Pulled Chicken Recipe: Easy, Juicy, and Flavorful Every Time

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October 10, 2024

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last updated

November 7, 2024

If you’re looking for a flavorful and easy meal that requires minimal prep, this pulled chicken recipe is the perfect solution. Using your crockpot, this pulled chicken crockpot recipe ensures tender, juicy meal every time, without any fuss. Whether you’re making pulled chicken tacos or want to try a classic BBQ pulled chicken sandwich, this recipe is incredibly versatile and ideal for busy weeknights.

Pulled Chicken

Recipe by SouhailDifficulty: Easy

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time (Slow cooker)

hours

Calories

320

kcal

This pulled chicken crockpot recipe is perfect for busy days. Tender, flavorful chicken cooked low and slow in a crockpot, making it ideal for tacos, sandwiches, or as a topping for salads.

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup chicken broth
1 medium onion, diced
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp chili powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 cup BBQ sauce (for BBQ version) or taco seasoning (for taco version)

Directions

Prepare the Ingredients: Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot. Add diced onions, minced garlic, chicken broth, and seasonings (paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper).
Cook: Set the crockpot to low heat and cook for 4-6 hours or until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.
Shred the Chicken: Once done, remove the chicken from the crockpot and shred it using two forks.
Final Touches: Stir the shredded chicken back into the crockpot to mix with the cooking juices. If making BBQ pulled chicken, add the BBQ sauce at this point. If making tacos, mix in taco seasoning.
Serve: Serve the pulled chicken on buns, in tortillas, or over rice for a delicious, versatile meal.

Notes

This recipe works equally well with chicken thighs.
For extra heat, add sliced jalapeños or red pepper flakes.
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Additional Tips for perfect Pulled Chicken Recipe:

Choose the right cut: Chicken breasts are lean, but thighs offer richer flavor from their higher fat content.
Don’t overcook: Cooking on low ensures the chicken remains juicy. Avoid using the high setting, as it can dry out the meat.
Adjust the seasoning: If you prefer a stronger flavor, add more smoked paprika or cumin, especially for tacos.
Pulled chicken crockpot recipe versatility: You can use the pulled chicken for tacos, sandwiches, or salads. Experiment with sauces like buffalo, BBQ, or taco seasoning to create different flavors each time.
Easily double the recipe: If you need to serve more people, double the ingredients and cooking time remains the same.
Keep it juicy: For extra moisture, stir in a splash of broth or BBQ sauce before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but the cooking time will increase by 1-2 hours. Be sure to check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Can I make this recipe in advance?

Absolutely! The pulled chicken can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

What sides go best with pulled chicken?

Coleslaw, corn on the cob, and baked beans are great sides for BBQ pulled chicken. For pulled chicken tacos, consider serving with guacamole and rice.

Recipe Variants:

BBQ Pulled Chicken Recipe: Stir in your favorite BBQ sauce after shredding the chicken. Serve on buns with coleslaw for a classic BBQ chicken sandwich or burger.

Pulled Chicken Taco Recipe: Swap the BBQ sauce for taco seasoning and serve the shredded chicken in soft or hard taco shells. Top with fresh salsa, cilantro, and avocado.