Bbq Pulled Chicken Slow Cooker Apple Cider Vinegar

chicken in slow cooker

Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken is an easy recipe that requires just a few ingredients. Toss everything into your crock pot and you'll be rewarded with tender, juicy, flavorful chicken. Perfect for sandwiches, wraps, and more!

chicken in slow cooker

Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken

Nothing beats an easy chicken recipe that's hands-off and simmered all day.

If you've never made slow cooker pulled chicken before, you're in for a real treat.

This crockpot BBQ chicken is just about the simplest recipe out there. Toss it in your slow cooker and let it work its magic. You'll end up with the tastiest, most delicious barbecue chicken.

If you're short on time or want a dump and go dinner, this slow cooker BBQ pulled chicken recipe was made for you. You can prepare it in the morning and come home to dinner just waiting for you.

This shredded chicken recipe is also perfect for meal prepping. Make it on the weekend and then your lunch or dinner is set for the week. I like to make this crockpot bbq chicken with Sweet Baby Ray's BBQ Sauce, but any kind will work!

Easy-peasy and so delicious!

chicken ingredients on a white counter

Ingredients in Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken:

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts OR thighs
Yellow onion
BBQ sauce
Brown sugar
Apple cider vinegar
Minced garlic
Smoked paprika

How to Make Crockpot Shredded BBQ Chicken:

Line slow cooker with a slow cooker liner (if using). Place chicken breasts in the bottom of slow cooker and top with sliced onions.
In a small bowl, whisk BBQ sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, garlic, and paprika. Pour over chicken.
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
Remove chicken from slow cooker and shred. Return shredded chicken to slow cooker and stir with sauce until well-combined. Serve on toasted buns, if desired.

chicken in slow cooker

Can I Freeze This?

Absolutely! Add the cooked chicken to a freezer-safe container and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat using your preferred method.

Can You Put Raw Chicken into a Slow Cooker?

You sure can! Chicken is meant to be slow cooked from raw. If you prefer, you can sear it before adding to the crockpot to lock in moisture.

Can I Put Frozen Chicken in the Crockpot?

While it may be safe to do this, I have never tried this method. It's best to defrost chicken first so that it cooks faster and safer. Remember that chicken should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F.

chicken in slow cooker

What Can I Eat With This Chicken?

This BBQ chicken is perfect for a variety of dishes! Add it to a freshly baked roll for a great sandwich or use it to top a baked potato or bed of rice. You can also throw it between two tortillas for a BBQ chicken quesadilla or use it to make homemade BBQ chicken pizza.

Can I Leave Out the Brown Sugar?

Yes, it's fine to leave the sugar out of this recipe if you prefer.

Tips for Making the Best BBQ Pulled Chicken:

While boneless skinless chicken breasts are delicious in this recipe, I prefer to use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Thighs yield greater flavor and seem to not dry out as fast as chicken breasts would.
Use your favorite BBQ sauce, any kind will work! You could also make your own as well.
You can easily double this recipe if you are looking to freeze or meal prep for the week.
No chicken on-hand? Pork or beef would work just as well.

chicken on a bun

Looking for More BBQ Recipes? I've Got You Covered!

Honey BBQ Pork Tacos
Instant Pot Sloppy Joes
Slow Cooker Barbecue Pulled Pork
Toasted BBQ Chicken Sandwich
BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad
Barbecue Chicken Pita Pizza

Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken

Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken is an easy recipe that requires just a few ingredients. Toss everything into your crock pot and you'll be rewarded with tender, juicy, flavorful chicken. Perfect for sandwiches, wraps, and more!

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Keyword bbq chicken, crock pot bbq chicken, pulled chicken, slow cooker chicken

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 4 hours

Total Time 4 hours 10 minutes

Servings 6

Calories 382 kcal

4-5 boneless, skinless chicken breasts OR boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 small yellow onion thinly sliced
2 cups BBQ sauce any kind
¼ cup packed light brown sugar
¼ cup apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon minced garlic
½ teaspoon smoked paprika

Line slow cooker with a slow cooker liner (if using). Place chicken breasts in the bottom of slow cooker and top with sliced onions.
In a small bowl, whisk BBQ sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, garlic, and paprika. Pour over chicken.
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours OR on high for 3-4 hours.
Remove chicken from slow cooker and shred. Return shredded chicken to slow cooker and stir with sauce until well-combined. Serve on toasted buns, if desired.

Recipe made in my 6-quart slow cooker.
Chicken will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.
See my tips and tricks for making this Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken above the recipe box.

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