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### **Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Chicken:**
Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker. You can use thighs if you want a slightly fattier and juicier result. If using frozen chicken breasts, there’s no need to thaw them—they can go straight into the slow cooker. Just make sure to adjust cooking time slightly if needed.
2. **Season the Chicken:**
Sprinkle the taco seasoning (or your chosen seasoning mix) evenly over the chicken breasts. If you prefer a spicy kick, add some chili powder or hot sauce into the mix. You can also add garlic powder, onion powder, or any other seasonings you like.
3. **Add Aromatics:**
Place the sliced onions and minced garlic on top of the chicken. The onions will release their sweetness as they cook, adding more depth of flavor to the dish.
4. **Pour in the Liquid:**
Add the chicken broth or water to the slow cooker. The liquid helps the chicken cook evenly and stay moist. If you want a different flavor profile, you can add BBQ sauce or salsa at this point, but it’s optional. The broth on its own will create a great base for a more neutral-flavored dish.
5. **Set and Forget:**
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on **low** for 6-7 hours or **high** for 3-4 hours. If you have the time, cooking on low is preferred because it allows the chicken to get even more tender.
6. **Shred the Chicken:**
After the chicken has cooked through and is very tender, use two forks to shred it directly in the slow cooker. The chicken should fall apart easily. If you want to get the shredded chicken a little crispy, you can toss it under the broiler for 2-3 minutes after shredding to give it a slightly caramelized texture.
7. **Finish and Serve:**
After shredding the chicken, stir it into the liquid that remains in the slow cooker, allowing it to soak up all the wonderful flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding salt, pepper, or more vinegar as needed.
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## **Ways to Serve Pulled Chicken**
Once you’ve made your slow-cooked pulled chicken, the possibilities for serving it are endless! Here are a few ideas:
1. **Pulled Chicken Tacos:** Serve the shredded chicken in soft corn or flour tortillas. Top with salsa, guacamole, sour cream, shredded lettuce, and a sprinkle of cheese for a flavorful taco dinner.
2. **Pulled Chicken Sandwiches:** Pile the pulled chicken onto a bun and top with coleslaw, pickles, or a drizzle of BBQ sauce for an easy and tasty sandwich.
3. **Chicken Salad:** Mix the shredded chicken with some fresh veggies, greens, or quinoa for a healthy and filling salad.
4. **Pulled Chicken Bowls:** Serve the shredded chicken over rice or quinoa, and top with your favorite toppings like avocado, cilantro, black beans, or corn for a quick and satisfying bowl.
5. **Chicken Nachos:** Layer tortilla chips with shredded pulled chicken, cheese, jalapeños, and bake until everything is melty and gooey. Top with sour cream and guacamole for a fun party dish.
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## **Tips for Success**
– **Choosing the Right Cut of Chicken:** While boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for slow cooking, you can also use chicken thighs for a richer, juicier result. Bone-in chicken can be used, but be sure to remove the bones before serving.
– **Customizing the Seasoning:** If you want a different flavor, experiment with different seasoning blends. For a BBQ version, add your favorite BBQ sauce in the last hour of cooking. For a Mediterranean twist, add lemon juice, oregano, and a bit of feta cheese.
– **Use Leftovers:** This recipe is perfect for meal prep. The pulled chicken can be used throughout the week in salads, wraps, sandwiches, and more. It also freezes well for later use.
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**Conclusion**
Making slow-cooked pulled chicken is a game-changer. It’s easy, versatile, and incredibly tasty. The slow cooker ensures that the chicken turns out perfectly tender and juicy, and the possibilities for using it in various dishes are endless. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight meal or looking for something to serve at a family gathering, pulled chicken is the perfect solution.
By using the slow cooker, you can enjoy the convenience of set-it-and-forget-it cooking while creating delicious, flavorful meals. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a dish that’s bursting with flavor and is sure to impress your family and friends.
So, the next time you’re looking for an easy and tasty meal, try making pulled chicken in your slow cooker—you’ll be amazed at how simple it is, and how delicious it turns out!
