Description
This Slow Cooker Pulled BBQ Chicken is tender and delicious, featuring a sweet and tangy homemade barbecue sauce.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1 whole chicken, about 5-6 pounds (or substitute 3–4 split chicken breasts)
- 1 cup beer (or substitute water or chicken broth)
For the BBQ Spice Rub:
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt-free poultry seasoning (or substitute ground thyme)
- 1/4 teaspoon dry ground mustard
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
For the BBQ Sauce:
- 1 cup tomato-based chili sauce (I like Heinz)
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons molasses
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon liquid smoke
Instructions
- Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel. Place on an oiled rack in the slow cooker. Pour beer into the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Mix up the BBQ seasoning and rub it over all over the chicken. Cook chicken on low for 7-8 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours. Use a thermometer to make sure internal temperature reaches at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- When chicken is cooked through, remove from slow cooker and allow to cool until it can be handled comfortably. While chicken is cooling, mix sauce ingredients together.
- Pour off all but 2 tablespoons of the cooking juices from the slow cooker. Remove meat from bones, discard skin, and shred the chicken using 2 forks. Return shredded chicken to slow cooker along with sauce and reserved juices. Stir to combine and cook on high for 30 minutes, or until sauce and chicken are heated through.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Cuisine: American