Tender Crockpot Honey BBQ Pulled Chicken
A simple and flavorful slow cooker recipe for tender honey BBQ pulled chicken, perfect for sandwiches and bowls. Quick prep with pantry staples and a delicious sweet and tangy sauce.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
- Total Time: 6 hours 5 minutes to 7 hours 5 minutes (low) or 3 hours 5 minutes to 4 hours 5 minutes (high)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (can substitute thighs)
- 1/4 cup (85g) honey
- 1/2 cup (120ml) BBQ sauce (choose your favorite brand)
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: pinch of chili flakes for heat
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together honey, BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and chili flakes if using. This takes about 5 minutes.
- Place chicken breasts in a single layer in the crockpot. Slice horizontally if thick for even cooking (2-3 minutes).
- Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the chicken, coating all pieces (about 2 minutes).
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours until chicken is tender and shreddable.
- Remove lid and shred chicken with two forks directly in the crockpot. Mix shredded chicken into the sauce (5-7 minutes).
- If sauce is too thin, cook uncovered on high for 15-20 minutes to reduce. If too thick, add water or chicken broth to loosen.
- Serve warm on sandwiches or over rice/greens for bowls. Garnish with green onions or fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
Use thawed chicken for best results to avoid watery sauce. Prepare sauce the night before to enhance flavor. Avoid lifting lid during cooking to maintain heat. Fresh spices improve flavor. Adjust honey and vinegar to balance sweetness and tang. Can substitute chicken thighs for juicier meat. Sauce can be thickened or loosened after cooking as needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 4 oz (115g) co
- Calories: 280
- Carbohydrates: 1015
- Protein: 30
Keywords: honey BBQ chicken, crockpot chicken, pulled chicken, slow cooker recipe, BBQ pulled chicken, easy dinner, chicken sandwiches, chicken bowls