BBQ Pulled Chicken Recipe: So Easy, It’s Almost Too Good to Be True

Craving tender, juicy, fall-apart BBQ pulled chicken but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen? You’re in the right place! This BBQ pulled chicken recipe is perfect for lazy meal preppers looking for easy, flavorful meals without the hassle. Whether you prefer using a crock pot or slow cooker, this foolproof recipe is guaranteed to deliver.

In this post, we’ll walk you through:

• The best, easiest way to make pulled chicken.
• How to use a slow cooker or crock pot to achieve tender, saucy chicken.
• Quick meal prep ideas using pulled BBQ chicken for stress-free lunches and dinners.

Ready to transform simple ingredients into something truly delicious? Let’s dive into this effortless BBQ pulled chicken recipe!

What Makes BBQ Pulled Chicken So Popular?

BBQ pulled chicken has become a household favorite because it’s:

• Versatile: Works in sandwiches, tacos, wraps, and salads.
• Affordable: Uses simple, budget-friendly ingredients.
• Easy to Make: Requires minimal prep—your slow cooker or crock pot does the hard work for you.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Perfect for bulk cooking and storing leftovers for busy weeks.

For lazy meal preppers, this pulled BBQ chicken recipe hits all the right notes: simple, convenient, and packed with flavor.

The Easiest BBQ Pulled Chicken Recipe (Minimal Effort Required)

This is hands down one of the best BBQ pulled chicken recipes for those who prefer minimal kitchen time. It uses pantry staples and can be prepared in a crock pot or slow cooker with just five minutes of prep.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
• ½ cup chicken broth or water
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Season the Chicken: Rub the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
2. Mix the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce, broth, and brown sugar.
3. Combine in the Crock Pot: Place the chicken breasts in the crock pot and pour the sauce mixture over them.
4. Cook Low and Slow: Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender and easily pulls apart.
5. Shred the Chicken: Use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the pot, mixing it with the sauce.

And that’s it! Your BBQ pulled chicken crock pot recipe is ready to serve.

Recipe for BBQ Pulled Chicken in a Crock Pot

For those who love the “set it and forget it” cooking style, this crock pot method is a lifesaver. Here’s why it works so well:

• The slow cooking process keeps the chicken tender and juicy.
• The BBQ sauce flavors have time to fully infuse into the meat.
• It’s completely hands-off, freeing you up to focus on other things—or just relax.

This pulled chicken BBQ crock pot recipe is the definition of lazy meal prep!

BBQ Pulled Chicken Slow Cooker Recipe: Another Lazy Method

Don’t have a crock pot? No problem! You can achieve the same delicious results with a slow cooker. The key difference between these appliances is often just shape and size, but both will deliver melt-in-your-mouth BBQ pulled chicken.

Pro Tips for Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken:

• Use thighs instead of breasts for a richer flavor.
• For extra smoky flavor, add a teaspoon of liquid smoke to the sauce.
• Want a thicker sauce? Remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking to let some of the liquid evaporate.

With this pulled BBQ chicken slow cooker recipe, dinner practically cooks itself!

Best Ways to Use Pulled BBQ Chicken for Meal Prep

This BBQ pulled chicken recipe isn’t just delicious—it’s also incredibly practical for meal prep. Here are some easy ways to incorporate it into your weekly meals:

1. BBQ Chicken Sandwiches

Pile the pulled chicken on a bun, top with coleslaw, and serve with chips or a side salad.

2. BBQ Chicken Tacos

Use soft tortillas and fill them with pulled BBQ chicken, avocado slices, and salsa.

3. BBQ Chicken Wraps

Roll up the chicken with lettuce, shredded cheese, and ranch dressing in a flour tortilla.

4. BBQ Chicken Pizza

Spread the pulled chicken on a pizza crust with extra BBQ sauce, red onions, and mozzarella cheese.

5. BBQ Chicken Bowls

Create a healthy bowl with rice, pulled chicken, roasted veggies, and a drizzle of BBQ sauce.

These pulled BBQ chicken recipes will save you time and effort throughout the week, keeping your meals tasty and stress-free.

How to Store and Reheat Pulled Chicken

Storing pulled chicken properly is essential for making the most of your meal prep. Follow these tips to keep it fresh:

In the Refrigerator:

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth to keep it moist.

In the Freezer:

• Freeze in portions for up to 3 months.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as needed.

By using these storage techniques, you’ll always have pulled BBQ chicken recipes ready to go, even on your laziest days.

FAQs for BBQ Pulled Chicken Recipe

Wrap-Up: Ready to Try This BBQ Pulled Chicken Recipe?

With this BBQ pulled chicken recipe, meal prep doesn’t get any easier—or tastier. Whether you’re cooking for your family or planning meals for the week, this recipe delivers convenience and flavor in every bite. Try it in sandwiches, tacos, pizzas, or meal prep bowls for quick, satisfying meals.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your crock pot or slow cooker, toss in the ingredients, and let the magic happen! Once you try this lazy meal prep hack, you’ll never go back.

Did you enjoy this recipe? Share your experience in the comments or tag us with #LazyMealPrep on social media. Let’s inspire each other to cook smarter, not harder!

BBQ Pulled Chicken Recipe: So Easy, It’s Almost Too Good to Be True

Ethan Walker

Tender, juicy chicken cooked low and slow in a rich BBQ sauce. Perfect for sandwiches, salads, or meal prep bowls.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 hours hrs

Total Time 5 hours hrs 5 minutes mins

Servings 6

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 cup BBQ sauce store-bought or homemade
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

 

• Rub the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
• In a small bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce, broth, and brown sugar.
• Place the chicken breasts in the crock pot and pour the sauce mixture over them.
• Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender and easily pulls apart.
• Use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the pot, mixing it with the sauce.

Keyword BBQ chicken, easy recipe, meal prep, pulled chicken, slow cooker

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