Zesty Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken (5-Min Prep!)

Created on September 2nd, 2025 at 05:06 pm

Tender, tangy, and perfect for busy weeknights

If you’re craving something tangy, sweet, and irresistibly tender, this Zesty Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken is about to become your new go-to weeknight dinner. With just 5 minutes of prep and a few pantry staples, it practically cooks itself! 🍗 This easy crockpot BBQ chicken recipe uses boneless skinless chicken breasts, zesty Italian dressing, and your favorite BBQ sauce to create mouthwatering pulled chicken perfect for sandwiches, wraps, pizzas, or bowls. Whether you’re feeding your family on a weeknight or meal prepping for the week, this slow cooker BBQ chicken delivers every time. You’ll love how easy it is—and how many ways you can serve it!

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⏱️ Time Breakdown

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 2.5–3 hours on high or 5–6 hours on low
• Total Time: Up to 6 hours
• Servings: 8–10

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📝 Ingredients List

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, fat trimmed
• 1 ¼ cup barbecue sauce (Sweet Baby Ray’s or your favorite)
• ½ cup zesty Italian dressing (fat-free or regular)
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• ¼ cup light brown sugar (reduce to 2 tbsp or omit for less sweetness)
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• Salt & black pepper, to taste
• Optional: red pepper flakes (for heat)

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✨ Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.

• Crockpot or slow cooker
• Measuring cups & spoons
• Small mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Sharp knife (to trim chicken)
• 2 forks (for shredding)
• Airtight containers (for storage/freezing)

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👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions

Step 1:
Spray the inside of your crockpot with non-stick cooking spray or insert a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup.

Step 2:
Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Place them at the bottom of the slow cooker.

Step 3:
In a bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce, Italian dressing, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar until smooth.

Step 4:
Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the chicken. Cover with lid and cook:

• High: 2.5 to 3 hours
• Low: 5 to 6 hours

Step 5:
Check doneness with a meat thermometer (internal temp: 165°F). Once done, shred chicken directly in the crockpot using two forks.

Step 6:
Stir the shredded chicken into the sauce until fully coated and juicy. 🧡
Serve hot on buns, tortillas, salads, nachos—or straight from the spoon. 😋

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💡 Pro Tips

• Freezer-Friendly: Store leftovers in freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw in fridge overnight before reheating.
• No Chicken Breasts? Swap for boneless thighs for extra moisture.
• Less Sweet Option: Cut brown sugar in half or skip altogether.
• Make it Spicy: Add chipotle BBQ sauce or a dash of cayenne for heat.

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📊 Nutrition Table

Serving Size	Calories	Protein	Carbs	Fat	Fiber	Sugar
1 plate	420	18g	35g	22g	4g	6g

Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.