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Tender Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken Recipe

Tender Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken Recipe


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4.7 from 27 reviews

  • Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 7 1x

Description

Succulent bbq pulled chicken slow-cooks to tender perfection, creating a mouthwatering meal that brings Southern comfort to your table. Juicy shredded chicken glazed with tangy sauce promises a delicious dinner you won’t forget.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs (900g) chicken breasts or thighs (boneless, skinless)
  • 1 ½ cups (360ml) BBQ sauce
  • ½ cup (120ml) chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp cayenne pepper

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Arrange chicken pieces evenly at the bottom of the slow cooker to promote consistent heat distribution and optimal cooking.
  2. Sauce Creation: Blend BBQ sauce, chicken broth, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper into a harmonious, flavor-packed liquid mixture.
  3. Liquid Infusion: Generously coat chicken with the prepared sauce, ensuring complete coverage and maximum flavor penetration.
  4. Slow Cooking Process: Cover and cook on low temperature for 6-7 hours or high heat for 3-4 hours, allowing chicken to become supremely tender and infused with rich, complex flavors.
  5. Meat Breakdown: Use two forks to expertly shred chicken, transforming it into succulent, pull-apart pieces that demonstrate perfect cooking consistency.
  6. Flavor Refinement: Reintegrate shredded chicken into the remaining sauce, letting it marinate and absorb additional flavor nuances for 15-20 minutes.
  7. Serving Suggestions: Serve the pulled chicken in diverse presentations – nestled in burger buns, wrapped in tacos, atop rice, or alongside crisp coleslaw for a dynamic culinary experience.

Notes

  • Chicken Placement Matters: Arrange chicken pieces evenly at the bottom of the slow cooker to ensure uniform heat distribution and consistent cooking throughout.
  • Sauce Consistency is Key: Whisk sauce ingredients thoroughly to create a balanced, well-blended flavor profile that penetrates the meat completely during slow cooking.
  • Optimal Cooking Time: Choose between low heat (6-7 hours) or high heat (3-4 hours) based on your schedule, ensuring the chicken becomes fork-tender and easily shredded.
  • Flavor Absorption Technique: Allow shredded chicken to rest in the sauce for an additional 15-20 minutes, enabling deeper flavor infusion and maximum moisture retention.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 hours
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 7
  • Calories: 305
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Sodium: 690mg
  • Fat: 5g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 36g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg