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🍗 Tangy Pulled Chicken (Sweet, Spicy & Irresistible!)
This easy, flavor-packed pulled chicken is slow-cooked to juicy perfection with a sticky, tangy-sweet sauce—perfect for sandwiches, tacos, salads, or meal prep!
⏲️ Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 4-6 hrs (slow cooker) or 25 mins (Instant Pot)
🍽️ Serves: 6
📝 Ingredients
For the Chicken:
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2 lbs (900g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts for leaner meat)
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1 tsp salt
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1 tsp black pepper
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp onion powder
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½ tsp smoked paprika
For the Tangy Sauce:
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¾ cup ketchup (or sugar-free alternative)
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¼ cup apple cider vinegar
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3 tbsp honey (or maple syrup)
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2 tbsp brown sugar (or coconut sugar)
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1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (or soy sauce for GF)
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1 tbsp Dijon mustard
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1 tsp sriracha (optional, for heat)
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2 cloves garlic, minced
🔥 Instructions
1️⃣ Season & Cook the Chicken
Slow Cooker Method:
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Place chicken in the slow cooker. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
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Cover and cook on LOW for 4-6 hrs (or HIGH for 2-3 hrs) until tender.
Instant Pot Method:
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Add 1 cup water or broth to the pot, then place chicken on a trivet.
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Pressure cook on HIGH for 10 mins, then natural release for 5 mins.
2️⃣ Shred the Chicken
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Remove chicken and shred with forks. Discard excess liquid.
3️⃣ Make the Tangy Sauce
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In a saucepan, whisk together ketchup, vinegar, honey, brown sugar, Worcestershire, Dijon, sriracha, and garlic.
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Simmer 5-7 mins until slightly thickened.
4️⃣ Combine & Serve
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Toss shredded chicken with the sauce.
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Broil for 3-5 mins (optional, for caramelized edges!).
💡 Pro Tips
✔ For smoky depth, add 1 tsp liquid smoke to the sauce.
✔ Meal prep: Stores well in the fridge for 4 days or freezer for 3 months.
✔ Serve it on: Slider buns, tacos, nachos, or over a salad.
🍽️ Serving Ideas
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Classic Pulled Chicken Sandwiches with coleslaw
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Tacos with pickled onions & avocado
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Stuffed Sweet Potatoes with a drizzle of ranch
Why You’ll Love It
✅ Perfect balance of sweet, tangy & spicy
✅ Fall-apart tender every time
✅ Way healthier than takeout!
Dig in! 😋🔥
P.S. For a Carolina-style twist, swap the ketchup for mustard-based BBQ sauce!
