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Easy Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken

Close-up of a generous serving of saucy, shredded pulled chicken piled high on a white plate.
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Make tender, flavorful pulled chicken with minimal effort using your slow cooker. This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners and creates juicy shredded chicken ideal for sandwiches, tacos, or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1 medium onion, sliced
  • 1 cup water or chicken broth
  • 1 cup your favorite BBQ sauce
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Place the sliced onion in the bottom of your slow cooker.
  2. Arrange the chicken breasts or thighs on top of the onions.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the water or broth, BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  4. Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the chicken in the slow cooker.
  5. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is very tender.
  6. Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and place it in a large bowl. Discard any excess liquid remaining in the slow cooker, or reserve a small amount if you prefer a saucier result.
  7. Use two forks to shred the chicken completely.
  8. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and toss it well with about 1/2 cup of the cooking liquid or extra BBQ sauce until it is coated and moist.
  9. Serve your juicy shredded chicken hot on buns, over rice, or as a taco filling.

Notes

  • For the most tender pulled chicken, use chicken thighs instead of breasts.
  • If you want a thicker sauce, remove the chicken, set it aside, and let the remaining liquid simmer on high in the slow cooker for 15-20 minutes uncovered until it reduces slightly.
  • This versatile chicken meal prep freezes well for up to three months.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://kingscook.com/easy-slow-cooker-pulled-chicken-recipe/