How to cook shredded chicken in the crockpot

How to cook shredded chicken in the crockpot

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This crockpot pulled chicken is so easy to make – everything just goes into the slow cooker without any special prep. It’s fall-apart tender, juicy and delicious. We put it on rolls with our coconut coleslaw and crisp dill pickle chips.

It was sweet, salty, savory and so satisfying. I invited my family over for crockpot bbq chicken sliders and everyone loved them. My son even asked for refills on the chicken (which is a big deal). l’m pretty sure all of the adults had seconds. Great reviews all around on this one! If the picture above hasn’t convinced you yet, the next one will!

This is a great way to make meat for company or your family when you don’t have time to stand over the stove. You can throw everything in your slow cooker before church and it’s ready when you come home. Such a treat! PS. the coleslaw can be made when you start the chicken – just refrigerate it until ready to serve..

How to cook shredded chicken in the crockpot

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken:

3 lbs (about 5-6 count) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, trimmed of fat
1 1/2 cups BBQ Sauce (Try Homemade BBQ Sauce or Sweet Baby Rays Honey BBQ)
1/2 medium onion, grated (with juice)
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 Tbsp worchestershire sauce
2 Tbsp brown sugar

How to cook shredded chicken in the crockpot

How to Make Crockpot BBQ Chicken:

1. Stir together all sauce ingredients in a 5-6 qt slow cooker.

2. Add chicken and turn to coat. Cover and cook on high 3 to 4 hours or on low for 6 – 7 hours. Chicken is done when cooked through and easy to shred

How to cook shredded chicken in the crockpot

3. Remove chicken to a cutting board and shred each breast using two forks. Place shredded chicken back in the crock pot and stir to coat with the yummy sauce

How to cook shredded chicken in the crockpot

How to cook shredded chicken in the crockpot

↑↑↑ Wishing I had leftovers…

Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Recipe

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 4 hours

Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes

How to cook shredded chicken in the crockpot

This slow cooker chicken is so easy to make - everything just goes into the crock pot without any special prep. It's fall-apart tender, juicy and delicious. Serve as is or in buns with the best coconut coleslaw (find the recipe on natashaskitchen.com) and dill pickle chips.

Natasha of NatashasKitchen.com

Skill Level: Easy

Cost to Make: $12-$14

Keyword: Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken

Cuisine: American

Course: Main Course

Calories: 317

Servings: 8 if used in sandwiches

  • 3 lbs chicken breasts, (boneless, skinless), about 5-6 count
  • 1 1/2 cups BBQ Sauce, I used Sweet Baby Rays Honey BBQ
  • 1/2 medium onion, grated (with juice)
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 Tbsp brown sugar

  1. Stir together all sauce ingredients in a 5-6 qt slow cooker.

  2. Add chicken and turn to coat. Cover and cook on high 3 to 4 hours or on low for 6-7 hours. Chicken is done when cooked through and easy to shred.

  3. Remove chicken to a cutting board and shred each breast using two forks. Place shredded chicken back in the crock pot and stir to coat with the yummy sauce.

Nutrition Facts

Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Recipe

Amount Per Serving

Calories 317 Calories from Fat 63

% Daily Value*

Fat 7g11%

Saturated Fat 1g6%

Cholesterol 109mg36%

Sodium 770mg33%

Potassium 781mg22%

Carbohydrates 26g9%

Fiber 1g4%

Sugar 21g23%

Protein 37g74%

Vitamin A 171IU3%

Vitamin C 3mg4%

Calcium 33mg3%

Iron 1mg6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

If you make this recipe, I’d love to see pics of your creations on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter! Hashtag them #natashaskitchen

Serve in buns with the best coconut coleslaw and dill pickle chips. Yum!!

How to cook shredded chicken in the crockpot

Natasha Kravchuk

How to cook shredded chicken in the crockpot

Welcome to my kitchen! I am Natasha, the blogger behind Natasha's Kitchen (since 2009). My husband and I run this blog together and share only our best, family approved and tested recipes with YOU. Thanks for stopping by! We are so happy you're here.

Read more posts by Natasha

How long does chicken go in crockpot?

Place the chicken and stock, broth, or water in a 4-quart or larger slow cooker. Cook the chicken. Cover and cook until the chicken is tender and registers an internal temperature of 165°F, 4 to 5 hours on the LOW setting, or 2 to 3 hours on the HIGH setting. Shred the chicken.

Does slow cooker chicken need liquid?

Do You Need to Add Liquid? As long as the breast pieces are in a single layer, in contact with the slow cooker, then no, it's not necessary. If you're doing multiple layers, you will need to add liquid to cover the meat, but I don't recommend this. The seasonings won't stick as well.

Can you overcook shredded chicken?

Yes, it is possible! If the meat is cooked too long it could end up dry and not juicy and tender. The recommended times in my recipe are ideal for juicy results, but if you use less chicken than the recipe calls for I would recommend checking it sooner.

Is it safe to cook raw chicken in a slow cooker?

Research conducted by USDA FSIS indicates it's safe to cook large cuts of meat and poultry in a slow cooker.