If you’re craving something incredibly flavorful yet effortless to prepare, this Crockpot Apple Butter BBQ Pulled Chicken Recipe is an absolute game changer. Combining the tangy richness of BBQ sauce with the sweet, spiced warmth of apple butter creates a unique twist on classic pulled chicken that’s perfect for family dinners, casual get-togethers, or any time you want a comforting meal without the fuss. The slow cooker magic lets the flavors meld beautifully while you go about your day, resulting in succulent, tender chicken that simply falls apart and bursts with a mouthwatering blend of sweet and smoky goodness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Inside a white slow cooker, there are two smooth, pale pink raw chicken pieces, one on top of the other. The top chicken piece is covered with a thick, shiny dark brown sauce that has a rich texture. The bottom chicken piece has a bright, glossy red sauce spread over it, with some drops pooling around the edges. The slow cooker is placed on a white marbled surface with a red and white striped cloth nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a starring role to create that perfect balance of flavors and texture. The simplicity of just a few pantry staples makes this dish approachable and fuss-free, while each element adds depth to the end result.

3 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts: The lean chicken is tenderized perfectly in the slow cooker and absorbs the flavors beautifully.
2 cups BBQ sauce (divided): Using your favorite brand adds smoky richness and a saucy backbone—the recipe calls for 2 cups split between cooking and finishing.
1 ½ cups apple butter: This ingredient brings in a luscious sweetness and spiced apple notes that elevate the BBQ chicken in a deliciously unexpected way.

How to Make Crockpot Apple Butter BBQ Pulled Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot

Start by adding the chicken breasts to the bottom of your slow cooker—preferably 5 quarts or larger to leave enough room for the juices to circulate. Pour 1 ½ cups of BBQ sauce evenly over the chicken, then dollop the apple butter on top. The combination of BBQ sauce and apple butter forms a rich, flavorful base that will infuse the chicken as it cooks.

Step 2: Slow Cook Until Tender

Cover the crockpot and set it to high for about 3 to 4 hours, or low for 5 to 7 hours. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit and is tender enough to shred easily. This slow cooking process allows the sweet and smoky flavors to meld deeply into the meat, creating a mouthwatering taste experience.

Step 3: Shred the Chicken and Finish

Once the chicken is perfectly cooked, shred it directly in the crockpot using two forks. Mix in the remaining half-cup of BBQ sauce for an extra boost of tangy flavor and moist texture. This final stir makes sure every bite is coated in that irresistible BBQ-apple butter goodness.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

You can serve the pulled chicken immediately in countless delicious ways—whether piled high on buns, spooned over creamy mashed potatoes, or wrapped in tortillas for a fun handheld meal. It’s versatile, simple, and utterly satisfying.

How to Serve Crockpot Apple Butter BBQ Pulled Chicken Recipe

A white slow cooker filled with shredded, tender chicken pieces in a thick, rich, dark reddish-brown sauce. The chicken is layered evenly, soaking in the shiny, smooth sauce that coats each piece fully. The sauce covers the bottom of the cooker and rises up the sides a bit, with some sauce splashed along the inner walls. The slow cooker sits on a white marbled surface with a hint of a beige cloth and a red apple partially in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes can amplify the flavors and textures of your dish perfectly. Try topping the pulled chicken with some crisp coleslaw for a refreshing crunch, chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for a pop of color and fresh herbaceous notes, or even a few pickle slices to add a vinegary bite that contrasts beautifully with the sweet sauce.

Side Dishes

This pulled chicken pairs wonderfully with classic comfort sides. Think creamy mashed potatoes or buttery corn on the cob to soak up the sauce, crunchy roasted vegetables to bring some earthiness, or simple steamed green beans for a fresh and vibrant plate. You can’t go wrong with classic potato salad or a vibrant cabbage slaw either for a balanced and crowd-pleasing meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Get creative by serving the pulled chicken stuffed into soft slider buns for mini sandwiches, or as a hearty filling inside warm flour tortillas topped with a sprinkle of cheese, avocado slices, and a drizzle of lime crema for a southwestern twist. Another fun idea is to layer the chicken over baked sweet potatoes or atop a fresh salad to mix hearty protein with crisp greens.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover pulled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen after resting, making for even tastier sandwiches or wraps the next day. Just be sure to cool it down before refrigerating to maintain moisture and freshness.

Freezing

This Crockpot Apple Butter BBQ Pulled Chicken Recipe freezes wonderfully, making it perfect for meal prep. Portion the chicken into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags, removing as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. Store for up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

For best results, gently reheat the pulled chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or extra BBQ sauce to keep it moist. You can also warm it in the microwave covered to prevent drying out. Stir occasionally to heat evenly and enjoy just as delicious as day one.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great option for this recipe and tend to stay extra juicy and flavorful. Just adjust cooking time if needed and shred once tender.

Is apple butter necessary, or can I substitute something else?

Apple butter adds a unique sweetness and depth that’s key in this recipe’s flavor profile. However, you can try substituting with homemade applesauce mixed with a touch of cinnamon and cloves for a similar effect.

Can I cook this recipe in an Instant Pot instead of a crockpot?

Yes, you can adapt this recipe for an Instant Pot by cooking on high pressure for about 15 minutes and then using the natural release. Shred the chicken and mix in the BBQ sauce right in the pot afterward.

How spicy is this pulled chicken?

This recipe isn’t spicy on its own, relying more on sweet and smoky flavors. If you like heat, consider adding a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the BBQ sauce before cooking.

What’s the best BBQ sauce to use?

Choose a BBQ sauce you love! Baby Ray’s is a great choice for its balanced flavor, but feel free to use any brand or homemade sauce that matches your taste preferences.

Final Thoughts

This Crockpot Apple Butter BBQ Pulled Chicken Recipe is one of those special dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate while being incredibly simple to make. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week, it delivers consistently juicy, flavorful results with very little effort. I can’t wait for you to try it and see just how easy it is to elevate your pulled chicken game with the magic of apple butter and BBQ sauce combined.

Crockpot Apple Butter BBQ Pulled Chicken Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.1 from 6 reviews

Author: Sara
Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 8 servings

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Description

This Crockpot Apple Butter BBQ Pulled Chicken recipe combines tender, slow-cooked chicken breasts with a sweet and tangy blend of BBQ sauce and apple butter, resulting in a flavorful and juicy pulled chicken perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or served over mashed potatoes. Easy to prepare and ideal for a comforting meal that feeds a crowd.

Ingredients

Chicken

3 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts

Sauce

2 cups BBQ sauce, divided (recommended: Baby Ray’s)
1 ½ cups apple butter

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Instructions

Prepare the Slow Cooker: Add the chicken breasts, 1 ½ cups of BBQ sauce, and apple butter to the bottom of a 5 quart or larger slow cooker. Spread evenly to ensure the chicken is well coated.
Cook the Chicken: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to high for 3-4 hours or low for 5-7 hours. Cook until the chicken is fully cooked through and an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) is reached to ensure safety.
Shred the Chicken: Remove the lid and use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker. Stir well to combine the shredded chicken with the sauce mixing in the remaining ½ cup of BBQ sauce for extra flavor and moisture.
Serve: Serve the pulled chicken immediately. It can be enjoyed on its own, piled over hamburger buns for sandwiches, spooned over creamy mashed potatoes, or wrapped in a tortilla for a quick, satisfying meal.

Notes

For best results, use a slow cooker that is at least 5 quarts in capacity to allow enough space for the chicken and sauce to cook evenly.
Feel free to adjust the amount of BBQ sauce and apple butter depending on your preference for sweetness and tanginess.
Leftover pulled chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer for food safety.
Serve with coleslaw, pickles, or your favorite sides for a complete meal.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 hours
Category: Main Dish
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American

Crockpot Apple Butter BBQ Pulled Chicken Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

How to Make Crockpot Apple Butter BBQ Pulled Chicken Recipe