Description
Healthy BBQ Pulled Chicken is a delightful dish that combines tender, shredded chicken with a tangy homemade sauce, making it an ideal choice for family dinners, game day gatherings, or summer barbecues. With just five minutes of prep time using a slow cooker, this recipe offers a rich flavor profile without the excessive sugars and preservatives found in store-bought sauces. Versatile and family-friendly, it can be served in various ways—on buns, in wraps, or as part of grain bowls—making it a satisfying option for everyone at the table.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 (6oz) can tomato paste
- 1 (8oz) can crushed pineapple
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon liquid smoke
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- dash cayenne pepper
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine tomato paste, crushed pineapple, apple cider vinegar, liquid smoke, and spices until well blended to create the sauce.
- Add the sauce and diced onion to the slow cooker along with the chicken thighs. Stir until the chicken is fully coated.
- Cook on high for 3–4 hours or low for 6–7 hours until the chicken is tender.
- Shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker using two forks and let it soak in the sauce before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (about 240g)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 490mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: For enhanced flavor, marinate the chicken in the sauce overnight. You can substitute chicken with turkey or beef if desired.