Heart-Healthy Pulled BBQ Chicken
Savor the smoky, tangy flavor of 'Heart-Healthy Pulled BBQ Chicken,' a slow-cooked masterpiece that combines bold barbecue taste with wholesome ingredients for a guilt-free indulgence. This recipe features tender, shredded chicken breasts simmered in a homemade sauce of low-sodium tomato, balsamic vinegar, and a touch of honey for natural sweetness. Enhanced with smoked paprika, mustard powder, and a hint of spice, every bite bursts with rich, satisfying flavor. Prepared in a slow cooker for effortless cooking, this dish is perfect for meal prep or serving at family gatherings. Serve on whole wheat buns for a heart-healthy twist, paired with fresh slaw or sliced onions as a topping. Whether you're looking for healthy comfort food or a flavorful weekend treat, this recipe checks every box!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 1 medium Onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 cup Low-sodium tomato sauce
- 3 tablespoons Balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Honey
- 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Mustard powder
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon Red pepper flakes
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 6 Whole wheat buns
Instructions
Begin by trimming any excess fat from the chicken breasts to keep the meal lean and heart-healthy.
In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the minced garlic to the onions and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden.
In a slow cooker, combine the cooked onions and garlic, tomato sauce, balsamic vinegar, honey, smoked paprika, mustard powder, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and salt.
Place the trimmed chicken breasts into the slow cooker, making sure they are fully submerged in the sauce.
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 4 hours. This slow, gentle cooking process will ensure the chicken becomes tender enough to easily pull apart.
After 4 hours, check the chicken for tenderness. It should easily pull apart with a fork. Use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker, mixing it thoroughly with the sauce.
Once fully shredded, let the pulled chicken sit on low heat for an additional 15 minutes to allow it to fully absorb the flavors of the homemade BBQ sauce.
Serve the pulled BBQ chicken on whole wheat buns and enjoy this heart-healthy and delicious meal. Optional garnishes include sliced onions or a simple cabbage slaw, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2484 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 66.8 g | 86% | |
| Saturated Fat | 14.3 g | 72% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 578 mg | 193% | |
| Sodium | 2946 mg | 128% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 221.0 g | 80% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 33.8 g | 121% | |
| Total Sugars | 84.8 g | ||
| Protein | 250.5 g | 501% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 443 mg | 34% | |
| Iron | 19.7 mg | 109% | |
| Potassium | 3444 mg | 73% | |
*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.
