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Tender Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken Recipe with Easy Caramelized BBQ Sauce

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A tender slow cooker pulled chicken with a rich, caramelized BBQ sauce that delivers melt-in-your-mouth texture and deep smoky sweetness with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (can substitute thighs for extra juiciness)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce (use your favorite brand or homemade)
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Pat dry the chicken breasts with paper towels and season both sides lightly with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for about 3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Transfer the chicken to the slow cooker.
  3. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Stir in the BBQ sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, and chili powder. Simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves and the sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender and easy to shred.
  6. Use two forks or tongs to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker, mixing it with the sauce. If the sauce is too thin, remove the lid and cook on high for an additional 15-20 minutes to thicken.
  7. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or add a splash more vinegar if desired. Keep the slow cooker on warm until ready to serve.

Notes

Browning the chicken and sautéing onions and garlic adds extra flavor but can be skipped to save time. Use chicken thighs for juicier meat. To thicken sauce, cook uncovered on high for 15-20 minutes after shredding. Can be made in an Instant Pot using pressure cook and sauté functions.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker pulled chicken, BBQ pulled chicken, caramelized BBQ sauce, easy chicken recipe, slow cooker recipe, pulled chicken sandwich

Find it online: https://breezybake.com/tender-slow-cooker-pulled-chicken-recipe-with-easy-caramelized-bbq-sauce/