This BBQ pulled chicken might just be the hero of summer crockpot recipes. It checks every box for a lazy cookout afternoon—effortless, saucy, and makes the whole house smell like you’ve been working hard (even if you haven’t). I tossed everything into my slow cooker before heading out for errands, and came back to a kitchen that smelled like a backyard barbecue pit. No firewood or sweat needed. It’s the kind of meal that earns you compliments with almost no elbow grease. Think: juicy chicken thighs, bathed in your favorite BBQ sauce, slow-cooked to that perfect pull-apart point. We use this for sandwiches, salads, tacos—you name it. I’ve even caught my husband eating it cold out of the fridge at midnight. It’s that good. If you’re looking for easy crockpot recipes chicken lovers will devour, or something that lands in the sweet spot between crockpot chicken recipes easy and chicken crockpot recipes healthy, this one covers all the bases. Whether you’re new to crockpot chicken recipes or you’re hunting for chicken crockpot recipes easy healthy enough for weeknights and relaxed enough for weekends, this is the one I keep coming back to.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken Recipe
3) Ingredients for Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken
4) How to Make Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken
5) Tips for Making Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken
6) Making Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken
8) Try these Main Course recipes next!
9) Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken Recipe
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

How do I keep crockpot BBQ chicken from drying out?
What kind of BBQ sauce works best with pulled chicken?
Can I use frozen chicken in the slow cooker?
How long does shredded chicken last in the fridge?

2) Easy Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken Recipe

This crockpot BBQ pulled chicken is your best friend on hot, lazy days when turning on the oven sounds like a punishment. It belongs in your go-to list of summer crockpot recipes, where the magic happens with minimal effort. Toss everything in the slow cooker, walk away, and come back to juicy, tender chicken that pulls apart with a fork and smells like you’ve been slow-roasting it all afternoon.

I made this last weekend for a small backyard get-together, and let me tell you, it disappeared faster than I could finish my glass of sweet tea. The mix of BBQ sauce, brown sugar, and a splash of Italian dressing takes plain chicken from zero to lip-smacking real quick. The flavor is deep, a little sweet, a little tangy, and perfect for sandwiches or tacos.

If you’re always looking for easy crockpot recipes chicken eaters will love, this one delivers. It blends the ease of crockpot chicken recipes easy enough for weeknights with the smoky, satisfying vibe of summer cookouts. I’ve tried plenty of chicken crockpot recipes healthy or otherwise, but this one stays on repeat. It’s flexible, filling, and honestly—kind of a showoff dish with very little work.

3) Ingredients for Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken

Boneless, Skinless Chicken: Use thighs or breasts, whatever you’ve got on hand. Thighs tend to be juicier, but breasts work too. I usually go with about two pounds.

BBQ Sauce: Choose one you love. This is where the bulk of the flavor comes from, so pick a sauce with a little personality. Sweet, smoky, spicy—your call.

Italian Dressing: This might sound a bit strange, but trust me, it adds a tangy depth that pulls everything together. Half a cup is enough to do the job.

Brown Sugar: Just a quarter cup gives the chicken that sweet, caramelized bite we all secretly crave.

Worcestershire Sauce: One tablespoon is all you need. It sneaks in umami without being too loud about it.

Salt and Pepper: Use them to season the chicken before adding the sauce mix. Go light; the BBQ sauce carries a lot of flavor.

Sandwich Rolls or Buns: Totally optional, but they turn this into a full-on meal if you’re feeding a crowd or packing leftovers for lunch.

4) How to Make Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken

Step 1. Place your chicken in the crockpot. If it’s frozen, make sure it’s separated and not one giant ice block. You want it to cook evenly.

Step 2. In a separate bowl, mix together your BBQ sauce, Italian dressing, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. It doesn’t need to be perfect—just give it a good stir.

Step 3. Pour that sauce mixture all over the chicken. Try to coat every piece. No dry bits allowed here.

Step 4. Put the lid on and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or high for about 3 to 4. You’re looking for chicken that shreds with ease.

Step 5. When it’s done, grab two forks and shred the chicken right there in the pot. Stir it around to soak up all that delicious sauce.

Step 6. Serve it hot on a toasted bun, in a wrap, or even over rice. Leftovers make killer sandwiches and quick dinners during the week.

5) Tips for Making Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken

Use fresh chicken if possible. Frozen works in a pinch, but it adds moisture that can thin your sauce. Just keep that in mind if you’re aiming for thicker pulled chicken.

Go light on salt at first. Since BBQ sauce and Worcestershire both bring salt to the party, it’s better to season lightly before cooking and taste after shredding.

Want a little heat? Toss in some chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce. This is your summer crockpot recipe, so make it yours.

6) Making Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken Ahead of Time

This is one of those meals that works hard for you. Cook it the night before a gathering, let it cool, and reheat it slowly the next day. It keeps its texture and gets even better flavor overnight.

I like to prep the sauce mixture the night before. In the morning, I just pour it in, add the chicken, and let the crockpot do its thing. That kind of simplicity is why crockpot chicken recipes easy healthy get so much love.

If you’re hosting or batch-cooking for the week, this fits right into your rhythm. And the leftovers? You won’t mind eating them twice. Or three times. Trust me.

7) Storing Leftover Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken

Transfer leftovers into an airtight container once they’ve cooled. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to four days. The flavor deepens a little, which makes day-two chicken sandwiches even better than the first round.

For longer storage, freeze in a sealed bag or container for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm it on the stove or microwave with a splash of water or extra sauce to revive it.

This kind of recipe belongs in every file labeled summer crockpot recipes. It’s low-stress and always ready when you are.

8) Try these Main Course recipes next!

9) Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken Recipe