BBQ Pulled Chicken (Print version)

Tender slow-cooked chicken shredded in tangy BBQ sauce, perfect for sandwiches or as a main dish.

# What You'll Need:

→ Chicken

01 - 3.3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

→ Sauce & Seasoning

02 - 1 large onion, finely chopped
03 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 ½ cups barbecue sauce (gluten-free if needed)
05 - 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
06 - 1 tbsp brown sugar
07 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
08 - ½ tsp ground black pepper
09 - ½ tsp salt
10 - ½ tsp chili powder (optional, for heat)

# Directions:

01 - Arrange chicken breasts in the bottom of slow cooker, distributing evenly for consistent cooking.
02 - Scatter chopped onion and minced garlic over the chicken pieces.
03 - Whisk together barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, and chili powder in a mixing bowl until thoroughly combined.
04 - Pour sauce mixture over chicken and onions, ensuring all pieces are evenly coated.
05 - Cover and cook on low heat for 4–5 hours until chicken is fork-tender and easily shredded.
06 - Transfer chicken to a cutting board and shred using two forks, pulling apart along the muscle fibers.
07 - Return shredded chicken to slow cooker, stir thoroughly to coat with sauce, and continue cooking for 10–15 minutes until heated through.
08 - Serve hot as a main dish or piled onto sandwich buns with desired accompaniments.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting while you go about your day
  • Leftovers somehow taste even better the next time around
  • Perfect for those nights when everyone wants something different — it works as a main dish or sandwich filling
02 -
  • Do not lift the lid during cooking — every peek adds 15 to 20 minutes to your cook time
  • The chicken needs to reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees F for food safety
  • Letting the shredded chicken sit in the sauce for that final 15 minutes is what makes it taste like it came from a restaurant
03 -
  • A few drops of liquid smoke in the sauce mixture will trick everyone into thinking you spent all day tending a smoker
  • If the sauce feels too thick after cooking thin it with a splash of water or apple juice
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