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Easy Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken

A close-up of shredded pulled chicken generously coated in rich, dark BBQ sauce served on a white plate.

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Make tender, flavorful BBQ pulled chicken using your slow cooker. This recipe requires minimal hands-on time and yields juicy shredded chicken perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1 cup your favorite BBQ sauce
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Place the chicken breasts or thighs into the basin of your slow cooker.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, chicken broth, 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 on a cutting board or in a large bowl.
  6. Shred the chicken using two forks.
  7. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and toss it thoroughly with the remaining sauce until it is fully coated.
  8. Keep warm on the ‘Keep Warm’ setting until ready to serve.
  9. Serve on buns for sandwiches, over rice, or in tacos.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, you can add 1/4 cup of chopped onion or a splash of apple cider vinegar to the slow cooker mixture.
  • This chicken is excellent for meal prep; store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • If you are looking for quick weeknight dinners, this recipe is a great alternative to complex meal planning.

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