Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken

This pulled chicken recipe is chicken thighs simmered in the slow cooker with a tasty homemade BBQ sauce until tender. Shred the chicken, then serve it piled on buns with coleslaw, over a salad, stuffed in a baked potato or in a wrap. The options are endless!

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Diet Gluten Free

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 6

Total Time 6 10

Servings servings

Calories 360

Author Kim

Ingredients

1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs*
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup ketchup
1/4 cup dark brown sugar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

For serving

4 hamburger buns
homemade coleslaw (can also used store-bought bagged coleslaw

Instructions

Brown chicken for four minutes on each side in one tablespoon of hot oil in a large skillet over med-high heat.** Remove from heat and place in a slow cooker.
In a medium bowl, combine ketchup and next six ingredients for the BBQ sauce. Pour the sauce over the chicken.
Cover and cook on high for one hour. Reduce heat to low, and cook five to six hours. Alternatively, if you won’t be able to adjust the temperature setting after one hour, simply cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours.
Remove chicken from sauce and then shred it on a large cutting board or plate, using two forks or your hands. Stir shredded chicken into the sauce. Spoon mixture onto buns with coleslaw, serve over a salad, or baked potato... the options are endless!

Video

Notes

*Chicken breasts can be used, but dark meat will give this recipe the most flavor.

**The process of browning the sides of the chicken thighs before placing them into the slow cooker is optional. However, it will give this recipe the best flavor.

***Nutritional information does not include bun or slaw.

Storage. Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight bag or container and kept in the refrigerator for up to about 4 days.
Freezing. Allow to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer safe bag or container. It will stay good in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating. To reheat the leftover chicken, you can place it in the slow cooker and place it on “warm” to warm it back up. Alternatively, you can simply reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Nutrition