Name: Crock Pot Apple Butter BBQ Pulled Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lbs chicken breasts; 1 cup apple butter; 1 cup BBQ sauce; 1 onion, chopped; 1 tablespoon garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste

Crock Pot Apple Butter BBQ Pulled Chicken served on a plate

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why make this recipe

Crock Pot Apple Butter BBQ Pulled Chicken is a fantastic dish for family dinners, game days, or potlucks. It combines the sweetness of apple butter with tangy BBQ sauce, creating a unique flavor that everyone will love. Plus, it’s easy to make in a slow cooker, which means less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meal with loved ones.

how to make Crock Pot Apple Butter BBQ Pulled Chicken

Ingredients

2 lbs chicken breasts
1 cup apple butter
1 cup BBQ sauce
1 onion, chopped
1 tablespoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Place the chicken breasts in the crock pot.
In a bowl, mix together the apple butter, BBQ sauce, chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Pour the mixture over the chicken.
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until chicken is tender.
Shred the chicken with two forks and mix it with the sauce before serving.

how to serve Crock Pot Apple Butter BBQ Pulled Chicken

Serve the pulled chicken on toasted hamburger buns or over rice for a hearty meal. You can also top it with coleslaw for added crunch and flavor. Pair it with some baked beans or corn for a complete dinner that everyone will enjoy.

how to store Crock Pot Apple Butter BBQ Pulled Chicken

Store any leftover pulled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage. Just make sure to place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat before serving.

tips to make Crock Pot Apple Butter BBQ Pulled Chicken

For extra flavor, consider adding some smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the sauce mixture.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can cook it uncovered for the last hour to let it reduce.
Feel free to adjust the sweetness by using more or less apple butter based on your taste.

variation

You can easily customize this recipe by adding different spices or using different sauces. Try substituting apple butter with peach or orange marmalade for a different twist. You can also use other meats like pork for pulled pork with a similar flavor profile.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just keep in mind that it may take longer for them to cook through; make sure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot instead?

Absolutely! To make it in an Instant Pot, use the "sauté" function to cook the onions briefly before adding the rest of the ingredients. Then, cook on high pressure for 15 minutes and let it naturally release for 10 minutes.

Is this dish spicy?

No, this recipe is not spicy. It has a sweet and tangy flavor due to the apple butter and BBQ sauce. If you like a little heat, feel free to add some hot sauce or chili powder to spice it up!