Imagine the aroma of tender, savory shredded BBQ chicken wafting through your kitchen, all with minimal effort on your part.
With your trusty crockpot, you can effortlessly transform boneless, skinless chicken breasts into a mouthwatering masterpiece.
Picture the tangy blend of barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, and spices seeping into every shred of chicken.
Wondering how you can serve this versatile dish to impress your family and friends? Let’s explore the possibilities!
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 Crockpot
- 1 Mixing bowl
- 1 Measuring cup
- 1 Fork
Ingredients
- 3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while preparing Shredded BBQ Chicken in a crockpot, you can follow this timeline:
Timeline:
- Reading and Preparation (5 minutes)
- Spend a few minutes reading through the entire recipe and gathering all necessary equipment and ingredients.
- Prep Work (10 minutes)
- Measure out all the ingredients.
- In a mixing bowl, combine barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot.
- Cooking (4 hours)
- Pour the prepared sauce mixture over the chicken in the crockpot.
- Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low heat.
- If desired, you can use this time to prepare any side dishes, such as rice or coleslaw, or complete other tasks while the chicken cooks.
- Shredding and Mixing (10 minutes)
- After 4 hours, remove the chicken from the crockpot and shred it using a fork.
- Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and mix well with the sauce.
- Resting and Final Preparation (10 minutes)
- Allow the chicken to rest in the crockpot for an additional 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Prepare serving dishes and set the table if needed.
- Serving
- Serve the shredded BBQ chicken on sandwich buns, over rice, or with a side of coleslaw.
Recipe Instructions
Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot.
In a mixing bowl, combine barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Pour the mixture over the chicken in the crockpot.
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4 hours, or until the chicken is tender.
Remove the chicken from the crockpot and shred it using a fork.
Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and mix well with the sauce.
Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Serving Tips
- Sandwich Buns: Serve the shredded BBQ chicken on soft sandwich buns for a classic and easy handheld meal.
- Over Rice: Pair the chicken with a bed of fluffy rice for a hearty and filling dish.
- Tacos: Use the shredded chicken as a taco filling, topped with fresh cilantro and diced onions.
- Baked Potatoes: Top baked potatoes with the BBQ chicken and a sprinkle of cheddar cheese for a comforting twist.
- Salad: Add the shredded chicken to a fresh salad for a protein-packed and flavorful meal.
Storage
To store shredded BBQ chicken, place it in an airtight container.
Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 3 months.
Freezing
To freeze shredded BBQ chicken, let it cool completely.
Then place it in airtight containers or freezer bags.
Label with the date.
Freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating
To reheat shredded BBQ chicken, place it in a microwave-safe dish, cover it, and heat on medium power.
Alternatively, reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally.
Final Thoughts
Shredded BBQ chicken made in a crockpot is a simple and delicious meal option.
The preparation time is minimal, taking only 10 minutes to assemble the ingredients.
Once everything is in the crockpot, you can let it cook for 4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
This dish is perfect for busy days when you want a home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
It serves six, making it a great choice for family dinners or gatherings.
After cooking, let the chicken rest for 10 minutes to verify the flavors are well absorbed.
For added taste, consider searing the chicken breasts before placing them in the crockpot.
If you like a bit of heat, a pinch of cayenne pepper can be included in the sauce.
Shredded BBQ chicken can be enjoyed on sandwich buns, over rice, or paired with coleslaw for a complete meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts in the Crockpot?
You can use frozen chicken breasts in the crockpot, but it’s best to thaw them first for even cooking. Visualize tender, juicy chicken melding with flavors. Thawing enhances texture, ensuring the sauce seeps into every shred.
What Type of Barbecue Sauce Works Best for This Recipe?
You’ll want to use a smoky, sweet barbecue sauce for this recipe. It complements the chicken perfectly. You can experiment with different flavors, but a classic hickory or honey barbecue sauce usually works best.
Is It Possible to Cook on High Instead of Low?
Yes, you can cook on high, but reduce the time to about 2 hours. Picture the tender chicken simmering away as it absorbs all those flavors. Just make sure it’s fully cooked and shreds easily. Enjoy!
How Can I Make the Chicken More Tender?
To make the chicken more tender, try marinating it overnight. Use a fork to pierce it, allowing flavors to seep in. Cooking on low heat for longer also helps break down fibers, resulting in juicier meat.
Can I Substitute Chicken Thighs for Chicken Breasts?
You can absolutely substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts! They’ll add richness and juiciness. Just imagine the tender, flavorful bites melting in your mouth. Cook them the same way for a delicious twist on your dish.
Shredded BBQ Chicken Crockpot
Equipment
- 1 Crockpot
- 1 Mixing bowl
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 Fork
Ingredients
- 3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot.
- In a mixing bowl, combine barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Pour the mixture over the chicken in the crockpot.
- Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4 hours, or until the chicken is tender.
- Remove the chicken from the crockpot and shred it using a fork.
- Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and mix well with the sauce.
- Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
