Slow cooker pulled chicken, an easy and fuss-free meal that’s filled with a delicious, smoky flavour and the most perfect melt-in-the-mouth texture. Just a few pantry staples are all you need to turn plain-jane chicken breasts into a saucy, saucy dish that is killer on sandwiches, in tacos, or for meal prepping.

The slow cooker does the heavy lifting, gently permeating the chicken with a bold combination of tomato purée, mustard, Worcestershire sauce and warm spices. While it simmers, the flavors continue to enhance, resulting in an irresistible harmony of tangy, sweet-and-spicy in every mouthful.

Whether you want an easy slimming friendly recipe or something simple to enjoy for dinner for the family, this Pulled Chicken is on of our go-to favourites. It also keeps wonderfully for leftovers, and it freezes well, so it’s a meal prep champion. Enjoy on a sandwich, over rice, in wrap or by itself for a delicious and filling meal.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken

Chicken Breast – The star of the show, it simmers in the luscious, smoky sauce and gets SUPER tender!

Tomato Purée – Brings depth and a smooth consistency, and provides a rich, tangy base to the sauce.

Red Onions & Garlic – Not only the combination adds a touch of flavorful sweetness to the dish, it is also a guaranteed way to ensure a richly scented and tasting dish.

Worcestershire + Cider Vinegar – A one-two punch of flavor with a umami undertone and pleasing acidity.

Brown Sugar – Adds a hint of caramelized sweetness to the smoky and tangy components of the dish.

Paprika & Mild Chili Powder – Add layers of heat and smoke for depth.

Yellow Mustard & Cayenne Pepper – Add a little bite of spice and tang to the recipe to finish with a mild kick.

Here’s an extended, improved edition of your Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken recipe, Virtually providing Recipe Tips, Serving Suggestions and a FAQ section to be more interesting and helpful for your readers.

It’s Friday, so I’m keeping it short and sweet today with this Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken.

Pulled chicken couldn’t be easier to make! Tender and Juicy Shredded Chicken Prepare to be AMAZED with this shredded chicken made in a slow cooker. Simply throw in the ingredients and let your slow cooker do its thing for a protein-packed meal that seamlessly slides into your lunch or dinner plans. In a tangy, smoky sauce and with a bit of heat, not only is this recipe really yummy but it’s also a fantastic slimming friendly meal when made with the right ingredients!

So whether it’s for a hefty sandwich, a robust salad, or for a basic meal prep bowl – this slow cooker pulled chicken is bound to be one of your household staples.

Tips for the Best Pulled Chicken Recipe

Don’t Overcook the Chicken

Although slow cookers are notorious for low-maintenance meals, the chicken can dry out if it’s left to cook too long. Adhere to the advised cooking time – 2 to 3 hours on HIGH or 4 to 6 hours on LOW – and always test for doneness with a food thermometer (75°C/165°F). If your slow cooker tends toward the hot side, check the chicken 30 minutes before the minimum cooking time.

Grate It While It’s Warm for the Best Texture

But to get just that right succulent, melt-in-the-mouth texture, do the shredding while the chicken is still warm. You can pull it apart easily with two forks, but for an even faster method put it in the work bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment and pulse it a few times. After you shred the chicken, allow it to soak in the sauce 1 more hour on LOW ~ This will give you juicy, flavorful pulled chicken.

Taste the Sauce and Adjust as You Like

The sauce is bold, tangy and a touch sweet, but it’s also a flex piece: If you want it sweeter or tangier, it’s easy enough to adjust. Prefer a smokier flavor? Stir in ½ teaspoon liquid smoke or additional paprika. Want a bit more heat? Up the cayenne pepper or stir in a splash of hot sauce. If sauce is too thick, add a bit more chicken stock for a thinner sauce.

What to Serve with Crockpot Pulled Chicken

Pulled Chicken Sandwiches

This dish is one of the best things to enjoy, as a sandwich! Pile the pulled chicken onto toasted brioche buns, whole wheat rolls or lettuce leaves (for a low-carb version). Top with a spoonful of crunchy coleslaw for added texture and a creamy zag to the smoky sauce.

Pulled Chicken Tacos or Wraps

Turn this recipe into tasty tacos by piling the pulled chicken into soft tortillas. Top with sliced avocado, pickled onions, shredded lettuce and a dollop of lime crema for a light and zesty bite. For a wrap-style meal, serve with whole-wheat tortillas, and fold in some black beans or grilled vegetables to create a handheld meal.

Pulled Chicken Rice Bowl

In search of an easy meal prep option? Serve the pulled chicken on top of a mound of steamed rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice to make a bowl and top it with roasted vegetables, avocado, and fresh lime. This bowl is full of protein, is wholesome, and makes great leftovers throughout the week. Questions and Answers (Q&A)

Can I use Chicken Thighs Instead of Chicken Breasts?

Absolutely! Thighs are richer, fattier, more delicious. And they perform just as admirably in this recipe, remaining extra juicy after long, slow cooking. Only remember that they may exude more liquid, so you may have to change the sauce’s consistency at the end.

How do you store and reheat pulled chicken?

This shredded chicken freezers great! Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator, for up to 3 days. For extended storage, freeze in portion bags or container. To reheat, defrost overnight in the refrigerator (if frozen), then warm in a pan over medium with a splash of water or broth, to keep it from drying out.

Can I make this without the use of a slow cooker?

Yes! If you don’t own a slow cooker, you can just as easily cook this on the stovetop or in the oven.

Stovetop: Chicken and sauce to a pot and simmer on low with the lid for 45-60 minutes stirring occasionally.

Oven: Cook in a preheated 325°F (160°C) oven for 1.5 to 2 hours, covered with foil, until chicken is fork-tender.

Is this recipe keto-friendly?

To make this keto, simply substitute the brown sugar for a keto-friendly sweetener such as monk fruit or erythritol. Also, be sure your tomato purée and Worcestershire sauce do not have added sugars. To make it a complete keto meal, some ideas for serving the pulled chicken include do lettuce wraps, serve it over cauliflower rice or use low-carb tortillas.

Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken This Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken is the easy, healthy, and flavor-packed meal you need for prep day, family dinners, or game day! As a sandwich, a taco or a rice bowl, it’ll please a crowd. Give it a shot and try this out today for an easy and flavorful meal!