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Easy Tender Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken Recipe for Perfect Weeknight Meals

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A foolproof slow cooker recipe delivering juicy, tender pulled chicken with a sweet-smoky BBQ flavor, perfect for busy weeknights and gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds (900g) chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1 cup (240ml) BBQ sauce (recommended Sweet Baby Ray’s)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • ½ cup (120ml) water or chicken broth

Instructions

  1. Rinse and pat dry about 2 pounds (900g) of chicken thighs or breasts. Trim any excess fat if desired.
  2. In a small bowl, combine 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper.
  3. Rub the spice mix evenly over the chicken pieces, coating thoroughly.
  4. Pour 1 cup (240ml) BBQ sauce, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, and ½ cup (120ml) water or chicken broth into the bottom of the slow cooker and stir to combine.
  5. Nestle the seasoned chicken pieces into the sauce mixture in the crockpot, avoiding overlap for even cooking.
  6. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until chicken is tender and shreds easily.
  7. Use two forks or tongs to shred the chicken directly in the crockpot. If not tender enough, cook an additional 30 minutes.
  8. Stir the shredded chicken into the remaining sauce for full flavor. Adjust seasoning if needed.
  9. Serve hot on sandwich buns, over rice, or alongside coleslaw.

Notes

Avoid lifting the crockpot lid during cooking to keep chicken moist. Use thighs for juiciness. Shred chicken while warm for best sauce absorption. Adjust vinegar or hot sauce to balance sweetness. Leftovers keep 3-4 days refrigerated or up to 3 months frozen.

Nutrition

Keywords: pulled chicken, crockpot, BBQ chicken, slow cooker, weeknight meals, easy recipe, tender chicken, BBQ pulled chicken

Find it online: https://sweetstirring.com/easy-tender-crockpot-bbq-pulled-chicken-recipe-for-perfect-weeknight-meals/