Low Sodium Pulled BBQ Chicken
Indulge in the smoky, savory flavors of this Low Sodium Pulled BBQ Chicken, a healthier twist on classic comfort food. Perfect for anyone watching their sodium intake, this recipe combines tender, slow-cooked chicken breasts with a homemade barbecue sauce that's bursting with bold, tangy notes from apple cider vinegar, molasses, and a hint of liquid smoke. Enhanced with smoked paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper, the sauce packs a flavorful punch without relying on added salt. After searing the chicken to lock in juices, the slow cooker does the hard work to ensure perfectly shredded, melt-in-your-mouth chicken. Serve this versatile dish on whole-grain buns, wrapped in tortillas, or atop a fresh salad for a wholesome, satisfying meal. Ready in just 4 hours and ideal for meal prepping, this low sodium barbecue recipe is a game-changer for your healthy eating lineup!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 pieces Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup No-salt-added tomato sauce
- 0.25 cup Apple cider vinegar
- 3 tablespoons Honey
- 2 tablespoons Molasses
- 2 teaspoons Smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion powder
- 0.5 teaspoon Ground black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon Cayenne pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon Liquid smoke
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
- 0.5 cup Water
Instructions
Begin by preparing the chicken breasts. Trim any excess fat from the chicken and pat dry with paper towels.
In a slow cooker, combine the no-salt-added tomato sauce, apple cider vinegar, honey, molasses, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, ground black pepper, cayenne pepper, and liquid smoke. Mix well to create your low sodium BBQ sauce.
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts on each side for about 2-3 minutes until they are golden brown. This step is optional but will help lock in flavors and juices.
Transfer the seared chicken breasts to the slow cooker, placing them in the BBQ sauce mixture. Add 0.5 cup of water to ensure there's enough liquid for cooking.
Cover the slow cooker and set it to low. Cook the chicken for about 4 hours, or until it is fully cooked and easily shreds with a fork.
Once the chicken is cooked, carefully shred it using two forks directly in the slow cooker, mixing it well with the sauce.
Allow the shredded chicken to simmer in the slow cooker on low for an additional 15 minutes to absorb more flavor.
Serve the pulled BBQ chicken on whole-grain buns, in a wrap, or over a fresh salad. Enjoy your nutritious and low sodium meal!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1680 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 40.4 g | 52% | |
| Saturated Fat | 9.3 g | 46% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 592 mg | 197% | |
| Sodium | 567 mg | 25% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 99.7 g | 36% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.6 g | 16% | |
| Total Sugars | 89.1 g | ||
| Protein | 219.6 g | 439% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 223 mg | 17% | |
| Iron | 11.2 mg | 62% | |
| Potassium | 3008 mg | 64% | |
*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.
