Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken (Print Version)

Juicy chicken thighs slow-cooked in bold BBQ and spices for irresistible pulled chicken sandwiches.

# Ingredients:

→ Chicken and Seasonings

01 - 3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs

02 - 1 1/2 tsp chili powder

03 - 1 1/2 tsp smoked paprika

04 - 1/2 tsp garlic powder

05 - 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

06 - 1/2 tsp salt, plus more to taste

07 - 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper

08 - 1/4 cup grated yellow onion

→ Sauces and Buns

09 - 1 1/2 cups BBQ sauce, divided (recommended: Bullseye Original)

10 - 2 Tbsp steak sauce (recommended: A1)

11 - 8 hamburger buns

# Directions:

01 - Place chicken thighs in a 5 to 7-quart slow cooker.

02 - In a small mixing bowl, whisk together chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.

03 - Pour spice mixture over the chicken and add grated onion. Toss to evenly coat the chicken with seasonings.

04 - Pour 3/4 cup of BBQ sauce over the chicken. Cover and cook on low heat for 4 to 6 hours, until the chicken shreds easily and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

05 - Transfer chicken to a cutting board and reserve the cooking liquid from the slow cooker. Skim off and discard the fat from the liquid. Shred the chicken using two forks.

06 - In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the remaining 3/4 cup BBQ sauce with 2 Tbsp steak sauce in the microwave until warm (about 1 to 2 minutes).

07 - Return shredded chicken to the slow cooker. Pour 3/4 cup of the reserved cooking liquid and the warmed BBQ sauce mixture over the chicken. Toss to combine and evenly coat the chicken. Add more reserved liquid or BBQ sauce if desired to adjust moisture. Season with additional salt if needed.

08 - Serve the pulled BBQ chicken on hamburger buns. Optionally, top with coleslaw or a mix of coleslaw and a little blue cheese.

# Notes:

01 - Skimming the fat from the reserved liquid enhances the flavor and reduces excess oil in the final dish.

02 - Adding coleslaw with blue cheese creates a balanced flavor contrast with the BBQ chicken.

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