Slow Cooker Barbecue Pulled Chicken Recipe
Last Updated on February 13, 2026 by Barbara
There is a unique kind of joy in walking through the front door and being greeted by the sweet, smoky aroma of Pulled Chicken. It’s the ultimate “set it and forget it” meal that doesn’t just save time, it delivers a level of tenderness that you can only get from letting flavors mingle in a slow simmer all day long.
I have designed this recipe to hit all those classic barbecue notes: a deep honeyed sweetness balanced by a gentle kick of spice. When the chicken reaches that perfect point where it shreds with the simple nudge of a fork, I know I’m minutes away from a soulful masterpiece. I love piling this high on a soft bun and serving it alongside the classic crunch of potato chips and a cold dill pickle. It’s a messy but deeply satisfying meal that feels like a backyard party in the middle of a busy week. Come into my kitchen and let me show you how a few simple ingredients can turn into a family favorite with almost zero effort.
How to Make Barbecue Pulled Chicken
The key to making great pulled chicken is to use the fresh ingredients. Start with tender chicken breasts and fresh seasonings and spices. For this recipe, I have opted to make a homemade barbecue sauce to customize the flavor, but fill free to use jar sauce if you wish.
In this recipe we palce all of our ingredients into the crockpot and allow the chicken to cook slow. After your chicken has reached it’s tenderness, shred it and return it to the pot to allow the flavor of the sauce and chicken to meld. This is simply delicious!
Watch me make Barbecue Pulled Pork (Video Tutorial)
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts – if using bone-in chicken, make sure to carefully remove all the bones before returning the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
- Garlic powder – gives a slightly sweet, garlicky flavor that works well in a variety of dishes
- Chili powder – provides spice that is adjustable to your heat preference. Opt for a mild chili powder for subtle heat or something spicier for a bigger kick.
- Cinnamon – A touch of cinnamon adds an exotic note that makes this BBQ chicken stand out. It’s subtle but adds another dimension of flavor.
- Honey – the sweetness of honey balances the heat. Honey also helps create somewhat of a glaze as the chicken cooks.
- Smoked paprika – adds an irresistible smoky element that complements the slow cooker method and the barbecue flavors perfectly
- Onion powder – provides a savory depth with a slightly sharpe onion-forward flavor.
- Black pepper – Pepper adds a familiar warmth and a touch of bite.
- Kosher salt – Salt brings out the chicken’s natural taste.
For the Homemade BBQ Sauce:
- Ketchup – Ketchup is the foundation for many barbecue sauces. It provides the sweetness of tomatoes, the tang, and a thick, familiar base.
- Brown sugar – Adds a rich, caramelized sweetness that complements the ketchup and a deeper molasses flavor.
- Honey – Contributes a natural sweetness and lovely floral notes that enhance the other flavors.
- Molasses – Imparts a deep, robust sweetness and a slight bitterness that balances out the other sugars. It’s key for that classic BBQ sauce depth.
- Apple cider vinegar – Provides a acidity that cuts through the richness and prevents the sauce from being too sweet.
- Cayenne pepper – Adds warmth and customizable heat. Use a little for a touch of spice or more for a bolder kick.
- Garlic powder – Brings in that familiar savory note that works well with the sweetness and the other spices.
- Ground mustard – Provides a subtle tanginess and a hint of sharpness that adds complexity to the sauce.
- Black pepper – Adds a subtle warmth and a little bite that cuts through the sweetness.
- Kosher salt – Enhances all the flavors and rounds out the overall taste
What You Will Need
Instructions for Barbecue Pulled Chicken
1. Making the Barbecue Sauce
Combine all the ingredients for the barbecue sauce and whisk them together in a bowl. This sauce is where our flavor party starts – it’s the perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and smoky.
2. Seasoning the Chicken Breast
Place the chicken breasts directly into your slow cooker. Generously season your chicken breast with the kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, cinnamon, smoked paprika, and chili powder.
Next, drizzle the honey all over the chicken.
3. Adding the Barbecue Sauce for Pulled Chicken
Pour in the homemade barbecue sauce, covering the chicken breasts. This is where your pulled chickel gets all its deliciousness.
Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook the chicken on high for four hours. The house is going to smell incredible!
4. Shred the Chicken
Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the slow cooker. With two forks, easily shred the chicken apart – it should fall apart effortlessly.
Return the shredded chicken to the pot with all that glorious sauce. Give it a good stir and let it cook on low for an additional 20 minutes to maximize the flavor infusion.
5. Final Simmer
This final simmer helps the chicken soak up every last bit of that delectable barbecue sauce.
What to Serve with Barbecue Pulled Chicken
Pulled chicken sandwiches are incredibly versatile, and they pair deliciously with a variety of side dishes. Some classic sides for your pulled chicken would be potato wedges, potato salad or mac and cheese. If you are looking for a lighter taste then you may opt for a green salad or coleslaw. Finally for a heartier Southern meal choice you may go for collard greens, cabbage or baked beans.
Storing Pulled Chicken Leftovers
If you are fortunate enough to have some pulled chicken leftover, no worries! Pulled chicken keeps surprisingly well in both the refrigerator and freezer. In the refrigerator, store the chicken in an airtight container. It can be kept for up to 4 days. Just reheat it gently before serving. Or, freeze the pulled chicken in a freezer-safe container or bag. To reheat, let it defrost in the refrigerator overnight, then warm it thoroughly in a saucepan or in the microwave.
Slow cooker barbecue pulled chicken is such an easy recipe to make that everyone will love. I truly hope this inspires you to bring out the crockpot and treat yourself and your family!
Soul Food Cooking 101 — Classic Soul Food Recipes: Preserving the Legacy of Authentic Southern Cooking.
Join the SFC Family and Sign up for updates and recipes sent directly to your inbox!
Ingredients
- For the Chicken:
- 2-1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- For the Homemade BBQ Sauce:
- 1-1/4 Cups ketchup
- 1-1/2 Tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/4 Cup honey
- 2 tablespoons molasses
- 1/4 Cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspooon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons ground mustard
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Method
- Combine all the ingredients for the barbecue sauce and whisk them together in a bowl.
- Toss the chicken breasts directly into your slow cooker. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, cinnamon, smoked paprika, and chili powder. Drizzle the honey all over the chicken.
- Add the barbecue sauce and mix.
- Cover your slow cooker and cook on high for four hours.
- Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the slow cooker. With two forks, easily shred the chicken apart – it should fall apart effortlessly.
- Return the shredded chicken to the pot. Give it a good stir and let it cook on low for an additional 20 minutes.
