There’s nothing better than coming home to the irresistible aroma of BBQ chicken slow-cooked to perfection.
This Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken is sweet, smoky, and packed with flavor thanks to a blend of spices, brown sugar, and Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce.
Serve it on toasted buns with coleslaw or use it in wraps and salads for an easy, family-friendly meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Hands-off cooking – Let the slow cooker do all the work.
Super tender & juicy – The chicken falls apart effortlessly.
Sweet & smoky flavor – BBQ sauce + spices = perfection.
Meal prep friendly – Great for leftovers and batch cooking.
Versatile – Use it in sandwiches, tacos, rice bowls, and more.
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Chicken breasts – Boneless, skinless, and perfect for shredding.
Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ Sauce – The Hickory & Brown Sugar version adds deep, smoky sweetness.
Brown sugar – Enhances the sweet BBQ flavor.
Apple cider vinegar – Adds tang to balance the richness.
Olive oil – Helps bind everything together.
Spices – Garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and a hint of chipotle chili for a subtle kick.
White pepper – Adds a gentle earthiness without overpowering the sauce.
Pro Tips Before You Start
Use thawed chicken for even cooking.
Shred directly in the slow cooker for easier cleanup.
For extra flavor, let the shredded chicken soak in the sauce for 15–20 minutes before serving.
Make it spicy by increasing the chipotle chili powder or adding a dash of cayenne.
How to Make Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Place 3 chicken breasts into your Crock-Pot and set the heat to low (or high for a faster cook).
Step 2: Mix the Sauce
In a separate bowl, combine the entire bottle of Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce with the brown sugar, apple cider vinegar,
Olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, chipotle chili powder, and white pepper.
Whisk until smooth.
Step 3: Add Sauce to Chicken
Pour the sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker.
Use a spoon to coat each piece well.
Step 4: Slow Cook
Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and pulls apart easily with a fork.
Step 5: Shred & Stir
Shred the chicken directly in the Crock-Pot using two forks.
Stir well to ensure all the chicken is coated in the BBQ sauce.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy
Serve warm on buttered, toasted hamburger buns—or with your favorite side dishes.
What to Serve It With
Classic coleslaw or pickles
Toasted brioche buns or Hawaiian rolls
Roasted potatoes or sweet potato fries
Macaroni salad or corn on the cob
Tucked into wraps, tacos, or sliders
Variations / Substitutions
No chipotle? Sub with smoked paprika or cayenne.
Make it smoky-spicy – Add hot sauce or sliced jalapeños.
Switch up the protein – Try it with boneless thighs or pork shoulder.
Low sugar version – Use a low-sugar BBQ sauce and skip the added sugar.
Storage & Leftovers
Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months.
Reheat: Warm gently on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken?
It’s best to thaw chicken first to ensure even cooking and better texture.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but make sure your slow cooker isn’t overfilled.
Cook time may need to be slightly increased.
What BBQ sauce works best?
Sweet Baby Ray’s Hickory & Brown Sugar is ideal, but any favorite thick and sweet BBQ sauce will do.
Is this spicy?
It’s mildly spiced. You can adjust the chipotle to make it hotter or keep it mild.
Can I cook this overnight?
Yes! Use the low setting and wake up to tender, juicy BBQ chicken.
What buns are best?
Brioche or potato rolls are soft and soak up the sauce beautifully.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Absolutely—this recipe reheats beautifully and is perfect for meal prep.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken is one of those foolproof, family-approved recipes that you’ll come back to again and again.
It’s full of rich BBQ flavor, easy to make, and perfect for weeknight dinners, weekend gatherings, or lazy Sunday meals.
Serve it your way and enjoy every saucy bite
