Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is incredibly easy—just dump, stir, and let the slow cooker do all the work. The applesauce adds a gentle sweetness that complements the spices and enhances the chicken’s natural flavor. It’s a family-friendly dish that’s gluten-free, dairy-free, and incredibly versatile. Serve it on buns, over rice, or in a bowl with roasted veggies—however you enjoy it, this pulled chicken is guaranteed to be a hit.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Unsweetened applesauce
- Onion (chopped)
- Garlic (minced)
- Apple cider vinegar
- Dijon mustard or yellow mustard
- Brown sugar or maple syrup
- Smoked paprika
- Ground cinnamon
- Salt and black pepper
- Optional: red pepper flakes or hot sauce for heat
Directions
- Add to Slow Cooker: Place chicken in the bottom of the slow cooker. Top with chopped onion and garlic.
- Make the Sauce: In a bowl, mix together applesauce, vinegar, mustard, brown sugar, paprika, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Pour the sauce over the chicken.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
- Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken and shred it using two forks. Return it to the slow cooker and mix with the sauce. Let it cook for another 10–15 minutes on low.
- Serve: Enjoy warm on buns, over rice, in wraps, or with roasted vegetables.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4–6.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 6–7 hours on low or 3–4 hours on high
Total time: Up to 7 hours, mostly hands-off
Variations
- BBQ Twist: Add a few tablespoons of BBQ sauce to the mix for a smoky finish.
- Spicy Version: Stir in cayenne pepper, sriracha, or red pepper flakes to turn up the heat.
- Apple Chunk Option: Add peeled, diced apples for extra texture and a deeper apple flavor.
- Vegetarian Alternative: Substitute jackfruit or tofu and reduce cooking time to avoid overcooking.
- Tangy Add-On: Add a splash of lemon juice or more vinegar if you prefer a tangier profile.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover pulled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, microwave in 1-minute intervals or warm in a skillet over medium heat until hot. Add a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much.
This dish also freezes well. Let it cool completely, then freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use sweetened applesauce?
Yes, but reduce the added sugar to avoid making the dish too sweet.
Can I use frozen chicken?
It’s safest to use thawed chicken for even cooking in a slow cooker. If using frozen, increase the cooking time and ensure it reaches 165°F internally.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. It stores and reheats well, making it perfect for meal prep.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs are very flavorful and stay juicy—great for slow cooking.
What can I serve with pulled chicken?
Try buns, mashed potatoes, coleslaw, rice, roasted vegetables, or grain bowls.
Can I cook this in the oven instead?
Yes. Bake covered at 325°F (160°C) for about 1.5 to 2 hours or until the chicken is tender enough to shred.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as your mustard and other condiments are certified gluten-free.
How can I make this dish less sweet?
Use unsweetened applesauce and skip or reduce the brown sugar. Add more vinegar for balance.
Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?
Yes. Add diced carrots, sweet potatoes, or bell peppers for a complete one-pot meal.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just ensure your slow cooker is large enough and increase the cooking time slightly if needed.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Applesauce Pulled Chicken is a wonderfully easy, hands-off recipe that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Sweet, tangy, and tender, this dish is perfect for meal prepping, family dinners, or casual entertaining. Whether served on a bun, over grains, or with vegetables, it’s a simple yet satisfying way to enjoy the flavors of fall any time of year.
PrintSlow Cooker Applesauce Pulled Chicken
undefined
Ingredients
undefined
Instructions
undefined
Notes
undefined
