Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken + VIDEO

Slow cooker BBQ pulled chicken is an easy recipe that uses only a few ingredients.  You can also make this chicken recipe in your Instant Pot.

PIN FOR LATER

What Cut Of Chicken To Use

Since this is a pulled chicken recipe, it’s best to use boneless, skinless chicken whether it be breasts or thighs. Personally, I like to use chicken breasts so the recipe is written as such. Having said that, of course dark meat works just as well. If you do use dark meat, you don’t need to make any adjustments to the cook time.

before (slow cooker)

Choosing a BBQ Sauce

Grab your favorite BBQ sauce!  The sauce really makes or breaks the recipe in my opinion. If you don’t have any dietary restrictions, use whatever sauce you want. I tend to use my homemade slow cooker/electric pressure cooker (Instant Pot) BBQ sauce. It’s both paleo and whole30 compliant. If you’re following a low-carb lifestyle, G Hughes is my go-to store bought brand.

after (slow cooker)

Homemade Italian Salad Dressing Mix

Ditch the store-bought dry Italian salad dressing mix! One of the main ingredients in this recipe is a Italian dry salad dressing seasoning. Making your own is so much healthier and you probably have all the spices in your pantry. Unlike most recipes for dry Italian salad dressing, my version does not include sugar which makes is low-carb, paleo, and whole30 compliant. While I encourage you make your own homemade seasoning rather than using store-bought, I won’t judge if you do.  Yes, I know this technically makes this recipe more than 3 ingredients.

What else can you add to this? Suggestions include adding a teaspoon of liquid smoke or Worcestershire sauce to the BBQ sauce (depending on the sauce you use).

Other BBQ recipes you might enjoy:

BBQ Pulled Pork

BBQ Sauce

BBQ Brisket

BBQ Ribs

If you’re making this in the slow cooker, do not add any liquid outside of the BBQ sauce. The broth/water is only needed for the Instant Pot.

How To Serve Pulled Chicken

Do you put slaw on your pulled chicken sandwich or eat it as a side? I like to add mine on top. My avocado slaw recipe is my go-to accompaniment for this pulled chicken recipe. If you’re paleo, whole30, or low-carb, ditch the bun & serve this plated or on lettuce wraps.

STORING & FREEZING LEFTOVER PULLED CHICKEN

Store leftover pulled chicken in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze your leftovers. Place the leftover chicken in a freezer friendly zip-lock bag. Freeze for up to 3 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator when you’re ready to use.

I use a 6-quart slow cooker or Instant Pot for this recipe.

BBQ Pulled Chicken (Low-Carb, Paleo, Whole30)

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5 from 4 reviews

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Print Recipe

• Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cups BBQ sauce
• 2 tbsp Italian salad dressing seasoning (see blog post for homemade)
• 1/3 cup low-sodium chicken broth or water (for Instant Pot)
• Salt & pepper to taste

Dry Italian Salad Dressing Mix

• 2 teaspoons oregano
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon parsley
• 1/4 teaspoon celery salt
• 1/4 teaspoon basil
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon thyme

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Instructions

Season chicken with salt & pepper.

Slow Cooker

1. Add all the ingredients to the slow cooker. Stir to mix well.
2. Cook HIGH 2-3 hours or LOW 4-6.
3. Shred chicken & return to slow cooker.

Instant Pot

1. Pour the broth (or water)  into the pressure cooker. Add the chicken.
2. Sprinkle the Italian salad dressing mix on top of chicken. Pour BBQ sauce over chicken. Do not stir.
3. Close lid and seal vent. Cook high pressure, 13 minutes. Natural release 10 minutes then quick release remaining pressure.
4. Shred chicken & return to the Instant Pot.

• Author: Shannon Epstein
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours

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