Shredded BBQ Chicken (Crock Pot Recipe)

Shredded BBQ Chicken (Crock Pot Recipe) is the perfect dish for any gathering or a simple weeknight dinner. This recipe combines tender chicken with a rich, smoky barbecue sauce, creating a meal that pleases everyone. It’s incredibly versatile—serve it on its own, pile it high on a sandwich, or use it in tacos. With minimal prep time and the magic of a slow cooker, you can enjoy a delightful dish with just a few ingredients.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Preparation: Just toss everything into the crock pot and let it do the work.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of Sweet Baby Ray’s sauce and spices creates an irresistible taste.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy this shredded BBQ chicken on buns, over rice, or as a topping for salads.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love this comforting meal.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your essential tools to make this Shredded BBQ Chicken smoothly. Having everything ready will ensure an effortless cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker (Crock-Pot)
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Forks (for shredding)

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker (Crock-Pot): This appliance allows you to cook your chicken low and slow, ensuring it becomes tender and flavorful without constant supervision.
• Mixing bowl: A reliable mixing bowl is crucial for combining your barbecue sauce ingredients thoroughly.
• Whisk: Use a whisk to mix the sauce evenly, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
• Forks (for shredding): Two forks make shredding the chicken easy and efficient right in the slow cooker.

Ingredients

Great on its own or on a sandwich! This Pulled BBQ Chicken recipe is so simple– just throw all of the ingredients into your crockpot and let it cook. In no time you have a delicious meal – Fix it and forget it!

For the Chicken

• 3 chicken breasts

For the Barbecue Sauce Mixture

• 1 18 oz Bottle Sweet Baby Ray’s Hickory & Brown Sugar Barbecue Sauce
• ⅓ cup light brown sugar
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ¼ tsp smoked paprika
• ¼ tsp chipotle chili powder (see note)
• ¼ tsp ground white pepper

How to Make Shredded BBQ Chicken (Crock Pot Recipe)

Step 1: Prepare the Crock-Pot

Place chicken breasts in the Crock-Pot. Turn heat to low.

Step 2: Mix Your Sauce

In a separate bowl:
1. Combine Sweet Baby Ray’s Barbecue Sauce with light brown sugar.
2. Add apple cider vinegar, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, chipotle chili powder, and ground white pepper.
3. Use a whisk to stir and combine until smooth.

Step 3: Combine Chicken and Sauce

Pour barbecue sauce mixture into the Crock-Pot over the chicken breasts. Use a spoon to stir gently, ensuring all chicken pieces are well coated.

Step 4: Cook Low and Slow

Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours until chicken is tender.

Step 5: Shred the Chicken

When chicken pulls apart easily with a fork:
1. Use two forks to shred chicken while still in the Crock-Pot.
2. Mix shredded chicken with barbecue sauce until thoroughly coated.

Step 6: Serve Your Dish

Serve on buttered and toasted hamburger buns for an ultimate tasty experience! Enjoy your Shredded BBQ Chicken!

How to Serve Shredded BBQ Chicken (Crock Pot Recipe)

Shredded BBQ Chicken is incredibly versatile and can be served in various delightful ways. Whether you’re hosting a casual gathering or enjoying a family dinner, these serving suggestions will elevate your meal.

On a Bun

• Perfect for sliders or sandwiches, simply pile the shredded chicken onto toasted hamburger buns. Add pickles or coleslaw for extra crunch.

Over Rice

• Spoon the shredded BBQ chicken over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice. This creates a hearty meal that’s both filling and satisfying.

In Tacos

• Use soft tortillas to make delicious BBQ chicken tacos. Top with avocado, diced tomatoes, and fresh cilantro for a fresh twist.

With Vegetables

• Serve the shredded chicken alongside roasted vegetables or a fresh salad. This adds color and nutrition to your plate while balancing the flavors.

As a Pizza Topping

• Spread the shredded BBQ chicken on pizza dough, add cheese, and bake for a quick and tasty BBQ chicken pizza that will impress everyone!

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How to Perfect Shredded BBQ Chicken (Crock Pot Recipe)

To ensure your shredded BBQ chicken turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind.

• Start with boneless skinless chicken breasts – They cook evenly and shred easily without bones or skin getting in the way.
• Use high-quality barbecue sauce – The flavor of your dish largely depends on the barbecue sauce you use. Sweet Baby Ray’s is highly recommended for its rich taste.
• Don’t skip the sugar – Adding light brown sugar balances out the acidity from the vinegar and enhances the sweetness of the sauce.
• Cook on low heat – For best results, cook on low heat for 6-7 hours. This allows flavors to meld and ensures tender chicken.
• Shred while warm – Shredding the chicken while it’s still warm makes it easier to pull apart and mix with the barbecue sauce.
• Store leftovers properly – Keep any leftover shredded BBQ chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Best Side Dishes for Shredded BBQ Chicken (Crock Pot Recipe)

Pairing side dishes with your shredded BBQ chicken can make your meal even more enjoyable. Here are some great options that complement this dish well.

1. Coleslaw – A crunchy side that adds freshness and contrasts nicely with the rich flavors of BBQ.
2. Cornbread – Sweet cornbread provides a comforting touch that pairs beautifully with pulled chicken.
3. Baked Beans – The smoky flavor of baked beans complements BBQ chicken perfectly; consider adding bacon for added richness.
4. Potato Salad – Creamy potato salad balances out the spice and sweetness of your dish; it’s also a picnic favorite!
5. Macaroni and Cheese – A classic comfort food that kids love; its cheesy goodness pairs well with savory pulled chicken.
6. Grilled Corn on the Cob – Adding grilled corn gives a sweet, charred flavor that enhances any summer meal setting.
7. Garden Salad – A simple garden salad topped with vinaigrette brings freshness to your plate while keeping it light.
8. Sweet Potato Fries – Crispy sweet potato fries provide a deliciously sweet contrast to savory BBQ chicken, making them an excellent choice!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Shredded BBQ Chicken (Crock Pot Recipe), it’s easy to make a few common errors that could affect your final dish. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for.

• Using frozen chicken – Frozen chicken takes much longer to cook and may not reach safe temperatures. Always use thawed chicken for even cooking.
• Skipping the seasoning – Forgetting to season the sauce can lead to bland chicken. Ensure you mix in all the spices and ingredients thoroughly for a flavorful result.
• Overcooking – Cooking the chicken too long can dry it out. Stick to the recommended cooking times for best results.
• Not shredding properly – Shredding chicken while it’s too cool makes it harder to pull apart. Wait until it’s tender and hot for easier shredding.
• Skipping the sauce mixture – Pouring barbecue sauce directly onto the chicken without mixing can result in uneven flavor. Always combine the sauce ingredients first.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Allow chicken to cool completely before sealing.

Freezing Shredded BBQ Chicken (Crock Pot Recipe)

• Freeze in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2-3 months.
• Label with date for easy tracking.

Reheating Shredded BBQ Chicken (Crock Pot Recipe)

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F, place in a covered dish, and heat until warmed through (about 20 minutes).
• Microwave – Use a microwave-safe container, cover, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.
• Stovetop – Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Shredded BBQ Chicken (Crock Pot Recipe) that may help you along the way.

Can I use other types of barbecue sauce?

Absolutely! You can experiment with different flavors of BBQ sauce to tailor the dish to your taste.

How do I know when my shredded BBQ chicken is done?

The chicken is ready when it’s tender and easily pulls apart with a fork. This typically takes about 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! This recipe is perfect for meal prep. Cook it ahead of time and store it in the fridge or freezer for later use.

What should I serve with shredded BBQ chicken?

This dish pairs well with coleslaw, baked beans, or potato salad for a complete meal.

Final Thoughts

Shredded BBQ Chicken (Crock Pot Recipe) is not only delicious but incredibly versatile. You can enjoy it on its own, in sandwiches, or even as a topping on salads. Feel free to customize your recipe by adding different spices or additional ingredients based on your preferences. Give this easy recipe a try—it’s sure to become a family favorite!