Easy Summer Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken
Effortless Summer Favorite Slow Cooker.
Juicy, tender pulled chicken in a smoky BBQ sauce, made effortlessly in your slow cooker for the perfect summer meal.
I remember the first time I made this. We had friends coming over for a last-minute backyard hangout. The sun was warm, the kids were running around, and I didn't want to be stuck inside. I threw everything in the crockpot, crossed my fingers, and hoped for the best. Wow. The result was so juicy and flavorful. It felt like I’d cheated, in the best way. Now, it's a staple for any casual get-together.
Why I Think You'll Adore This Meal
- •So simple, you just set it and forget it.
- •It keeps the kitchen wonderfully cool on hot summer days.
- •Incredibly versatile – great for sandwiches, tacos, or salads.
- •The whole house smells amazing while it cooks. It’s the best.
- •A guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any gathering, big or small.
My sister tried this recipe and called me right away. She said, 'This is a game-changer! My family devoured it, and I actually got to relax before dinner.' That’s exactly how I feel every time I make it. Pure, simple comfort.
Essential Ingredient Guide
- Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work perfectly here. They shred so easily after slow cooking. You could also use chicken thighs for even juicier meat if you prefer.
- Your Favorite BBQ Sauce: This is where you can really make it your own. I love a good smoky, hickory-flavored sauce, but a sweet or spicy one would be just as lovely. Use one you truly enjoy the taste of.
- Smoked Paprika: Please don't skip this! It adds a deep, smoky flavor that makes the chicken taste like it’s been slow-cooked over a fire. It’s that little secret touch that makes all the difference.
Complete Cooking Process
- Start by laying your sliced onions at the bottom of the slow cooker. It creates a nice little bed for the chicken.
- Mix your sauce ingredients in a separate bowl until everything is nicely combined.
- Place the chicken on the onions and pour that beautiful sauce all over it. Make sure it's well-coated.
- Put the lid on and set your slow cooker. Low for 6-8 hours is my favorite way—it makes the chicken unbelievably tender. But high for 3-4 hours works great if you're short on time.
- Just walk away. Let the slow cooker do its thing. The smell will be your reward.
- Carefully take the cooked chicken out. It will be so tender.
- Shred it with two forks. It’s so satisfying to see it just fall apart.
- Put all that shredded chicken back into the sauce in the slow cooker. Give it a good stir and let it hang out for a few minutes to soak up all that goodness.
- Serve it warm on some toasty buns. So good.
Your Questions Answered
→Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
It's generally recommended to thaw chicken before slow cooking for food safety reasons and to ensure it cooks evenly. If you do use frozen, you may need to add an extra hour or two to the cooking time.
→How do I know when the chicken is done?
The chicken is done when it's very tender and shreds easily with a fork. If you have a meat thermometer, the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
→What are the best ways to serve pulled chicken?
Sandwiches are classic, but it's also amazing in tacos, quesadillas, on top of a baked potato, or even on a salad for a lighter meal.
→Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, absolutely! It's a perfect make-ahead meal. You can store it in the fridge for a few days and reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. The flavors get even better overnight.
Easy Summer Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken
Discover this easy summer crockpot meal perfect for busy lifestyles. Enjoy wholesome, flavorful BBQ pulled chicken with minimal kitchen time. Ideal for gatherings or family dinners.
Timing
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
4-6 hours
Total Time
4 hours 10 minutes
Recipe Details
Ingredients
For the Pulled Chicken
- 012.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 021 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce
- 031/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 041/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 051 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 061 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 071 teaspoon garlic powder
- 081/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 091/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 101 small yellow onion, thinly sliced
For Serving
- 018 brioche buns, toasted
- 02Creamy coleslaw
- 03Dill pickle slices
Instructions
Place the sliced onions in an even layer at the bottom of your slow cooker.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper until smooth.
Place the chicken breasts on top of the onions in the slow cooker. Pour the BBQ sauce mixture evenly over the chicken.
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and place them on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the meat. It should fall apart easily.
Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to combine it with the sauce. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to soak up all the flavors.
Serve the BBQ pulled chicken warm on toasted buns, topped with coleslaw and pickles.
Notes & Tips
- 1Feel free to adjust the sweetness or smokiness to your liking by changing the amount of brown sugar or smoked paprika.
- 2For a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the BBQ mixture.
Tools You'll Need
- •Resist the urge to lift the lid while it's cooking! Every peek releases heat and adds to the cooking time.
- •Shred the chicken right in the slow cooker or return it immediately after shredding. This keeps it moist and full of flavor.
- •A little apple cider vinegar is key. It cuts through the sweetness of the BBQ sauce and brightens everything up.