BBQ pulled chicken recipe is tender, flavorful and ridiculously easy to throw together. It takes two simple steps, five minutes to prepare, and, effortlessly, a weeknight dinner option or party food is ready to go in the slow cooker. See for yourself why everyone raves about dish!

a BBQ pulled chicken sandwich on a plate with coleslaw, BBQ sauce, and grilled pineapple
BBQ pulled chicken is how you do entertaining easy. You can’t beat the 5 minute prep and how the slow cooker makes it tender, juicy, and fall apart tender.

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Legit Easy BBQ Pulled Chicken – Crock Pot Edition

Summer entertaining is officially here. Now’s the time friends and neighbors to socialize at BBQs, graduation parties, and family reunions.

But summer also means a lot of impromptu entertaining. After spending all day at the beach or pool, it’s nice to keep the festivities going with family and friends. The problem is everyone is hungry, but no one has the energy to cook.

Throwing hamburgers or hot dogs on the grill doesn’t always have to be the standard go-to. An easy BBQ pulled chicken recipe is handedly more flavorful, and just as simple to throw together in the crockpot or use the alternative Instant Pot directions.

This was fantastic! Quick and minimal prep, easy, and delicious. I served it with coleslaw on top, and with baked beans on the side. Will definitely make again!

—Ash

Made this last night and the whole family loved it! We also warmed it back up for lunch today. This will be my go-to for all family cookouts from now on! I’ve never liked bbq chicken or pork on a bun but this changed my mind! Thank you!

—Makayla

Let’s Make This Together!

(Below shows step-by-step photos and modified instructions. For the complete recipe, along with ingredient amounts, scroll down to the recipe card.)

Season and slow cook

Mix together the seasoning blend and coat both sides of the chicken. Add to the slow cooker with a touch of apple cider vinegar for tang and water. It doesn’t need a lot of liquid to cook, but it will still be juicy and delish! Cook on low for 5 hours or on high for 3 hours.

chicken with seasoning in a slow cooker.

Shred and BBQ

Take two forks and shred the chicken in the pot. Then stir in some BBQ sauce for that signature saucy taste. You’re done. See, pretty easy stuff?

two forks shredding chicken in a crock pot

Bonus flavor – slaw and grilled pineapple

I’m a huge fan of BBQ meats served with coleslaw. I love the way this creamy cilantro jalapeño slaw compliments the sweetness of the sauce with grilled pineapple. For a more traditional slaw experience check out this ultra creamy coleslaw made with mayo.

If you’d rather not turn on the grill, the fresh pineapple can also be broiled in the oven or just slice and serve!

coleslaw dressing stirred into slaw.

Another option is to make this recipe in an Instant Pot. The start to finish time will be a lot faster and it will still be just as juicy and moist. The directions for that are in the recipe card below. 👇

Best Sides For BBQ Pulled Chicken

The object of stress-free entertaining is to keep it simple and delicious, right? Typically pulled chicken recipes are served on buns or lettuce wraps. However, it is also delicious on tacos, nachos, or used for chicken enchiladas with a dollop of sour cream!

Here are some equally effortless and delicious side dishes to go with it. Check out these easy sides dishes for pulled pork for more fun and delicious ideas.

What Kind Of Chicken Should I Use?

To make shredded chicken, I typically use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. However, skinless chicken thighs is more tender and adds additional flavor.

This recipe may also be used with bone-in chicken. Cook as directed, shredding the chicken and discarding bones and skin before adding the sauce.

two hands holding up a BBQ pulled chicken sandwich
My favorite way to serve pulled chicken is with an extra smothering of BBQ sauce, grilled pineapple, and creamy slaw on top.

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a BBQ pulled chicken sandwich on a plate with coleslaw, BBQ sauce, and grilled pineapple
4.45 stars (20 ratings)

5-Mins Prep BBQ Pulled Chicken (Crock Pot Easy)

Melissa Erdelac of MamaGourmand headshot in patterned dress.Melissa Erdelac
Yield: 6
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 5 minutes
BBQ Pulled Chicken recipe is tender, flavorful and ridiculously easy to throw together. It takes two simple steps, five minutes to prepare, and, effortlessly, dinner or party food is ready to go in the slow cooker or Instant Pot.
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Ingredients
 

Cilantro Jalapeño Slaw

Equipment

Instructions
 

  • In a small bowl mix together paprika, brown sugar, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and kosher salt. Rub seasoning mix all over chicken breasts, on each side. 
    2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 1 tablespoon paprika, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, ½ teaspoon cumin, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • In crock pot pour apple cider vinegar and water. Place chicken on top and cook on high for 3 hours or low 5 hours. When chicken is tender, use two forks to shred in slow cooker. Pour in BBQ sauce and stir to combine.
    2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons water

Assembling Sandwiches

  • For pineapple slices, grill about 4 minutes per side, or until pineapple starts to char. You can also place pineapple on a cookie sheet and broil 4 minutes per side.
  • Meanwhile, place slaw mix, cilantro, and jalapeño in large bowl. Pour in the coleslaw dressing and stir to combine. 
    14 ounce bagged slaw mix, ½ cup fresh cilantro, 1 tablespoon fresh jalapeño, 13 ounce coleslaw dressing
  • Serve sandwiches on buns with pineapple, cilantro jalapeño slaw, and additional BBQ sauce.

Notes

Nutrition facts are for ½cup serving of BBQ pulled chicken without coleslaw, pineapple, or bun.
TIP: The flavors meld and get better the longer the BBQ chicken sits. For best flavor, make a day ahead and rewarm before serving. 
TIP: This recipe can easily be double or tripled if feeding a crowd. Just make sure your crock pot is large enough to hold the chicken breasts or divide recipe between two crockpots. 
 
Making In A Instant Pot
  1. Place chicken in the pressure cooker. In a small bowl mix together paprika, brown sugar, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and kosher salt. Sprinkle tops with half of seasoning. Flip breasts over and sprinkle with remaining seasoning.
  2. Add water, vinegar, and ¾ cup chicken broth. Cook on HIGH PRESSURE for 7 minutes (10 minutes if chicken is frozen). Natural release for 5 minutes, then quick release remaining pressure.
  3. Remove lid and ladle out ½ cup of liquid to discard. Use two forks to shred chicken on a cutting board or, a faster option, use a hand mixer right in the Instant Pot. Stir in BBQ sauce.
Calories: 201kcal, Carbohydrates: 16g, Protein: 24g, Fat: 3g, Cholesterol: 72mg, Sodium: 645mg, Potassium: 522mg, Sugar: 13g, Vitamin A: 595IU, Vitamin C: 1.6mg, Calcium: 19mg, Iron: 0.9mg
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