Perfect for summer picnics and cookouts, this skinny pulled crockpot bbq chicken is amazingly flavorful, yet uses no bottled bbq sauce and is only 1 freestyle smart point per serving!
Just because you’re eating healthier, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy classic summer cookout food like this crockpot bbq chicken! Lean boneless skinless chicken breasts are cooked with a homemade barbecue sauce until they’re fall apart tender and ready to be piled on a whole-wheat bun or lettuce cup!
I’m always in the mood for FANTASTIC warm-weather cookouts and summer barbecues. There’s really nothing that beats classic cookout food in my book. Don’t get me wrong, I love comfort food, and tasty party bites, but they’re not my number 1.
Being on Weight Watchers or watching what you’re eating doesn’t mean you have to toss all your beloved cookout foods aside… especially with the zero points food list on the freestyle program!
For example, usually my family goes for a traditional pulled pork bbq or even shredded beef… but those have points. So I’ve been working on a great pulled bbq chicken that tastes really delicious. Ta-da!! Here it is, and I think you’ll really love it!
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO COOK CHICKEN IN THE SLOW COOKER
That ultimately depends on your slow cooker, but a general rule of thumb is about 5-7 hours on LOW. Since chicken breasts are very lean, if you cook them a lonnnnnng time, they’ll dry out.
WHAT GOES WELL WITH PULLED CHICKEN
Anything you’d normally serve at a cookout! I love broccoli salad, roasted corn on the cob, creamy coleslaw, and potato salad. Don’t worry, I have those other three recipes coming soon! In fact, the coleslaw will be posted in a few days.
COOKING TIPS FOR COOKING CROCKPOT BBQ CHICKEN
- Season the chicken breasts before adding the sauce. I like to put on some disposable gloves and really rub the seasonings into the meat.
- If you have a few points to spare, consider making this bbq chicken with a mixture of breasts and thighs, or even all thighs. It really adds moisture, but of course, adds points as well.
- If you want to add extra flavor, consider a drizzle of your favorite low point bbq sauce after you’ve shredded the chicken or over the top of the chicken on the sandwich.
- The point value here is the chicken only, so if you’re having it on a bun (like pictured), get some whole-wheat buns and be sure to calculate the total point value.
Since the weather is warming up, I really hope you give this crockpot bbq chicken a try… I’m sure you’ll love it!!
HELPFUL TOOLS:
- Slow Cooker – I love the clamp down lid on this slow cooker, and it’s really affordable.
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Ingredients
- 5 - 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, trimmed of excess fat
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, smashed
- 15 oz can tomato sauce
- 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 Tbsp light brown sugar, packed
Instructions
- Grease 6 quart or larger slow cooker and add chicken breasts. Sprinkle with salt, paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper and rub into the chicken. Top with onion slices and garlic cloves.
- In a mixing bowl, add tomato sauce, balsamic vinegar and brown sugar and stir to combine. Pour into slow cooker and toss gently to combine.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 5-7 hours, or on HIGH for 3-4 hours.
- Remove chicken to cutting board or large mixing bowl and shred using two forks. Return to slow cooker and toss in the sauce/juices. Serve on a whole wheat bun, lettuce cup, or by itself.
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Nutrition Disclaimer
The Chunky Chef is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
Calories: 118 | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 0g | Cholesterol: 45mg | Sodium: 655mg | Potassium: 485mg | Sugar: 5g | Fiber: 1g | Vitamin A: 7.5% | Vitamin C: 7.3% | Calcium: 1.9% | Iron: 5.5%
I’m not a nutritionist, and nutritional values here on my recipes should be used for general information purposes only. This information is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. You should seek prompt medical care for any specific health issues and consult your physician before starting a new diet and fitness regimen.
Jacob says
My batch ended up quite bitter for some reason. The onions were still crunchy…I am trying this again but going to saute/brown the onions and garlic first.
Jen says
I appreciate finding healthy alternatives but this was very bland with a bitter aftertaste. I added honey to sweeten it, but the bitterness of the balsamic is a little awkward. Maybe using acv would be a better alternative. We will add some bbq sauce to it and a slice of cheese to add flavor.
Jen says
I realize that sounded harsh and def don’t intend it to be so I apologize! But I’d def recommend sweetening it up and possibly subbing the balsamic for acv.