Simple Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken

Unlock the secret to effortlessly delicious meals with this incredible Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken recipe. Imagine succulent, flavor-packed chicken that practically falls apart, infused with a rich, smoky essence from a homemade rub. This dish is the ultimate blend of convenience and gourmet taste, perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prepping, or feeding a crowd. As the chicken thighs slow-cook to tender perfection over hours, the carefully selected blend of spices penetrates deep into every fiber, ensuring each bite is bursting with well-balanced flavor. For a classic finish, simply shred the chicken and drizzle generously with your favorite BBQ sauce, transforming it into an irresistible feast that everyone will rave about.

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Why This Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken Will Become Your New Favorite

There are countless reasons why slow cooker pulled chicken consistently tops the list of go-to recipes for busy home cooks and culinary enthusiasts alike. Its appeal lies in its simplicity, versatility, and the consistently delicious results it delivers:

• Unmatched Tenderness and Moisture: The magic of slow cooking allows chicken to simmer gently over an extended period. This low-and-slow approach breaks down the tough collagen and connective tissues in the meat, transforming even leaner cuts into unbelievably tender, juicy, and succulent strands that melt in your mouth. You’ll never have to worry about dry, overcooked chicken again.
• Effortless, Hands-Off Cooking: The slow cooker is a true kitchen hero, embodying the “set-it-and-forget-it” philosophy. Once your chicken is seasoned and nestled into the crockpot, you are free to go about your day. Spend time with family, tackle errands, or simply relax, knowing that a delicious, homemade meal is steadily cooking itself. This convenience makes it an ideal option for busy weeknights and a stress-free solution for hosting gatherings or parties, allowing you to enjoy your guests without constant kitchen duty.
• Incredible Convenience for Any Schedule: Whether you’re a busy professional, a parent juggling multiple activities, or simply someone who appreciates a straightforward cooking method, this recipe fits seamlessly into any lifestyle. You can prep the chicken in the morning or early afternoon, and by dinnertime, you’ll have a warm, flavorful, and ready-to-eat meal waiting for you. It’s a lifesaver for those days when time is precious.
• Perfectly Shredded Texture Every Time: Slow-cooked chicken achieves such a profound level of tenderness that it practically falls apart on its own. This makes the shredding process incredibly easy – often just two forks are needed – yielding that classic, desirable pulled texture that is essential for a wide array of dishes. No more struggling with tough meat!
• Budget-Friendly & Excellent for Meal Prep: Using affordable cuts like chicken thighs or breasts, this recipe is kind to your wallet. Plus, it yields a generous batch of flavorful pulled chicken that can be portioned out for lunches and dinners throughout the week. It’s perfect for making a large quantity once and enjoying varied meals with it for days, saving you time and money.
• Versatile Flavor Canvas: While this recipe features a smoky BBQ rub, slow-cooked pulled chicken is incredibly adaptable. Its mild flavor profile readily absorbs a wide range of seasonings and sauces, making it a perfect base for countless culinary creations beyond just barbecue.

What Exactly is Pulled Chicken?

Pulled chicken refers to chicken meat that has been cooked until exceptionally tender, usually through slow cooking or simmering, and then “pulled” or shredded into thin, succulent strands using forks or other kitchen utensils. The term “pulled” comes directly from this action of pulling the cooked meat apart. This technique transforms chicken into a versatile ingredient with a delightfully stringy and juicy texture, making it a universally popular choice. It’s the star component in everything from classic sandwiches and tacos to wraps, salads, casseroles, and much more, offering a comforting and flavorful protein that easily integrates into a myriad of cuisines.

Choosing the Best Chicken for Pulled Perfection

For making the most tender, juicy, and flavorful pulled chicken, both boneless, skinless chicken breasts and thighs are excellent choices. Each cut offers distinct advantages:

• Chicken Breasts:
  • Leaner Option: If you’re aiming for a dish lower in fat and calories, chicken breasts are your ideal choice. Their leaner profile makes them a healthier alternative while still delivering fantastic results when slow-cooked correctly.
  • Milder Flavor Base: Chicken breasts have a delicate, milder flavor that serves as a perfect canvas for absorbing the full spectrum of seasonings and sauces you add. This allows your homemade rub and BBQ sauce to truly shine without competition from the meat’s natural richness.
  • Cooking Tip: To prevent breasts from drying out, ensure there’s sufficient liquid in the slow cooker, and consider slightly shorter cooking times if you’re using very thin cuts.
• Chicken Thighs:
  • Superior Moisture and Tenderness: Chicken thighs boast a higher fat content, which renders them incredibly forgiving during the slow cooking process. This natural fat ensures they remain exceptionally moist and tender, resulting in a pulled chicken that is inherently juicier and richer.
  • Richer, More Robust Flavor: Thanks to their higher fat content and dark meat composition, thighs offer a deeper, more robust chicken flavor that enhances the overall taste of your pulled dish. This makes them a favorite for those seeking maximum flavor.
  • Bone-In vs. Boneless: While boneless, skinless thighs are the easiest to work with for immediate shredding, bone-in thighs can also be used. The bone adds even more flavor to the cooking liquid. Just remember to remove the bones and skin before shredding once cooked.

For this particular recipe, I personally used boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their unmatched juiciness and rich flavor profile, finding them incredibly easy to work with. However, feel free to choose breasts if you prefer a leaner option, or even a mix of both!

Do You Need to Marinate Pulled Chicken in Advance?

One of the beauties of slow cooking is that traditional marination, while always an option, isn’t strictly necessary for achieving deep flavor in pulled chicken. The slow cooking process itself acts as a prolonged flavor infusion. Over several hours, the chicken bathes in the seasoned cooking liquid, allowing the spices and liquids to penetrate the meat thoroughly and tenderize it effectively. This means you can simply add your dry rub and liquid base directly to the slow cooker with the chicken, and let the appliance do all the work, saving you valuable prep time without compromising on taste.

Crafting the Perfect Marinade and Dry Rub for Irresistible Flavor

The foundation of truly exceptional slow cooker pulled chicken lies in a robust seasoning blend and the right liquid base to keep everything moist and flavorful. This recipe champions a dual approach, combining a simple liquid marinade with a homemade BBQ dry rub seasoning to achieve maximum taste and tenderness. Of course, if you’re short on time, a quality store-bought rub can also work wonders.

The secret weapon in our liquid marinade is soy sauce. While it might seem unconventional for a BBQ dish, soy sauce plays several crucial roles: it contains natural enzymes that gently break down proteins in the chicken, contributing to its incredible tenderness. More importantly, it helps the chicken retain moisture throughout the long cooking process, preventing it from drying out. Beyond its tenderizing and moisturizing properties, soy sauce adds a deep, savory umami dimension that perfectly complements the smoky notes of the BBQ rub. If you prefer, apple cider vinegar can be used as an alternative liquid base, offering a tangy brightness that also aids in tenderization.

Our Homemade BBQ Dry Rub Seasoning is where the magic truly happens, infusing the chicken with layers of smoky, sweet, and savory goodness. This blend typically includes:

• Brown Sugar or Sweetener: For a touch of caramelization and to balance the savory spices.
• Chili Powder: Provides warmth and a hint of earthy spice.
• Smoked Paprika: Essential for that signature smoky flavor and beautiful color.
• Onion Powder & Garlic Powder: Aromatic foundations that build depth of flavor.
• Salt & Pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance all other flavors.

This combination ensures that every strand of chicken is deeply seasoned, creating a mouthwatering experience even before the final touch of BBQ sauce.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken

Making this incredible pulled chicken is surprisingly simple, requiring minimal effort for maximum flavor. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the process:

1. Prepare the Chicken: Start by placing your boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts evenly at the bottom of your slow cooker. For a 7-quart slow cooker, you can comfortably fit 2-3 pounds of chicken. Ensure the pieces are laid in a single layer if possible, or stacked loosely, to allow for even cooking.
2. Create and Apply the Flavorful Rub: In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce with all the spices from your chosen BBQ rub (homemade or store-bought). Whisk them together until you have a well-blended liquid seasoning. This step ensures that the flavors are evenly distributed.
3. Season the Chicken: Generously drizzle the combined soy sauce and spice mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker. Make sure each piece is coated thoroughly. You can gently toss the chicken to ensure every surface is covered, which will maximize flavor absorption.
4. Set It and Forget It: Securely place the lid on your slow cooker. Set the cooking time based on your schedule and desired tenderness. Cook the chicken for 7-9 hours on the LOW setting for ultimate tenderness, or for 4-5 hours on the HIGH setting if you’re pressed for time. The slow cooker will work its magic, infusing the chicken with deep flavor as it cooks to perfection.
5. Shred and Serve: Once cooked, the chicken will be incredibly tender and easy to shred. Remove the chicken from the slow cooker (you can drain some of the liquid if preferred, or leave it for extra moisture). Use two forks to pull the meat apart into succulent strands. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, toss it with the remaining juices, and then drizzle generously with your favorite BBQ sauce. Stir to combine and serve warm!

Detailed measurements and full instructions, including ingredient quantities, can also be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Optimal Cook Time: How Long to Cook Your Pulled Chicken

Achieving perfectly tender and shreddable slow cooker pulled chicken depends largely on the cooking duration. Here are the recommended cooking times:

• On LOW Setting: Cook the chicken for a total of 7-9 hours. This longer, gentler cooking period is ideal for breaking down connective tissues, resulting in the most succulent and flavorful pulled chicken.
• On HIGH Setting: If you’re in a hurry, you can cook the chicken for 4-5 hours on the HIGH setting. While faster, keep in mind that chicken cooked on HIGH might be slightly less tender than chicken cooked on LOW, but will still yield fantastic results.

Regardless of the setting, avoid constantly opening the lid, as this releases heat and moisture, prolonging the cooking process.

Ensuring Perfection: How to Tell When Your Pulled Chicken is Done

Knowing exactly when your slow cooker pulled chicken is perfectly cooked is key to achieving that tender, shreddable texture. While chicken is generally safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), for pulled chicken, we aim for a slightly higher temperature to ensure maximum tenderness and ease of shredding.

• Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken. For ideal pulled chicken, aim for an internal temperature of 175°F (79°C). At this temperature, the muscle fibers are perfectly broken down, allowing the meat to shred effortlessly.
• Visual and Texture Cues: Beyond temperature, the chicken should be noticeably tender. When gently prodded with a fork, it should feel incredibly soft and begin to fall apart without much resistance. If the meat still feels tough or resists shredding, it needs more time in the slow cooker. Continue cooking and check every 30-60 minutes until it reaches the desired fall-apart tenderness.

Unleash the Versatility: Creative Ways to Use Your Pulled Chicken

The beauty of slow cooker pulled chicken lies in its incredible versatility. Once you have a batch prepared, the culinary possibilities are endless! Here are some fantastic ways to enjoy your tender, flavorful chicken:

• Classic Pulled Chicken Sandwiches: The quintessential way to enjoy pulled chicken. Pile generous amounts onto soft brioche buns or sturdy hoagie rolls. Enhance with creamy coleslaw, tangy pickles, or an extra drizzle of BBQ sauce for a truly satisfying meal.
• Flavorful Tacos and Burritos: Transform your pulled chicken into a Mexican-inspired feast. Fill warm tortillas with the chicken, then customize with your favorite toppings like fresh salsa, creamy guacamole, shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, or pickled jalapeños.
• Healthy and Hearty Chicken Salads: For a lighter option, toss the pulled chicken with crisp mixed greens, vibrant cherry tomatoes, refreshing cucumber, creamy avocado, and your favorite vinaigrette for a wholesome and satisfying salad.
• Quick and Easy Chicken Wraps: Roll the chicken into large flour tortillas with fresh lettuce, sliced bell peppers, and a drizzle of ranch or Caesar dressing for a portable and delicious lunch or dinner.
• Cheesy Quesadillas: Layer the pulled chicken between two tortillas with plenty of shredded cheese and any other desired additions (like sautéed onions or corn). Cook in a skillet until the cheese is melted and gooey, and the tortillas are golden and crispy.
• Homemade Chicken Pizza: Use the pulled chicken as a unique and delicious pizza topping. Spread barbecue sauce on your pizza crust, add the chicken, red onions, and a blend of cheeses for a flavorful twist on a classic.
• Loaded Chicken Nachos: Create an epic snack or appetizer by topping tortilla chips with pulled chicken, melted cheese, black beans, corn, and jalapeños. Bake until bubbly, then finish with fresh salsa, sour cream, and cilantro.
• Comforting Chicken Soups: Incorporate your pulled chicken into a variety of soups. Use it in my Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup or my Rotisserie Chicken Soup recipes for added protein and flavor. It’s also great in chili or white bean soup.
• Speedy Stir Fries: Add the pulled chicken to a vibrant stir-fry with colorful vegetables and a savory sauce. Serve it over fluffy rice or noodles for a quick, healthy, and flavorful weeknight meal. You can adapt my Shrimp Stir Fry recipe by swapping in chicken.
• Hearty Stuffed Peppers: Mix the pulled chicken with cooked rice, black beans, corn, and salsa. Stuff this mixture into bell pepper halves and bake until the peppers are tender and the filling is heated through.
• Delicious Chicken Enchiladas: Roll the chicken into corn or flour tortillas, cover with enchilada sauce, and bake with cheese for a deeply comforting and flavorful Mexican-inspired dish. My Rotisserie Chicken Enchiladas recipe can easily be adapted.
• Protein-Packed Mac and Cheese: Elevate your favorite comfort food by stirring pulled chicken into your macaroni and cheese. It adds a delicious protein boost and incredible flavor. Try it with my Southern Soul Food Baked Mac and Cheese recipe.
• Low-Carb Lettuce Wraps: For a fresh and lighter option, serve the pulled chicken in crisp lettuce cups, perhaps with a touch of a spicy peanut sauce or a light vinaigrette. My PF Changs Lettuce Wraps recipe can be a great starting point.

Storing Your Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken for Freshness

Proper storage is essential to keep your delicious slow cooker pulled chicken fresh and safe to eat. Once cooled, transfer the chicken to an airtight container. I highly recommend storing it along with some of the leftover cooking juices from the slow cooker. This liquid gold helps the chicken retain its moisture and flavor, preventing it from drying out during refrigeration. Stored this way, the pulled chicken will remain fresh and delicious for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Expert Tips for Reheating Pulled Chicken Without Losing Flavor or Moisture

Reheating pulled chicken successfully means retaining its tender texture and delicious flavor. Here are the best methods:

• Stovetop (Recommended): For the best results, reheat your pulled chicken on the stovetop. Place the chicken and any accumulated juices (or a splash of broth, water, or extra BBQ sauce if it seems dry) in a saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until thoroughly warmed through. This method allows for gentle and even reheating, preserving the chicken’s initial texture.
• Microwave: If you’re short on time, the microwave is a convenient option. Place a single serving of pulled chicken in a microwave-safe dish with a lid or covered with plastic wrap (vented). Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring well between each interval, until the chicken is hot. Be careful not to overcook, as this can dry out the meat.
• Air Fryer or Oven: For a slightly crispier exterior, you can use an air fryer or oven. Preheat your appliance to 350°F (175°C). Spread the pulled chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket or on a baking sheet. Heat for 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through, tossing halfway. This method works especially well if you want a bit of char on the edges.

Moisture Boost: If your chicken seems a little dry after reheating, don’t despair! Simply add a small amount of chicken broth, water, or your favorite BBQ sauce during the reheating process. This will reintroduce moisture and bring it back to its succulent best.

Freezing Tips: Enjoy Pulled Chicken Anytime!

Pulled chicken is an excellent candidate for freezing, making it perfect for future meal planning and unexpected busy days. To freeze, allow the chicken to cool completely. Transfer it to freezer-safe bags or airtight containers, ideally with some of the cooking juices to maintain moisture. Ensure you remove as much air as possible from bags to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen tightly covered and sealed for 2-3 months for optimal quality. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply defrost the pulled chicken in the refrigerator overnight before reheating using one of the methods above.

Discover More Delicious Slow Cooker BBQ Recipes

If you love the ease and flavor of slow cooker cooking, especially for BBQ, you’ll want to try these other fantastic recipes:

• Slow Cooker Crockpot Brisket
• Slow Cooker Crockpot Ribs
• Slow Cooker Crockpot Wings
• Slow Cooker Crockpot Little Smokies

Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Pulled Chicken

Complete your pulled chicken meal with these delightful side dishes that perfectly complement its rich flavor:

• Southern Coleslaw
• Vinegar Coleslaw
• Soul Food Potato Salad
• Potato Salad with Bacon
• Smoked Mac and Cheese
• Southern Baked Beans
• Broccoli Salad with Bacon

Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken

Brandi Crawford

Indulge in the mouthwatering goodness of Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken, a succulent and flavor-packed dish that effortlessly combines convenience with the rich, smoky essence of a homemade rub. As the chicken slow-cooks to tender perfection, the spices penetrate ensuring each bite is well seasoned. For the final touch, drizzle with your favorite BBQ sauce.

Print Recipe
Pin Recipe

Prep Time: 15 mins

Cook Time: 7 hrs

Total Time: 7 hrs 15 mins

Course: dinner, lunch

Cuisine: American

Servings: 6 servings

Calories: 306 kcal

Equipment

• Slow Cooker

Ingredients

• 2-3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons brown sugar or sweetener
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• salt and pepper to taste (I like to add this once the chicken is cooked and taste repeatedly and adjust.)
• 1 cup BBQ sauce (Optional for sauced chicken.)

Instructions

1. Add the chicken to the bottom of the slow cooker. Mine is 7 quart.
2. Combine the soy sauce and all of the spices and drizzle it over the chicken.
3. Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook for 7-9 hours on Low or 4-5 hours on High.
4. Chicken is safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees, but for pulled chicken when the internal temp reaches 175 degrees, it will typically shred really easily and yield tender meat. Use a meat thermometer.

   Pulled chicken should be tender and easily shred with forks or tongs. If the meat resists shredding or feels tough, it may need more time to cook.

5. Drizzle BBQ sauce over the chicken (optional) and serve.

Notes

Once cooked, taste the chicken and adjust the spices to suit your taste.

You can use a store bought BBQ seasoning or rub if preferred.

You can use apple cider vinegar instead of soy sauce if preferred.

Nutrition

Serving: 4 ounces
Calories: 306 kcal
Carbohydrates: 21 g
Protein: 38 g
Fat: 8 g

Nutrition Data

Macros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is calculated using MyFitnessPal.com. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.