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Tender Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken Recipe Easy Dump and Forget Meal Idea

slow cooker pulled chicken - featured image

A simple and flavorful slow cooker pulled chicken recipe that requires minimal prep and delivers tender, juicy results perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, combine onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, black pepper, and brown sugar. Whisk until evenly mixed.
  2. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Rub the seasoning mix all over the chicken, coating each piece well.
  3. In a separate bowl, mix chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and olive oil. Stir to blend.
  4. Place the seasoned chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour the liquid mixture evenly over the chicken, ensuring it is mostly submerged.
  5. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours if short on time.
  6. Check for doneness; the chicken should be tender and easily shredded with a fork. If not, cook for another 30 minutes and check again.
  7. Remove the chicken breasts and shred with two forks or shredding claws into bite-sized pieces.
  8. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to coat with the cooking juices.
  9. Serve immediately on buns, salads, or alongside your favorite sides, or keep warm on low until ready to serve.

Notes

Patting the chicken dry helps the seasoning stick better. Cooking low and slow yields the best tenderness. Use fresh spices if possible. Let the chicken rest in the juices after shredding for more flavor. If sauce is too thin, thicken with cornstarch slurry and cook on high for 10-15 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker pulled chicken, dump and forget, easy chicken recipe, shredded chicken, weeknight dinner, slow cooker meals