Heart-Healthy Pulled Barbecue Chicken
Savor the irresistible flavors of this Heart-Healthy Pulled Barbecue Chicken recipe, crafted to deliver a lighter spin on classic comfort food. Made with tender boneless, skinless chicken breasts, this dish is cooked low and slow in a rich, smoky homemade barbecue sauce featuring low-sugar ketchup, honey, and a vibrant blend of spices like paprika and smoked paprika. Using heart-smart swaps like olive oil and low-sodium chicken broth, this recipe keeps it nutritious without sacrificing taste. Perfectly shredded and coated in bold flavors, it pairs beautifully with whole-grain buns or crisp lettuce wraps for a wholesome meal that feels indulgent yet guilt-free. Ideal for busy weeknights, this slow cooker delight is easy to prepare, rich in protein, and packed with satisfying barbecue goodness!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 pounds Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
- 1 cup Low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon Apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup Low-sugar ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons Honey
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion powder
- 0.5 teaspoon Smoked paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Chili powder
Instructions
1. Begin by patting the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. This step is to add flavor.
3. Transfer the seared chicken breasts to a slow cooker.
4. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, low-sugar ketchup, Dijon mustard, honey, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, and chili powder. Stir until the ingredients are well combined to form the barbecue sauce.
5. Pour the barbecue sauce over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
6. Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low heat for 4 hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender, allowing easy shredding.
7. Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and place them on a cutting board. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
8. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and mix it with the sauce until well coated.
9. Allow the shredded chicken to absorb flavors in the sauce for an additional 10-15 minutes in the slow cooker on the low setting.
10. Serve the heart-healthy pulled barbecue chicken on whole-grain buns or lettuce wraps with a side of vegetables for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1990 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 50.7 g | 65% | |
| Saturated Fat | 11.3 g | 57% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 771 mg | 257% | |
| Sodium | 4213 mg | 183% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 74.4 g | 27% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.4 g | 9% | |
| Total Sugars | 51.6 g | ||
| Protein | 284.8 g | 570% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 130 mg | 10% | |
| Iron | 9.8 mg | 54% | |
| Potassium | 2497 mg | 53% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
