This Crock-Pot Pulled Chicken recipe is made without BBQ sauce and not only is it super easy to prepare, but it is also delicious.
My husband doesn't care for BBQ sauce, and my son and I prefer it a bit spicier than my daughter does. Preparing the chicken this way gives everyone a chance to 'fix up' their sandwich their favorite way.
How to Make Crock-Pot Pulled Chicken
Start by chopping 1 onion and placing it in the bottom of the crock-pot. Over the onion, lay the boneless chicken thighs and breasts. Pour in about 1 cup of chicken broth. You can use less if you don't want as many juices.
Sprinkle some onion powder, garlic powder, smokey paprika, salt, and pepper over the top. Put the crock-pot on low and cook until the chicken is done (165 degrees). These pieces were not very large and they took about 4-5 hours on low.
When the chicken is done, start to shred it with a couple of forks. You can either do this in the crock-pot, or in batches on a plate or cutting board. Whichever is easier for you. Put the shredded chicken back in the broth and set the crock-pot to warm.
The Chicken is Ready to Serve
Finally, when you are ready to serve, remove some of the chicken using a slotted spoon or a pair of tongs to drain the juices. Place the chicken on a bun, I prefer to toast the bun first.
You can enjoy the Crock-Pot Pulled Chicken just as it is, or top with your favorite BBQ sauce.
Sprinkle on some cayenne pepper if you like a little bit of heat. Use plain hamburger buns or any bread or roll of your choice.
Crock Pot Pulled Chicken
1 Onion, chopped
2 boneless, skinless Chicken Breasts
4 boneless, skinless Chicken Thighs
1 cup Chicken Broth (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon, or so, each...
Garlic Powder
Onion Powder
Smokey Paprika
Salt
Pepper to taste.
Chop onion and place it in the bottom of the crock-pot. Lay the chicken breasts and thighs over the top of the onion. Pour broth over the chicken. Sprinkle with spices and cook on low until chicken is done (165 degrees).
Shred chicken using 2 forks and place back into the broth, set the crock-pot to warm until ready to serve.
Enjoy the chicken as is, or sprinkle a little cayenne pepper and/or top with your favorite BBQ sauce.
Helpful Tips
*I like to spray my crock-pot with non-stick cooking spray to make clean up easier.
*If you have large pieces of chicken, you can cut them into smaller pieces before cooking.
*You can cook the first hour or two on high, then turn the temperature to low to finish cooking.
Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken
Equipment
- Slow Cooker
Ingredients
- 1 Onion diced
- 1 pound Chicken Breasts boneless, skinless
- 1 ½ pounds Chicken Thighs boneless, skinless
- ¾ cup Chicken Broth
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1 teaspoon Smokey Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Pepper
Instructions
- Spray the slow cooker bowl with non-stick spray.
- Place the onion in the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Lay the chicken breasts and thighs over the top of the onion.
- Sprinkle the chicken with the spices.
- Add the chicken broth. Stir to cover the chicken with the spices.
- Cook the chicken on low for 4 - 5 hours. Chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.
- Use two forks and shred the chicken.
- Serve the chicken on a toasted bun with or without bbq sauce. Or, use it to make shredded chicken tacos.
Kate Yoder
How many does this recipe serve? I’m planning on making it for 12 people soon.
Cook This Again Mom
Hi. Thank you for the question. Usually, 1/4 to 1/3 of a pound of boneless chicken is recommended per person. I would say this recipe will serve 4 - 6 people.
Amy
Can I double the recipe do you think? I need more like 5 lbs of meat. Let it just cook on slow more like 8 hours?
Cook This Again Mom
I can't think of any reason why you couldn't double the recipe. As long as the chicken cooks until it reaches 165 degrees you should be good to go.
Kristen
I have been making this for my family all summer! We absolutely love it & I get raves about it all the time. I use the leftovers for chicken croquettes which this recipe makes them extra yummy! I am so glad I found this! Thank you!
Cook This Again, Mom!
Awesome! Thank you!
plasterer bristol
This sounds really delicious and something new to try. Thank you for sharing this.
Simon