chicken
To make this pulled chicken even more delightful, pair it with coleslaw, pickles, or serve it on a toasted bun. The flavors meld beautifully as the chicken cooks, resulting in a juicy and flavorful meal that's as satisfying as it's easy to prepare.
Gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a comforting homemade BBQ classic.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Hamburger buns (for serving)
Instructions:
- Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your crockpot. In a separate bowl, mix together the BBQ sauce, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Pour this mixture over the chicken, ensuring that it's well-coated.
- Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the crockpot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot, stir it with the sauce, and let it cook for an additional 20-30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Extra Tips:
For added depth of flavor, consider marinating the chicken in the BBQ sauce overnight before cooking.
You can also experiment with different BBQ sauces to find your perfect flavor profile, whether you prefer a sweet, tangy, or spicy option.
If you want to make it a meal, serve the pulled chicken with sides like cornbread, baked beans, or roasted vegetables to complete your BBQ feast. Enjoy!
Honey Garlic Pulled Chicken
Honey garlic pulled chicken is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that packs a flavorful punch. The combination of honey and garlic creates a sweet and savory sauce that perfectly complements tender, shredded chicken.
This recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or gatherings, as it requires minimal effort and can be prepared in a slow cooker. Simply set it and forget it, allowing the ingredients to meld together for an irresistible meal.
This dish can be served in various ways, from sandwiches to rice bowls, making it a versatile addition to your meal rotation. The honey garlic sauce not only enhances the chicken but can also be used as a marinade for other proteins or drizzled over vegetables.
Whether you're cooking for a crowd or just for yourself, honey garlic pulled chicken is sure to impress!
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Cooking Instructions:
In a slow cooker, combine the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, black pepper, salt, onion powder, and red pepper flakes. Stir well to create the sauce.
Place the chicken breasts into the slow cooker, making sure they're well-coated with the sauce. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, mixing it with the sauce to fully coat the meat.
Extra Tips:
For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in the honey garlic sauce overnight before cooking.
You can also customize the dish by adding vegetables such as bell peppers or onions to the slow cooker for a complete meal.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the chicken after cooking and let the sauce simmer on high for a few minutes until it reduces to your desired consistency before mixing it back in with the shredded chicken.
Serve with your choice of buns, rice, or a salad for a satisfying meal.
Spicy Chipotle BBQ Pulled Chicken
Spicy Chipotle BBQ Pulled Chicken is a flavorful and zesty twist on the classic pulled chicken recipe. This dish combines tender shredded chicken with a smoky chipotle BBQ sauce that adds a kick to your meal. Perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or served over rice, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that's bound to impress your family and friends.
The slow cooking method guarantees that the chicken remains juicy and packed with flavor, making it an excellent option for busy weeknights or gatherings.
To make this Spicy Chipotle BBQ Pulled Chicken, you'll need a few simple ingredients that come together to create a deliciously spicy sauce. The combination of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce and your favorite barbecue sauce delivers a smoky flavor that complements the chicken beautifully.
This recipe is easy to follow and requires minimal prep time, allowing you to set it and forget it while your crockpot does all the work.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand)
- 2-3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped
- 1 tablespoon adobo sauce (from the chipotle can)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: coleslaw and sandwich buns for serving
Cooking Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the barbecue sauce, chopped chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, honey, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until well blended.
- Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot and pour the chipotle BBQ sauce mixture over them, making sure the chicken is well coated. Set your crockpot to low and cook for 6-7 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and can be easily shredded with a fork.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the crockpot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot, stirring it into the sauce to absorb all the flavors. Allow it to cook for an additional 30 minutes on low to let the flavors meld.
Extra Tips:
For an extra layer of flavor, consider marinating the chicken in the chipotle BBQ sauce for a few hours or overnight before cooking. This will allow the spices to penetrate the meat more deeply.
Additionally, you can adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or fewer chipotle peppers depending on your heat preference. Serve the pulled chicken on toasted buns with a side of coleslaw for a delicious and satisfying meal. Enjoy!
Pineapple Teriyaki Pulled Chicken
Pineapple Teriyaki Pulled Chicken is a delightful twist on traditional pulled chicken. This dish combines the savory flavors of teriyaki sauce with the sweet and tangy notes of pineapple, creating a mouthwatering meal that's perfect for any occasion.
Cooked low and slow in a crockpot, the chicken becomes incredibly tender and infused with flavor, making it easy to shred and serve on its own or on a bun.
This recipe isn't only simple but also versatile. You can enjoy it in various ways – from a hearty sandwich to a flavorful taco filling or served over rice. With minimal prep time and the convenience of the crockpot, you can set it and forget it, allowing the ingredients to meld beautifully while you go about your day.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup teriyaki sauce
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
To prepare the Pineapple Teriyaki Pulled Chicken, start by placing the chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot.
In a separate bowl, combine the teriyaki sauce, pineapple chunks, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, apple cider vinegar, and sesame oil. Pour this mixture over the chicken, ensuring that it's well coated.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover the crockpot with the lid and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and easily shreds with a fork.
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the crockpot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and mix it with the remaining sauce, allowing it to absorb the flavors for an additional 10-15 minutes before serving.
Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
Extra Tips: For an added depth of flavor, consider marinating the chicken in the teriyaki sauce overnight before cooking. This can enhance the dish's taste even further.
Additionally, feel free to add bell peppers or snap peas to the crockpot for an extra veggie boost. Serve the pulled chicken over rice, in sandwiches, or wrapped in lettuce for a lighter meal option. Enjoy your delicious Pineapple Teriyaki Pulled Chicken!
Smoky Apple Cider Pulled Chicken
The juicy chicken absorbs the sweetness of the apple cider while the spices add a depth of flavor that elevates this dish beyond the ordinary.
Serve it on buns for a classic pulled chicken sandwich or over rice for a hearty meal. Either way, this recipe is bound to become a favorite in your home.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup apple cider
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (your choice)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- Buns or rice for serving
Cooking Instructions:
1. In the crockpot, combine the apple cider, barbecue sauce, diced onion, minced garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
Stir well to mix all the ingredients together.
2. Place the chicken breasts into the mixture, ensuring they're well coated with the sauce.
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
3. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the crockpot and shred it using two forks.
Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir it into the sauce, allowing it to soak up the flavors before serving.
Extra Tips:
For an even deeper flavor, consider marinating the chicken in apple cider and spices overnight before cooking.
Additionally, feel free to experiment with different types of barbecue sauce to find your perfect flavor combination.
If you want to add some crunch, top your pulled chicken with coleslaw before serving. Enjoy!
Sweet and Tangy BBQ Pulled Chicken
If you're looking for a delicious and easy way to enjoy pulled chicken, this Sweet and Tangy BBQ Pulled Chicken recipe is the perfect choice. With its combination of sweet and savory flavors, this dish is sure to please everyone at the dinner table.
Cooking it in a crockpot allows the chicken to become incredibly tender and allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it an ideal meal for busy weeknights or gatherings with friends and family.
The best part about this recipe is how simple it's to prepare. Just toss the ingredients into your crockpot, set it, and let it do the work for you. Serve it on buns for a classic BBQ sandwich, or on a bed of rice for a comforting meal.
Either way, you'll be left with a satisfying and flavorful dish that showcases the deliciousness of pulled chicken.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (sweet and tangy variety)
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: hamburger buns for serving
Cooking Instructions:
Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot.
In a separate bowl, mix together the BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Pour this sauce mixture over the chicken in the crockpot, ensuring that the chicken is well coated.
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork.
Once the chicken is cooked, use two forks to shred the meat in the crockpot, mixing it with the sauce. Allow it to cook for an additional 15-30 minutes on low to absorb the flavors.
Serve the pulled chicken on hamburger buns or over rice, garnished with extra BBQ sauce if desired.
Extra Tips:
For an added twist, consider adding some diced onions or bell peppers to the crockpot for extra flavor and texture.
You can also adjust the sweetness and tanginess of the BBQ sauce to your preference by experimenting with different brands or adding a splash of hot sauce for a kick.
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days, making this recipe great for meal prep!
Asian-Inspired Pulled Chicken
For a unique twist on traditional pulled chicken, try this Asian-inspired recipe that infuses the dish with vibrant flavors and aromatic spices. Combining the sweetness of hoisin sauce with the heat of sriracha, this pulled chicken recipe is sure to tantalize your taste buds. It's perfect for serving on rice, in lettuce wraps, or on a bun for a delicious sandwich.
This dish isn't only easy to prepare in a crockpot but also allows the chicken to become tender and soak up all the flavorful ingredients over time. Whether you're hosting a gathering or just looking for a comforting meal, this Asian-inspired pulled chicken will impress your family and friends.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup hoisin sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- Green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
To cook the Asian-inspired pulled chicken, start by placing the chicken thighs in the crockpot. In a separate bowl, mix together the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sriracha, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, honey, and chicken broth.
Pour this mixture over the chicken, ensuring that it's well-coated. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-6 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the crockpot and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir it into the sauce to absorb more flavor. For serving, you can garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for an extra touch of flavor and presentation.
Extra Tips:
For added depth of flavor, consider marinating the chicken in the sauce overnight before cooking. You can also adjust the level of spiciness by varying the amount of sriracha or adding red pepper flakes.
Serve the pulled chicken with steamed rice or in fresh lettuce wraps for a revitalizing and healthy option. Enjoy this versatile dish that can be adapted to suit your personal taste!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for These Recipes?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken for these recipes. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time, as frozen chicken will require longer to cook through compared to fresh chicken. Enjoy your meal prep!
How Long Can I Store Leftover Pulled Chicken?
You can store leftover pulled chicken in the refrigerator for up to four days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it for up to three months. Just make sure it's properly sealed!
What Sides Pair Well With Pulled Chicken?
What's better than pulled chicken? Pair it with classic coleslaw, cornbread, or roasted veggies for a delightful meal. Don't forget a revitalizing pickle on the side to elevate those flavors even more! Enjoy your feast!
Can I Make Pulled Chicken in an Instant Pot?
Yes, you can make pulled chicken in an Instant Pot! Just season the chicken, add some liquid, seal the lid, and cook on high pressure for about 15 minutes. It'll turn out tender and flavorful!
What Are Some Low-Carb Options for Serving Pulled Chicken?
You can serve pulled chicken with lettuce wraps, cauliflower rice, or zoodles for a low-carb meal. Top it with avocado or a sugar-free barbecue sauce to enhance flavor without adding unnecessary carbs. Enjoy your meal!
