Shredded BBQ Chicken

This Shredded BBQ Chicken recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. With minimal prep, you can create a dish that’s full of flavor and sure to please everyone at the table. The slow cooker does all the work, allowing you to enjoy juicy, tender chicken drenched in a smoky, sweet barbecue sauce. Whether served on toasted buns or enjoyed as a hearty main dish, this recipe is versatile and ideal for various occasions.

Remember it later

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

PIN IT NOW!

PIN THIS!PIN THIS!

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Chicken
• For the Sauce
• How to Make Shredded BBQ Chicken
• Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
• Step 2: Mix the Sauce
• Step 3: Combine Ingredients
• Step 4: Cook
• Step 5: Shred the Chicken
• Step 6: Serve
• How to Serve Shredded BBQ Chicken
• On Toasted Buns
• In Tacos
• Over Rice
• With Sweet Potatoes
• On a Salad
• As Nachos
• How to Perfect Shredded BBQ Chicken
• Best Side Dishes for Shredded BBQ Chicken
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Shredded BBQ Chicken
• Reheating Shredded BBQ Chicken
• Frequently Asked Questions
• How do I make shredded BBQ chicken spicy?
• Can I use other types of chicken?
• What can I serve with shredded BBQ chicken?
• How long does it take to cook shredded BBQ chicken?
• Can I make shredded BBQ chicken ahead of time?
• What makes this shredded BBQ chicken recipe stand out?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Preparation: Simply toss the ingredients into your Crock-Pot and let it do the work.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of barbecue sauce and spices creates a mouthwatering taste that everyone loves.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it on buns, over rice, or as a salad topping for different meals.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Great for parties, family dinners, or casual get-togethers.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. Here are some essential items for making Shredded BBQ Chicken successfully.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Crock-Pot
• Medium mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Two forks (for shredding)

Importance of Each Tool

• Crock-Pot: This slow cooker allows the chicken to cook low and slow, ensuring it becomes tender and flavorful.
• Whisk: Helps to blend the barbecue sauce and spices evenly for full flavor.
• Two Forks: Essential for shredding the chicken easily right in the pot.

Ingredients

Here’s what you need for this delicious Shredded BBQ Chicken:

For the Chicken

• 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (use 4 if they are small)

For the Sauce

• 1 (18 oz) bottle Sweet Baby Ray’s Hickory & Brown Sugar Barbecue Sauce
• ⅓ cup light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ¼ teaspoon chipotle chili powder (or regular chili powder)
• ¼ teaspoon ground white pepper (or black pepper)

How to Make Shredded BBQ Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts into the bottom of the Crock-Pot.

Step 2: Mix the Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together:
1. Barbecue sauce
2. Brown sugar
3. Apple cider vinegar
4. Olive oil
5. Garlic powder
6. Onion powder
7. Smoked paprika
8. Chipotle chili powder
9. Ground white pepper

Make sure everything is well combined.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the Crock-Pot. Stir gently to ensure all pieces are fully coated with sauce.

Step 4: Cook

Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until chicken is tender and shreds easily with a fork.

Step 5: Shred the Chicken

Using two forks, shred the chicken directly in the Crock-Pot until it’s fully mixed with the sauce.

Step 6: Serve

Serve warm on toasted hamburger buns. Optionally top with coleslaw for added crunch and flavor.

Enjoy your delicious homemade Shredded BBQ Chicken, perfect for any gathering!

How to Serve Shredded BBQ Chicken

Shredded BBQ Chicken is versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a party or looking for a comforting family meal, here are some delicious serving suggestions that will elevate your dish.

On Toasted Buns

• Serve your shredded BBQ chicken piled high on toasted hamburger buns for a classic pulled chicken sandwich.
• Add a scoop of coleslaw on top for extra crunch and flavor.

In Tacos

• Use soft tortillas to create BBQ chicken tacos.
• Top with diced onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime for added freshness.

Over Rice

• Serve the shredded chicken over a bed of fluffy rice.
• Drizzle extra barbecue sauce on top to enhance the flavor.

With Sweet Potatoes

• Pair your shredded BBQ chicken with roasted sweet potatoes.
• The sweetness of the potatoes complements the smoky flavors beautifully.

On a Salad

• Toss the shredded BBQ chicken onto a fresh garden salad.
• Add cherry tomatoes, corn, and avocado for a wholesome meal.

As Nachos

• Layer tortilla chips with shredded BBQ chicken, cheese, and jalapeños for loaded nachos.
• Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.

Remember it later

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

PIN IT NOW!

PIN THIS!

How to Perfect Shredded BBQ Chicken

To achieve the best shredded BBQ chicken, follow these essential tips that ensure maximum flavor and texture.

• Use Thawed Chicken: Always start with thawed chicken breasts. Frozen chicken can cook unevenly in the slow cooker.
• Choose Quality Sauce: Opt for a high-quality barbecue sauce like Sweet Baby Ray’s for the best flavor profile.
• Don’t Skip the Browning: For added depth of flavor, consider searing your chicken briefly in olive oil before adding it to the Crock-Pot.
• Adjust Seasoning: Feel free to tweak spices based on your preferences; add more garlic powder or chili powder for an extra kick.
• Cook Until Tender: Ensure you cook the chicken long enough so it shreds easily with a fork; this usually means at least 6 hours on low.
• Mix Well After Shredding: After shredding, stir the chicken well in the sauce to fully coat each piece for maximum flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Shredded BBQ Chicken

Pairing your shredded BBQ chicken with delightful side dishes enhances your meal experience. Here are some great options that complement its smoky sweetness.

1. Coleslaw: A classic pairing that adds crunch and creaminess to balance out the flavors.
2. Cornbread: This slightly sweet bread is perfect for soaking up any extra barbecue sauce.
3. Baked Beans: Hearty baked beans provide a savory element that pairs well with BBQ flavors.
4. Potato Salad: Creamy potato salad adds richness and complements the texture of shredded chicken.
5. Grilled Vegetables: Lightly grilled veggies like zucchini and bell peppers bring freshness to your plate.
6. Macaroni and Cheese: This comfort food classic offers cheesy goodness that kids and adults love alike.
7. French Fries: Crispy fries provide a satisfying crunch alongside your tender barbecue chicken.
8. Pickles: Tangy pickles cut through the richness of the dish while adding an additional layer of flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Shredded BBQ Chicken, it’s easy to make a few common errors that can affect the final result. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Using Frozen Chicken: Always use thawed chicken. Frozen chicken may not cook evenly and could result in undercooked meat.
• Skipping the Browning Step: While this recipe is slow-cooked, browning the chicken first adds depth of flavor. Consider searing it briefly in a hot pan.
• Not Measuring Ingredients: Precision matters! Over or under-measuring ingredients like barbecue sauce can alter the taste. Use a measuring cup for accuracy.
• Cooking on High Too Long: If you choose high heat, don’t exceed 4 hours. Longer cooking can dry out the chicken. Stick to the recommended times for best results.
• Neglecting to Toast Buns: Toasting your buns enhances flavor and texture. Don’t skip this step for an optimal sandwich experience.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep leftovers for up to 4 days.

Freezing Shredded BBQ Chicken

• Place in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Shredded BBQ Chicken

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and heat for about 20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish, covering it loosely with a lid or plastic wrap. Heat in 1-minute increments until hot.
• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make shredded BBQ chicken spicy?

You can add extra chipotle chili powder or your favorite hot sauce to the barbecue sauce mixture before cooking.

Can I use other types of chicken?

Yes! Thighs or drumsticks work well too, but remember to adjust cooking times as necessary.

What can I serve with shredded BBQ chicken?

Serve it on buns with coleslaw or alongside baked beans and corn on the cob for a classic meal.

How long does it take to cook shredded BBQ chicken?

Cooking time is approximately 6–7 hours on low or 3–4 hours on high in a slow cooker.

Can I make shredded BBQ chicken ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare it a day before and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.

What makes this shredded BBQ chicken recipe stand out?

The blend of smoky flavors from the spices and sweet notes from the barbecue sauce create a deliciously balanced dish that’s easy to prepare.

Final Thoughts

This Shredded BBQ Chicken recipe is not only simple but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with different sauces or spices based on your preference. Whether served as sandwiches or as a main dish with sides, it’s sure to please any crowd. Give it a try and enjoy the rich flavors!