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Best Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken Recipe

Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken is an easy slow cooker recipe made with tender chicken thighs, smoky spices, and rich barbecue sauce. This effortless meal cooks low and slow until the chicken is juicy, fork-tender, and perfect for sandwiches, bowls, or meal prep.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 396
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 3 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 1½ teaspoons chili powder
  • 1½ teaspoons smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ¼ cup grated yellow onion
  • 1½ cups BBQ sauce divided
  • 2 tablespoons steak sauce
  • 8 hamburger buns

Method
 

  1. Place chicken thighs in the slow cooker.
  2. In a small bowl, mix chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
  3. Season chicken evenly with spice mixture.
  4. Add grated onion and pour ¾ cup BBQ sauce over chicken.
  5. Cover and cook on low for 4–6 hours or high for 2–3 hours until chicken reaches 165°F.
  6. Remove chicken and shred with two forks.
  7. Warm remaining BBQ sauce with steak sauce.
  8. Return shredded chicken to slow cooker.
  9. Add fresh BBQ sauce and ¾ cup reserved cooking liquid.
  10. Toss to coat and serve on buns.

Notes

Chicken thighs stay juicier than breasts and are ideal for slow cooking. Drain excess liquid before adding fresh sauce for the best texture.