This slow-cooker BBQ pulled chicken recipe is a perfect choice for a fuss-free dinner or a cookout. The succulent pulled chicken paired with a tangy homemade BBQ sauce and crisp, creamy slaw offers a harmonious mix of flavors and textures. Ideal for those busy days or when you have guests over, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients like brown sugar, paprika, and Worcestershire sauce might not be commonly found in everyone's pantry. While brown sugar imparts a lovely sweetness that balances the tanginess of the dish, paprika provides a warm, smoky flavor. Worcestershire sauce, on the other hand, enhances the overall taste of the BBQ sauce. Make a note of these items before you head to the supermarket.
Ingredients for Slow-Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken
Chicken breasts: The star ingredient of this recipe. The chicken breasts are slow-cooked until tender and then shredded.
Ketchup: Adds sweetness and tanginess to the BBQ sauce.
Apple cider vinegar: Offers a fruity tang to both the BBQ sauce and the slaw.
Dark brown sugar: Balances the tanginess of the vinegar.
Spices: The combination of salt, pepper, paprika, cayenne, and garlic powder gives the BBQ sauce its signature flavor.
Worcestershire sauce: Enhances the taste of the sauce.
Cabbage and carrot: They provide a nice crunch to the slaw.
Mayonnaise: It forms the creamy base for the slaw.
One reader, Cornelia Flanigan says:
This slow-cooker BBQ pulled chicken recipe is a game-changer! The chicken turns out incredibly tender and flavorful, and the homemade BBQ sauce is the perfect balance of sweet and tangy. The slaw adds a refreshing crunch. It's a hit every time I make it!
Mastering the Techniques for Slow-Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken
How to prepare the bbq sauce: Combine ketchup, apple cider vinegar, dark brown sugar, salt, pepper, paprika, cayenne powder, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce in a bowl and mix well until fully combined.
How to make the slaw dressing: Whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper in a large bowl until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
How to shred the chicken: Use two forks to shred the cooked chicken breasts directly in the slow cooker, pulling the meat apart until it is fully shredded and mixed with the barbecue sauce.
How To Make Slow-Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken
Ditch your usual burger patties and try this juicy and tasty BBQ pulled chicken in 4 ways! Best enjoyed with nachos or mac and cheese.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 4chicken breasts
- 8burger buns
For BBQ Sauce:
- 1½cupsketchup
- ¾cupapple cider vinegar
- ½cupdark brown sugar
- 1tspsalt
- 1tsppepper
- 2tsppaprika
- ¼tspcayenne powder
- 1tspgarlic powder
- 2tbspWorcestershire sauce
For Slaw:
- ¾cupmayonnaise
- 2tbspapple cider vinegar
- 2tbspsugar
- salt,to taste
- pepper,to taste
- 2cupsgreen cabbage
- 2cupsred cabbage
- 1cupcarrot,shredded
Instructions
-
Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker.
-
Cover the chicken with ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, salt, pepper, paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix well.
-
Cover, and cook on High for 3 hours or on Low for 6 hours.
-
In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper.
-
Add both kinds of cabbage and carrots to the bowl and gently toss with the dressing.
-
Shred the chicken breasts with 2 forks in the slow cooker.
-
Serve on a burger bun with slaw.
Recipe Notes
This recipe is also great for BBQ Pulled Chicken Pizza, BBQ Pulled Chicken Nachos, and BBQ Pulled Chicken Mac ’n’ cheese.
Nutrition
- Calories: 722.68kcal
- Fat: 35.43g
- Saturated Fat: 6.98g
- Trans Fat: 0.12g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 10.56g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 16.67g
- Carbohydrates: 69.73g
- Fiber: 4.05g
- Sugar: 36.08g
- Protein: 31.72g
- Cholesterol: 85.50mg
- Sodium: 1153.16mg
- Calcium: 178.87mg
- Potassium: 816.96mg
- Iron: 4.25mg
- Vitamin A: 252.50µg
- Vitamin C: 32.96mg
Insider Technique Tip for Perfecting Your BBQ Pulled Chicken
To ensure your pulled chicken is tender and flavorful, make sure to thoroughly mix the BBQ sauce ingredients in the slow cooker before adding the chicken. This will allow the chicken to be fully submerged and evenly coated in the sauce, resulting in a more consistent flavor throughout. Additionally, when shredding the chicken, use two forks and pull in opposite directions to create thin, even shreds that will absorb the sauce better.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Slow-Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken
Prep ahead: Chop vegetables and measure out ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process.
Use pre-made sauce: Save time by using store-bought barbecue sauce instead of making it from scratch.
Slow-cooker liners: Consider using slow-cooker liners for easy cleanup and to save time on washing the pot.
Double batch: Make a larger quantity and freeze the extra pulled chicken for future quick meals.
Quick slaw: Purchase pre-shredded coleslaw mix to save time on chopping vegetables for the slaw.
Multi-task: While the chicken is cooking, use the time to prepare other components of the meal or tackle other tasks in the kitchen.
Substitute Ingredients For Slow-Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken Recipe
Chicken breasts - Substitute with pork shoulder: Pork shoulder is a great alternative for a slow-cooker BBQ pulled recipe as it becomes tender and shreds easily, creating a similar texture to pulled chicken.
Burger buns - Substitute with ciabatta rolls: Ciabatta rolls have a sturdy texture that can hold up to the saucy pulled chicken without becoming soggy, providing a delicious base for the sandwich.
Ketchup - Substitute with tomato sauce: Tomato sauce can be used as a substitute for ketchup in the BBQ sauce, providing a rich tomato flavor without the sweetness of ketchup.
Apple cider vinegar - Substitute with white wine vinegar: White wine vinegar can replace apple cider vinegar, providing a similar level of acidity and tanginess to the BBQ sauce.
Dark brown sugar - Substitute with molasses: Molasses can be used as a substitute for dark brown sugar, adding a deep, rich sweetness to the BBQ sauce.
Mayonnaise - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt can replace mayonnaise in the slaw, providing a creamy texture and tangy flavor while reducing the overall fat content.
Green cabbage - Substitute with Napa cabbage: Napa cabbage can be used as a substitute for green cabbage, offering a milder flavor and tender texture in the slaw.
Red cabbage - Substitute with radicchio: Radicchio can replace red cabbage, adding a slightly bitter and colorful element to the slaw.
Carrot - Substitute with jicama: Jicama can be used as a substitute for carrots in the slaw, providing a crunchy texture and slightly sweet flavor.
Presenting Your Delicious BBQ Pulled Chicken
Elevate the plating: When presenting the slow-cooker BBQ pulled chicken, focus on creating an elegant and visually appealing presentation. Use clean lines and carefully arrange the components on the plate to showcase the vibrant colors and textures of the dish.
Incorporate microgreens: Add a touch of sophistication by garnishing the dish with delicate microgreens. Their fresh and vibrant appearance will add a pop of color and a hint of earthy flavor, enhancing the overall visual appeal of the dish.
Opt for artisanal buns: Choose high-quality, freshly baked artisanal buns to serve as the base for the pulled chicken. The artisanal touch will elevate the dish and demonstrate a commitment to quality and attention to detail.
Utilize negative space: Embrace the concept of negative space on the plate to create a sense of balance and elegance. Allow the dish to breathe by strategically placing the components, ensuring that each element stands out and captures attention.
Emphasize contrast: Create visual interest by incorporating contrasting colors and textures. Consider pairing the rich, saucy pulled chicken with the vibrant, crisp slaw to create a visually striking and appetizing presentation.
Highlight the slaw: Elevate the slaw by shaping it into a neat, cylindrical mound using a ring mold. This technique adds a refined touch and allows the slaw to stand out as a distinct component of the dish.
Add a drizzle of sauce: Use a squeeze bottle to delicately drizzle a small amount of the BBQ sauce around the edge of the plate. This subtle addition adds a touch of artistry and reinforces the flavor profile of the dish.
Consider the plate shape: Select a plate that complements the overall aesthetic of the dish. Whether it's a classic round plate or a modern square platter, the shape should enhance the visual impact of the presentation.
Incorporate edible flowers: Introduce a touch of elegance by adorning the plate with carefully selected edible flowers. These delicate blooms add a sophisticated and luxurious touch, elevating the overall presentation.
Focus on precision: Pay attention to the placement of each component, ensuring that every detail is meticulously arranged. Precision in plating demonstrates a high level of skill and dedication to the art of culinary presentation.
Essential Tools for Making Slow-Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken
- Slow cooker: A slow cooker is a countertop electrical cooking appliance that is used for simmering, which allows for easy and convenient slow cooking of food.
- Burger buns: Burger buns are soft, round bread rolls that are used to hold the pulled chicken and slaw in this recipe.
- Food processor: A food processor is used to quickly and efficiently shred the cabbage and carrots for the slaw.
- Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is used to combine the ingredients for the slaw dressing and to toss the shredded cabbage and carrots with the dressing.
- Whisk: A whisk is used to thoroughly combine the ingredients for the slaw dressing.
- Forks: Forks are used to shred the cooked chicken in the slow cooker.
Storing and Freezing Your Slow-Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken
Once the pulled chicken has cooled to room temperature, transfer it to an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. Make sure to include any leftover sauce from the slow cooker, as this will help keep the chicken moist during storage.
If storing in the refrigerator, the pulled chicken will keep for up to 4 days. When ready to serve, reheat the chicken in a saucepan over medium heat or in the microwave until it reaches your desired temperature.
For longer storage, you can freeze the pulled chicken for up to 3 months. To freeze, place the cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing.
When ready to use the frozen pulled chicken, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. Once thawed, reheat the chicken in a saucepan over medium heat or in the microwave until it is heated through and reaches your desired temperature.
If you have leftover coleslaw, store it separately from the pulled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The coleslaw will keep for up to 3 days. Note that the vegetables may release some liquid and become slightly softer over time, but the slaw will still be safe to eat and enjoy.
How To Reheat Leftover BBQ Pulled Chicken
Reheat the pulled chicken in a skillet or saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water to thin it out.
For a quick and easy method, place the leftover pulled chicken in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the chicken is heated through.
To reheat larger portions, transfer the pulled chicken to an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the sauce is bubbling.
For a crispy texture, spread the leftover pulled chicken on a baking sheet and place it under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until the edges start to caramelize and crisp up. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
If you have leftover burger buns, wrap them in foil and place them in the oven alongside the chicken for the last 5 minutes of reheating to warm them up and restore their softness.
To maintain the quality of the coleslaw, store it separately from the pulled chicken and only combine them when serving. If the coleslaw seems a bit dry, toss it with a little extra mayonnaise or apple cider vinegar to refresh it.
Interesting Trivia About BBQ Pulled Chicken
The slow-cooker bbq pulled chicken recipe is a great option for meal prepping, as it can be easily stored and reheated for future meals.
Is Making Slow-Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken Cost-Effective?
The slow-cooker BBQ pulled chicken recipe is highly cost-effective for a household. The ingredients, such as chicken breasts, ketchup, and cabbage, are affordable and readily available. The use of the slow-cooker also reduces energy costs. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15. The dish is versatile and can be served in various ways, making it a practical and economical choice for families. The overall verdict rating for this recipe is 9 out of 10 for its affordability, simplicity, and delicious flavor.
Is Slow-Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken Healthy or Unhealthy?
This slow-cooker BBQ pulled chicken recipe has both healthy and unhealthy aspects. On the positive side, chicken breast is a lean protein source, providing essential amino acids without excessive saturated fat. The slaw incorporates nutrient-rich vegetables like cabbage and carrots, offering dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals. However, the recipe also includes some less healthy components:
- The BBQ sauce contains a significant amount of sugar from the ketchup and brown sugar, which can contribute to excessive calorie intake and potential health issues if consumed regularly.
- The mayonnaise in the slaw dressing adds saturated fat and calories to the dish.
- The burger buns are likely made from refined flour, which lacks the fiber and nutrients found in whole grain alternatives.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:
- Reduce the amount of sugar in the BBQ sauce by using a low-sugar ketchup and decreasing the brown sugar. You can also experiment with natural sweeteners like honey or molasses for a healthier twist.
- Opt for a light or Greek yogurt-based slaw dressing to cut down on the saturated fat and calories from the mayonnaise. Greek yogurt also provides additional protein and a tangy flavor.
- Choose whole wheat or multigrain burger buns to increase the fiber content and provide more nutrients. Alternatively, serve the pulled chicken over a bed of leafy greens or in lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
- Incorporate additional vegetables into the slaw, such as bell peppers, onions, or even fruits like apples or pineapples, to boost the nutrient profile and add interesting flavors and textures.
- Use a low-sodium chicken broth or water instead of the worcestershire sauce to reduce the overall sodium content of the dish.
By making these adjustments, you can enjoy a healthier version of this slow-cooker BBQ pulled chicken recipe without compromising on taste. The key is to strike a balance between flavor and nutrition, making informed choices about the ingredients you use and the portion sizes you serve.
Editor's Opinion on This Delightful BBQ Pulled Chicken Recipe
The slow-cooker BBQ pulled chicken recipe is a delightful combination of tender, flavorful chicken and tangy, sweet barbecue sauce. The cooking method ensures the chicken is juicy and easy to shred, while the homemade slaw adds a refreshing crunch. The balance of flavors in the BBQ sauce is spot on, and the addition of the slaw provides a perfect contrast in texture and taste. This recipe is a crowd-pleaser and a great option for a casual gathering or a weeknight family dinner.
Enhance Your Slow-Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Tasty Alternatives to Slow-Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken
Perfect Appetizers and Desserts for Your BBQ Pulled Chicken Meal
Why trust this Slow-Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken Recipe:
This slow-cooker bbq pulled chicken recipe guarantees tender, flavorful results. The combination of ketchup, apple cider vinegar, and a blend of spices creates a rich and tangy barbecue sauce. The addition of worcestershire sauce enhances the depth of flavor. The slaw provides a refreshing crunch with a creamy dressing made of mayonnaise and apple cider vinegar. The use of both green and red cabbage adds vibrant color and texture. This recipe promises a mouthwatering experience, perfect for any occasion.
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