Crockpot Apple Butter BBQ Pulled Chicken (Only 3 Ingredients!)

There’s something magical about slow cooker meals that practically cook themselves—and this Crockpot Apple Butter BBQ Pulled Chicken is a cozy, sweet-and-savory dream come true. Just 3 simple ingredients and a few hours in the slow cooker create juicy, tender pulled chicken that’s absolutely loaded with flavor. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, casual weekends, game day parties, or just a low-effort dinner that tastes like you spent all day in the kitchen.

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My whole family is obsessed with this one—my husband James practically hovers in the kitchen when it’s cooking, and even my 5-year-old daughter Ariya (who’s not usually into meat!) gets excited when she sees it coming together. And baby Cameron? He’s just turned one and is officially a sauce-lover now—he may or may not have licked some of the shredded chicken right off his high chair tray!

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What Is Crockpot Apple Butter BBQ Pulled Chicken?

This is an easy shredded chicken recipe made by slow-cooking chicken breasts with apple butter and BBQ sauce until fork-tender. The apple butter adds a rich, slightly spiced sweetness that beautifully complements the smoky tang of the BBQ sauce. Once shredded, it’s saucy, flavorful, and ready to pile onto sandwiches, wraps, mashed potatoes, or even just eat with a fork straight from the pot.

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When to Serve This Recipe

• Busy Weeknights – Toss it in the Crockpot in the morning and dinner is DONE by evening.
• Tailgates or Game Day – Serve it in sliders or wraps for a crowd-pleasing snack.
• Holiday Gatherings – A low-effort, high-reward dish for Thanksgiving leftovers or casual fall parties.
• Potlucks or Meal Trains – It transports easily and reheats beautifully!

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Why You’ll Love This

• Only 3 ingredients — Can it get easier?!
• Effortless slow cooker magic – Set it and forget it!
• Sweet, tangy, smoky, and totally craveable – Apple butter + BBQ = flavor heaven.
• Versatile for sandwiches, bowls, wraps, and more
• Freezer-friendly – Meal prep for later or double the batch

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Ingredient Breakdown

Here’s what you’ll need to make this cozy Crockpot chicken:

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts (3 lbs)
  You can also use boneless thighs if you prefer dark meat—they’re just as delicious and even juicier.
• BBQ Sauce (2 cups, divided)
  I used Sweet Baby Ray’s, but any store-bought or homemade BBQ sauce will work! Go spicy, smoky, or sweet—whatever you love.
• Apple Butter (1½ cups)
  This is the secret ingredient that takes this recipe over the top. It adds deep fall flavors—like apples, cinnamon, and cloves—and pairs beautifully with BBQ sauce.

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Variations

Want to customize this recipe a bit? Here are some easy swaps:

• Swap the protein – Try pork shoulder instead of chicken for a slow-cooked pulled pork variation.
• Use a different BBQ sauce – Go smoky, hickory, spicy chipotle, or even mustard-based for a twist.
• Add a splash of apple cider vinegar – For extra tang if your sauce is sweeter.
• Add red pepper flakes – If you like a little heat!
• Use leftover turkey – Perfect for the holidays.

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Troubleshooting & Tips

• Too much liquid?
  Remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow the sauce to reduce and thicken.
• Chicken not shredding easily?
  If it’s not falling apart with a fork, it likely needs more time—let it cook another 30–60 minutes.
• Want deeper flavor?
  Let the shredded chicken sit in the sauce on warm for 30+ minutes to absorb even more flavor.
• Making a bigger batch?
  Use a 6–8 quart Crockpot and double everything. Just make sure not to overfill!

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Storage, Freezing & Reheating

• To Store:
  Let chicken cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
• To Freeze:
  Transfer cooled chicken and sauce to a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• To Reheat:
  Warm in a covered skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or BBQ sauce to loosen, or reheat in the microwave until hot throughout.

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What to Serve With It

This saucy pulled chicken pairs beautifully with:

• Cornbread Salad
• Angel Biscuits
• Slow Cooker Buttery Bacon Green Beans
• Creamy Coleslaw or Macaroni Salad
• Mashed Potatoes, Sweet Potato Fries, or Cornbread

And don’t forget dessert! Something sweet and fruity like No-Bake Strawberry Delight is a perfect match.

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How to Use the Leftovers

Here are some fun and easy ways to use any leftover chicken:

• Make sandwiches or sliders with brioche buns
• Wrap it up in tortillas with shredded lettuce and cheese
• Top baked potatoes or sweet potatoes
• Stuff into quesadillas with cheddar or pepper jack
• Spoon over mac & cheese or rice bowls

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How to Meal Prep This Recipe

You can completely make this chicken ahead of time and store it for easy lunches or dinners:

• Cook and shred the chicken fully.
• Let it cool, then divide it into portions in airtight containers.
• Store in the fridge or freezer and reheat as needed!

Pro tip: This is a great recipe to bring to new moms, potlucks, or meal trains!

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Gift-Worthy & Party-Ready

Hosting a fall get-together? Need an easy meal for a friend? This pulled chicken is party-perfect and makes a thoughtful food gift. Store it in a mason jar or disposable container, add a cute label and reheating instructions, and pair it with a bag of buns or a side salad.

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Great for Holiday Baking Season

It’s not just for weeknights—this chicken makes a cozy, no-stress meal during the busy holiday season. When you’re knee-deep in cookies and wrapping paper, a slow cooker dinner like this saves the day. Serve it after tree decorating, on Christmas Eve for a casual meal, or even as a warm option on a holiday buffet table.

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Oven & Stovetop Instructions

Oven Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F.
2. Place chicken, apple butter, and 1½ cups BBQ sauce in a Dutch oven or baking dish and cover tightly with foil or a lid.
3. Bake for about 2 to 2.5 hours or until the chicken shreds easily with a fork.
4. Shred chicken and stir in the remaining ½ cup BBQ sauce.

Stovetop Instructions:

1. Add the chicken, apple butter, and 1½ cups BBQ sauce to a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-low heat.
2. Cover and cook for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until chicken is fork-tender.
3. Shred the chicken and stir in the remaining ½ cup BBQ sauce.
4. Simmer uncovered for 10–15 minutes to reduce sauce if needed.

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Budget Breakdown

Here’s a rough cost estimate (based on typical U.S. grocery store prices):

• Chicken Breasts (3 lbs) – $9.00
• Apple Butter (1½ cups from 1 jar) – $3.00
• BBQ Sauce (2 cups) – $2.50

Total Cost: ~$14.50
Cost per serving (for 6–8 servings): ~$1.80–$2.40

Feeding a crowd for under $15? Yes, please.

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FAQ – Crockpot Apple Butter BBQ Pulled Chicken

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Thighs are juicy and flavorful. Use the same weight and follow the recipe as written.

What’s the best BBQ sauce to use?
Sweet Baby Ray’s is a classic choice, but you can go spicy, smoky, or even use a mustard BBQ sauce if you prefer. Any style works!

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, and it actually gets even better as it sits. Make it 1–2 days in advance and reheat gently before serving.

Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Yes! Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes with a quick release. Shred and stir in the remaining BBQ sauce.

Do I have to use apple butter?
It’s the key flavor booster here, but in a pinch, you could try apple sauce with a bit of brown sugar, cinnamon, and a dash of cloves. The result will be different but still tasty.

Can I freeze the leftovers?
Definitely. Let it cool completely and store in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months.

My sauce turned out too thin—how can I fix it?
Take the lid off the slow cooker for the last 30 minutes of cooking or simmer uncovered on the stovetop until it thickens to your liking.

What kind of buns go best with this?
Brioche, potato buns, or even Hawaiian rolls are all fantastic!

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Final Thoughts

This recipe is one of those low-effort, high-reward gems that checks all the boxes. Whether you’re a busy mom like me juggling work, kids, and life—or just someone who loves a comforting, easy meal—you’ll fall in love with this Crockpot Apple Butter BBQ Pulled Chicken.

Ariya might be picky, and Cameron might be messy, but when we sit down together and share something this simple and satisfying, it’s a reminder that good food doesn’t have to be complicated to be incredible.

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More CrockPot Recipes

• Crockpot Bourbon Brown Sugar Baked Beans
• Slow Cooker Pizza Casserole
• Slow Cooker BBQ Brisket
• Crock Pot Steak and Potatoes