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Easy Pulled Chicken Recipe

This easy pulled chicken recipe is juicy, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. Made with tender shredded chicken simmered in a rich barbecue sauce, it’s versatile, budget-friendly, and ideal for sandwiches, tacos, or bowls.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 260
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup barbecue sauce
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper

Equipment

  • large pot or slow cooker
  • measuring cups and spoons
  • mixing spoon
  • two forks for shredding

Method
 

  1. Place the chicken in a large pot, slow cooker, or Instant Pot.
  2. Pour in the chicken broth and sprinkle all seasonings evenly over the chicken.
  3. Cook covered on the stove for 25–30 minutes (or until fully cooked and tender).
  4. Remove the chicken and shred it using two forks.
  5. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
  6. Stir in barbecue sauce, tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar.
  7. Cook for another 10–15 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning, then serve warm.

Notes

Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness and richer flavor. Avoid overcooking to keep the meat tender. Shred the chicken while warm for best texture, and let it simmer in the sauce to deepen flavor. Add a splash of broth if the mixture becomes too thick. Customize with different sauces like buffalo or honey mustard, or make it spicy with chili flakes.