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Easy Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken

A close-up of a mound of saucy, shredded pulled chicken piled high on a white rectangular plate.
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Make incredibly tender, juicy pulled chicken with minimal effort using your slow cooker. This easy BBQ pulled chicken recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or feeding a crowd.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

  1. Place the chicken breasts or thighs in the bottom of your slow cooker.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the water or broth, BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
  3. Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the chicken in the slow cooker.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. Shred the chicken using two forks. This tender, juicy pulled chicken should shred easily.
  7. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir it well to coat it completely with the remaining sauce.
  8. Cook on the WARM setting for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to combine.
  9. Serve this versatile chicken for BBQ pulled chicken sandwiches, tacos, or salads.

Notes

  • For the best flavor and texture, use chicken thighs instead of breasts.
  • If you want a thicker sauce, remove the cooked chicken, set it aside, and let the sauce simmer on HIGH in the slow cooker for 15-20 minutes, uncovered, until it reduces slightly.
  • This recipe is excellent for meal prep; store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Nutrition

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