Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken Delight
This Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken Delight is a crowd-pleaser that's perfect for gatherings and busy weeknights alike. The tender, shredded chicken simmers in a mouthwatering blend of tangy barbecue sauce, zesty Italian dressing, sweet brown sugar, and a hint of Worcestershire sauce. After hours of cooking in the slow cooker, the chicken becomes infused with flavor and can be served in a variety of ways. Whether you pile it high on toasted rolls for hearty sandwiches, layer it over fluffy rice, or pair it with creamy mashed potatoes, this dish promises comfort and satisfaction with every bite. Easy to prepare and so delicious, it’s sure to become a family favorite!
6
Servings
400
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Frozen Chicken Breasts
6 (frozen)
Barbecue Sauce
12 ounces (none)
Italian Salad Dressing
1/2 cup (none)
Brown Sugar
1/4 cup (packed)
Worcestershire Sauce
2 tablespoons (none)
Instructions
1
Place the frozen chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker, ensuring they are laid out evenly.
2
In a separate mixing bowl, combine the barbecue sauce, Italian dressing, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Whisk until well blended.
3
Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the chicken, making sure all pieces are coated.
4
Cover the slow cooker with the lid, set to cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 6-8 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
5
Once cooked, remove the lid and use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker. The chicken should pull apart easily.
6
Mix the shredded chicken with the sauce in the slow cooker to ensure it is fully coated.
7
Serve immediately on rolls for BBQ sandwiches, or over rice and mashed potatoes for alternative options. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
6.7g
Fat
50g
Carbs
30g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh chicken instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh chicken breasts. If using fresh chicken, you may need to reduce the cooking time by about 30-60 minutes on high or 1-2 hours on low.
How long does it take to cook this on high?
When set to high, the chicken should be fully cooked and tender within 3 to 4 hours.
How long does it take to cook this on low?
On the low setting, the chicken typically requires 6 to 8 hours to reach the desired tenderness for shredding.
What is the best way to shred the chicken?
The easiest method is to use two forks directly in the slow cooker to pull the meat apart once it is fully cooked.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative and often result in even juicier pulled chicken.
What should I serve with BBQ pulled chicken?
This dish is versatile and goes great on toasted rolls for sandwiches, served over white rice, or paired with creamy mashed potatoes.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to yield approximately 6 servings.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time for meal prep?
Yes, this is an excellent meal prep recipe. The flavors often deepen after sitting, making it perfect for reheating later in the week.
Is this BBQ pulled chicken freezer-friendly?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked and shredded chicken in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months.
Can I reduce the sugar content?
If you prefer a less sweet sauce, you can reduce the amount of brown sugar or omit it entirely, depending on the sweetness of your chosen BBQ sauce.
What kind of Italian dressing should I use?
Any standard zesty or robust Italian salad dressing works well to add tanginess to the sauce.
Do I need to add water or broth to the slow cooker?
No extra liquid is needed. The combination of BBQ sauce, dressing, and the moisture from the chicken provides plenty of liquid.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, ensure that your BBQ sauce, Italian dressing, and Worcestershire sauce are specifically labeled as gluten-free.
Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?
Yes, sliced onions or bell peppers make a great addition and can be cooked right along with the chicken.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 400 calories.
How much protein is in one serving?
There are 30 grams of protein per serving in this recipe.
Can I use a different sweetener besides brown sugar?
Honey or maple syrup can be used as alternatives to brown sugar for a different flavor profile.
What size slow cooker is recommended?
A standard 4 to 6-quart slow cooker is ideal for this amount of chicken.
Does the chicken need to be submerged in the sauce?
It doesn't need to be completely submerged, but ensure the sauce is poured evenly over the top to keep the meat moist during cooking.
Can I make this spicy?
Yes, you can add red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or use a spicy BBQ sauce variety to increase the heat.
What if my sauce is too thin after shredding?
If the sauce is too thin, you can leave the lid off and cook on high for an additional 20-30 minutes to allow it to thicken.
How long will leftovers last in the refrigerator?
Stored in an airtight container, the pulled chicken will stay fresh in the fridge for 3 to 4 days.
Can I use BBQ sauce with no added sugar?
Yes, using a sugar-free BBQ sauce is a great way to make this recipe more keto-friendly or lower in carbs.
Do I have to whisk the sauce separately?
Whisking the sauce in a separate bowl ensures the brown sugar is fully dissolved and the flavors are evenly distributed before pouring.
Can I use bone-in chicken breasts?
You can, but you will need to remove the bones and skin manually before shredding, which makes the process more labor-intensive.
Is the Worcestershire sauce necessary?
While it adds a nice savory depth (umami), you can omit it if you don't have any on hand.
Can this be made in a pressure cooker?
Yes, you can adapt this for a pressure cooker by cooking on high pressure for about 15-20 minutes with a natural release.
Is this recipe suitable for large crowds?
Yes, it is very easy to double the ingredients for parties; just ensure your slow cooker is large enough to hold the extra chicken.
What is the fat content per serving?
There is approximately 6.7 grams of fat per serving.
Can I use this chicken for tacos?
Definitely! This BBQ chicken makes a unique and delicious filling for tacos or burritos.