BBQ Pulled Chicken (Printable)

Tender shredded chicken in tangy barbecue sauce, perfect for sandwiches or as a main dish.

# Ingredient List:

→ 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)

# How-To Steps:

01 - Arrange chicken breasts in the bottom of a slow cooker. Distribute chopped onion and minced garlic evenly over the meat.
02 - Whisk together barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, and chili powder in a mixing bowl until thoroughly combined.
03 - Pour sauce mixture over chicken and onions, ensuring complete coating. Cover and cook on low heat for 4-5 hours until chicken is fork-tender.
04 - Transfer cooked chicken to a cutting board. Using two forks, shred meat into bite-sized pieces. Return shredded chicken to slow cooker.
05 - Stir shredded chicken thoroughly to coat evenly with sauce. Heat through for 10-15 minutes. Serve hot as a main dish or on sandwich buns.

# Expert Hints:

01 -
  • Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor: The slow cooker does all the work, simmering the chicken to tender perfection.
  • Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit for family dinners, parties, and potlucks.
  • Endlessly Versatile: Perfect in sandwiches, tacos, salads, or as a standalone main course.
  • Simple Ingredients: Made with common pantry staples for a fuss-free meal.
02 -
  • Make-Ahead Friendly: Leftovers are fantastic! Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld and become even more delicious.
  • Freezer-Friendly: This recipe freezes beautifully. Let the chicken cool completely, then store it in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months for a quick and easy future meal.
  • Check Your Labels: To keep this dish gluten-free, ensure you use a certified gluten-free barbecue sauce. Similarly, check bun labels for allergens if you are serving sandwiches.
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