Description
A set-it-and-forget-it slow cooker recipe for tender, flavorful pulled chicken that is perfect for feeding a crowd during game day or busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 large yellow onion, sliced into half-inch rings
- 1 ½ cups BBQ sauce (sticky/tangy variety)
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- Non-stick cooking spray
Instructions
- Spray the inside of a 6-quart slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray.
- Place the sliced yellow onions in the bottom of the slow cooker to create a bed for the chicken.
- Place the chicken breasts on top of the onions. If breasts are very large, cut them in half horizontally for uniformity.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken and use a spatula to spread it evenly, ensuring every piece is coated.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours (or HIGH for 3-4 hours if short on time).
- Remove chicken from the pot. Discard onions if desired, or leave them in for texture.
- Shred the chicken using two forks or a hand mixer on low speed for 30 seconds.
- Stir the shredded chicken back into the sauce in the slow cooker and let sit for 10 minutes to absorb flavors.
- Serve on toasted buns with coleslaw or your preferred sides.
Notes
Do not skip the apple cider vinegar as it cuts the sweetness of the BBQ sauce. If the sauce is too thin, cook uncovered on HIGH for the last 30 minutes to reduce. Chicken thighs can be used as a substitute (5 lbs) and will cook in 6-7 hours on LOW. Reserve some sauce before mixing for dipping.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1/10th
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 20
- Sodium: 800
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Carbohydrates: 25
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 30
Keywords: slow cooker, pulled chicken, BBQ chicken, game day food, easy dinner, meal prep, crowd pleaser, comfort food