Description
This Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken thighs slow-cooked to perfection with a blend of smoky spices and BBQ sauce. Easy to prepare and perfect for sandwiches, it offers a flavorful and hearty meal ideal for gatherings or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 3 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1/2 tsp salt, plus more to taste
- 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup grated yellow onion
Sauces
- 1 1/2 cups BBQ sauce (recommend Bullseye original), divided
- 2 Tbsp steak sauce (recommend A1)
Serving
- 8 hamburger buns
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs evenly in a 5- to 7-quart slow cooker to ensure even cooking and maintain moisture.
- Mix the Spices: In a small bowl, whisk together chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Season the Chicken: Sprinkle the spice mixture evenly over the chicken in the slow cooker. Add the grated yellow onion and toss the chicken until fully coated with spices and onion.
- Add BBQ Sauce: Pour 3/4 cup of the BBQ sauce over the chicken, spreading it evenly across the pieces. Reserve the remaining BBQ sauce for later use.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 4 to 6 hours, or until the chicken easily shreds and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, resulting in tender, flavorful meat.
- Shred and Reserve Liquid: Carefully transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board. Skim off fat from the reserved cooking liquid in the slow cooker and discard it. Using two forks, shred the chicken into slightly larger pieces.
- Mix Sauce and Chicken: Return shredded chicken to the slow cooker. In a microwave-safe bowl, warm the remaining 3/4 cup BBQ sauce combined with 2 tablespoons steak sauce for 1 to 2 minutes. Pour the warmed sauce and 3/4 cup of the reserved liquid over the chicken, tossing to coat evenly. Adjust moisture as needed by adding more reserved liquid or BBQ sauce. Taste and season with additional salt if desired.
- Serve: Pile the saucy BBQ pulled chicken onto hamburger buns. Optionally, garnish with coleslaw or blue cheese for extra flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy your flavorful pulled chicken sandwiches.
Notes
- For best results, use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for extra juiciness.
- Adjust cayenne pepper based on your preferred spice level.
- Reserve cooking liquid fat to reduce grease in the final dish.
- Leftover chicken stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Serve with coleslaw or pickles as a delicious topping option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
