Go Back
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup chicken broth - 1/2 cup barbecue sauce - Optional: 1 tablespoon honey for sweetness - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - Optional: hamburger buns - Optional: coleslaw for topping When making pulled chicken, start with the right main ingredients. I like using boneless, skinless chicken breasts because they cook well and shred easily. You'll need chicken broth to keep the chicken moist. Barbecue sauce adds flavor and a nice glaze. If you want a touch of sweetness, honey works great! Next, we have our seasoning ingredients. Olive oil helps the spices stick to the chicken. Garlic and onion powder give a nice savory taste. Smoked paprika adds depth, while salt and black pepper bring everything together. For serving, consider using hamburger buns. They make a great base for your pulled chicken. A scoop of coleslaw on top adds crunch and extra flavor. Enjoy your delicious meal! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, you need to prepare your slow cooker. Pour one cup of chicken broth into the slow cooker. This liquid will keep your chicken moist and tasty. Next, add one tablespoon of olive oil. This helps to enhance the flavors. Now, it’s time to season the chicken breasts. Take two pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Sprinkle one teaspoon each of garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Add half a teaspoon of salt and half a teaspoon of black pepper. Make sure to coat the chicken well for a full flavor. Now, let’s talk about cooking. You can cook on low or high settings. Cooking on low takes about 6-7 hours. This makes the chicken very tender. If you're in a hurry, cooking on high takes about 4-5 hours. Both ways work well. Once the chicken is ready, it’s time to add barbecue sauce. Drizzle half a cup of your favorite barbecue sauce over the chicken. If you want a touch of sweetness, add one tablespoon of honey. This step gives your chicken a nice glaze. When the chicken is cooked, it will be easy to shred. Use two forks to pull apart the chicken. Make sure to shred it well. This makes it easier to mix with the sauce. After shredding, return the chicken to the slow cooker. Mix it with the sauce to coat all the meat. Let it heat through for an extra 10-15 minutes. Your pulled chicken is now ready to serve! Enjoy it on hamburger buns or add coleslaw for a crunchy topping. Choosing the right chicken size is key. I suggest using 2 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken breasts. This size cooks well and yields enough for a family meal. Always check the thickness of the breasts. Thinner pieces cook faster and shred easier. Seasoning is vital for great flavor. I use garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix these spices well before adding them to the chicken. This step ensures every bite is full of taste. If you want a touch of sweetness, add honey to your sauce. You can make pulled chicken in different ways. The Instant Pot method saves time. Cook on high pressure for about 15-20 minutes. Make sure to add enough broth for moisture. Oven-baked pulled chicken is another option. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the seasoned chicken in a baking dish with broth. Cover with foil and bake for about 45-60 minutes. Adding other spices or sauces can change the taste. Consider using chili powder for heat or smoked salt for a unique twist. You can also mix different barbecue sauces for fun flavors. Sweet vs. spicy variations can cater to your taste. For sweet, use honey or sweet barbecue sauce. For spicy, add hot sauce or cayenne pepper. Mixing flavors keeps your meals exciting. Pro Tips Use Quality Ingredients: Choose fresh, high-quality chicken breasts and your favorite barbecue sauce for the best flavor outcome. Experiment with Spices: Feel free to customize the spice blend by adding cayenne pepper for heat or brown sugar for additional sweetness. Make Ahead: This dish is perfect for meal prep! Cook a larger batch and store leftovers in the fridge for easy lunches throughout the week. Perfect Shredding Technique: To shred the chicken easily, let it cool for a few minutes after cooking, then use two forks to pull apart the meat effortlessly. {{image_2}} You can easily change the flavor of your pulled chicken. Here are two tasty ideas: - Honey BBQ pulled chicken: Add 1 tablespoon of honey along with your favorite barbecue sauce. This gives a sweet and sticky treat that kids love. - Spicy pulled chicken: Mix in some hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the barbecue sauce. This adds heat and makes the dish exciting for those who enjoy spice. Pulled chicken is very versatile. Here are some fun ways to serve it: - Pulled chicken tacos: Use soft tortillas and fill them with the shredded chicken. Top with fresh veggies, cheese, or salsa for a great meal. - Pulled chicken salads: Serve the chicken over a bed of greens. Add cucumber, tomatoes, and your favorite dressing for a light and healthy lunch. You can swap out the chicken for other meats or make this dish fit special diets: - Using turkey or pork: Try using turkey breast or pork shoulder instead of chicken. Both options work well and taste amazing. - Gluten-free and low-carb options: Use gluten-free barbecue sauce and skip the buns. Serve with lettuce wraps or as a salad to keep it low-carb. After making your pulled chicken, let it cool down. Cooling is key to keeping it fresh. Place the chicken in an airtight container. This helps to keep out air and moisture. Store it in the fridge for up to four days. You can use it in sandwiches, salads, or even tacos later on. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. First, make sure the chicken is cool. Then, place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, move it to the fridge overnight to thaw. For a faster method, you can thaw it in the microwave. To enjoy your pulled chicken again, reheating is simple. You can use the microwave or heat it on the stove. If using the microwave, cover it with a damp paper towel. This keeps it moist. If reheating on the stove, add a bit of chicken broth to keep it juicy. Heat it gently until warm. Enjoy your pulled chicken just like the first time! You can serve pulled chicken with many tasty sides. Here are some great options: - Hamburger buns: Perfect for a classic sandwich. - Coleslaw: Adds crunch and coolness. - Corn on the cob: A sweet and juicy side. - Potato salad: Creamy and satisfying. - Baked beans: A hearty flavor match. - French fries: Crispy and fun to eat. These sides complement the savory flavor of the pulled chicken well. Try mixing and matching to find your favorite combo! Pulled chicken lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. To keep it fresh, store it in an airtight container. Make sure it cools down before you put it in the fridge. If you see any bad smell or mold, throw it out to stay safe. Yes, you can use frozen chicken! It is safe to cook chicken from frozen in a slow cooker. Just remember, it will take longer to cook. You may need to cook it on high for 6 to 7 hours. If you thaw it first, the cooking time will be less. Always check that the chicken reaches 165°F to ensure it’s fully cooked. This blog post covers all you need to make great pulled chicken. I shared the main ingredients and how to season them. You learned step-by-step instructions for cooking and shredding the chicken. Plus, there are tips on variations and storage. In closing, pulled chicken is simple and tasty. Use these tips to make it your own. Enjoy serving it in bowls, on buns, or in tacos. Your pulled chicken will impress everyone!

Savory Shredded Chicken Delight

A delicious slow-cooked shredded chicken dish with barbecue sauce, perfect for sandwiches.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 7 hours
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 0.5 cup barbecue sauce
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
  • 1 serving hamburger buns (optional)
  • 1 serving coleslaw (optional)

Instructions
 

  • In a large slow cooker, pour in the chicken broth and add the olive oil.
  • Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
  • Place the seasoned chicken breasts into the slow cooker, ensuring they are submerged in the broth.
  • Drizzle the barbecue sauce over the top of the chicken. If using, add the honey for extra sweetness.
  • Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the chicken is tender and shreds easily with a fork.
  • Once cooked, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred with two forks.
  • Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, mixing it with the sauce. Let it heat through for an additional 10-15 minutes.
  • Serve the pulled chicken on hamburger buns, topped with coleslaw if desired.

Notes

Serve on a rustic wooden platter with extra barbecue sauce and fresh herbs.
Keyword barbecue, chicken, slow cooker