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Easy Dump and Go BBQ Pulled Chicken - Simple, Saucy, and Crowd-Pleasing

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 2 to 2.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for extra tenderness)
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
  • 1/3 cup chicken broth or water
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar (optional for sweeter sauce)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • For serving: buns, pickles, coleslaw, or cooked rice

Method
 

  1. Make the sauce. In a bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, broth, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper.
  2. Add everything to the cooker. Place the chicken in your slow cooker, Instant Pot, or a baking dish. Pour the sauce over the top, turning the chicken to coat.
  3. Cook it low and slow (or fast if needed). Slow cooker: 3–4 hours on High or 6–7 hours on Low, until the chicken shreds easily.
  4. Instant Pot: Cook on High Pressure for 10–12 minutes (thighs need 10, thick breasts need 12). Natural release 5 minutes, then quick release.
  5. Oven: Cover the baking dish tightly and bake at 325°F (165°C) for 60–75 minutes, until fork tender.
  6. Shred the chicken. Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and shred with two forks. Return it to the sauce and toss until everything is well coated.
  7. Adjust the sauce. Taste and add a splash more vinegar for tang, a pinch of brown sugar for sweetness, or extra BBQ sauce if you like it saucier. If it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few minutes (use sauté mode or bake uncovered briefly).
  8. Serve. Pile onto toasted buns with pickles and coleslaw, spoon over rice, or tuck into tortillas. Add extra sauce if you like it messy.