Slow Cooker Alabama Pulled BBQ Chicken
If you’re searching for a delectable way to enjoy tender chicken, look no further than the Pulled Chicken Slow Cooker dish. This recipe combines the rustic charm of slow-cooked meats with the distinct tangy zest of southern BBQ, featuring a white sauce that families rave about. My quest for an easy, restaurant-quality slow cooker pulled chicken led me to create this delightful version that my family of six adores. Whether you spread it on sandwiches or drizzle it over your chicken, this dish promises a flavor-packed experience.
Yield and Cooking Process
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 hours
Total Time: 10 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 8
Ingredients for Pulled Chicken Slow Cooker
- onion, cut into 1/4-inch thick rings
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 (3 pound) whole chicken, skin removed
- 1 tablespoon melted butter, or as needed
- ½ cup water
- ½ teaspoon liquid smoke flavoring
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions for Slow Cooker Alabama Pulled BBQ Chicken
- Arrange the sliced onion at the bottom of your slow cooker. This will create a flavorful bed for the chicken.
- In a small bowl, combine ¾ teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of ground pepper, ½ teaspoon of paprika, ¼ teaspoon poultry seasoning, and minced garlic.
- Rub the spice mixture over the surface of the whole chicken. Then, place the chicken on top of the onions in the slow cooker.
- Drizzle with melted butter, ensuring it gets into the cavity and over the entire chicken.
- Add ½ cup of water and ½ teaspoon of liquid smoke flavoring to the slow cooker to infuse the chicken with a smoky aroma.
- Cover and cook on low for 10 hours until the chicken is tender and easily pulls apart.
- While the chicken cooks, prepare the white BBQ sauce. In a bowl, whisk together ¾ cup of mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons of cider vinegar, 2 teaspoons of sugar, ½ teaspoon of salt, ¼ teaspoon of ground pepper, and ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper.
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Mix the shredded chicken with the juices from the slow cooker for extra flavor.
- Serve the pulled chicken on buns with the white BBQ sauce spread over the top. Alternatively, enjoy it wrapped in lettuce leaves for a lighter option.
Better Health with Healthier Options
For those inclined towards a healthier preparation method, consider:
- Using olive oil instead of butter to reduce saturated fat content.
- Wrapping the pulled chicken in lettuce leaves instead of a bun for a low-carb option.
Keep remaining BBQ sauce refrigerated until ready to use again. In short, this Pulled Chicken Slow Cooker recipe is a delightful addition to your meal rotation. So easy, so flavorful, and so versatile—it’s guaranteed to become a family favorite!
