Step 1

Season the chicken all over with the salt and pepper. Place in a 6-quart or larger slow cooker, pour in 1 1/2 cups of the barbecue sauce, and stir to combine. Cover and cook until the chicken is cooked through and tender, 5 hours on the LOW setting or 3 hours on the HIGH setting.

Step 2

Transfer the chicken out of the sauce to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. (Alternatively, use an electric hand mixer and large bowl.) Mix at medium speed until the chicken is shredded, about 15 seconds. Return the chicken to the slow cooker, add the remaining 1/2 cup barbecue sauce, and stir to combine.