1. Preheat a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker.

2. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high. Add half the chicken, and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring once, until meat is golden brown, about 5 minutes. With a slotted spoon, transfer to the slow cooker, leaving as much oil behind as possible. Repeat with remaining chicken.

3. Reduce heat to medium. Add onion, garlic, bell pepper, and 1/4 cup water to skillet. Cook, stirring and scraping up any browned bits from bottom with a spoon, until onion is translucent, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer to the slow cooker and toss with chicken.

4. Add crushed tomatoes, hot-pepper sauce, Worcestershire, mustard, and molasses to slow cooker; stir to combine. Cover and cook on high until chicken is very tender, 4 hours (or on low for 8 hours).

5. Transfer chicken to a large plate. Using two forks, shred chicken; return to sauce. Season with salt and pepper. Serve on buns, with pickled vegetables on the side.