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dr pepper chicken finished

Crockpot Dr Pepper Chicken

Kitchen Ready Betty
Marinated in a flavorful, sweet and tangy sauce that features Dr Pepper, this crowd pleasing, BBQ pulled chicken is excellent in sandwiches, and is perfect for tailgating and parties.
5 from 1 vote
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 7 hours
Total Time 7 hours 15 minutes
Course Main Dishes
Cuisine American
Servings 10
Calories 243 kcal

Equipment

  • 6 quart slow cooker/crockpot (well greased or lined)
  • measuring cups
  • measuring spoons
  • small mixing bowl
  • whisk
  • stirring spoon
  • large forks or prongs

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Ingredients
  

  • 3 lbs raw chicken breasts reduce this amount to 2 lbs if using bottled BBQ sauce
  • 2 cloves fresh garlic minced
  • 1 & ½ cups ketchup* I like Heinz because it is thick; do not use store brand
  • ⅔ cup apple cider vinegar*
  • ½ cup brown sugar*
  • 2 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce*
  • 2 teaspoon smoked paprika*
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper*
  • 2 teaspoon onion powder*
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt*
  • 1 (12 oz) can Dr Pepper I use Diet or Zero to cut the carbs and calories; this is what was used for the calories calculation
  • *please note that all ingredients marked with an asterisks should be omitted if you're using 2 cups bottled BBQ sauce

Instructions
 

  • Place chicken breasts in the bottom of a well greased crockpot. Press minced garlic into chicken.
  • Whisk the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, onion powder, and sea salt in a small bowl; then pour over chicken. (If you're using bottled sauce, pour it in now.)
  • Pour soda into the crockpot.
  • Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours.
  • Uncover; using two forks, pull apart the chicken; stir. Cover and cook on low for an additional 30 minutes.
  • Keep warm until ready to serve.

Notes

While this recipe can be cooked on high for 3-4 hours, cooking it on low for 6-7 creates much more tender, flavorful chicken.
To shred the chicken, it isn't necessary to remove it from the crockpot. Simply use 2 big forks or prongs to pull pieces apart. After several hours of slow cooking, this process is actually quite easy, and there's no need to dirty another cutting board or dish.
Once cooled, store Crockpot Dr Pepper Chicken in an airtight container. Keep refrigerated and enjoy within 3-4 days.
This recipe freezes well. Store in freezer safe packaging and keep it in the back of the freezer for up to 3 months; defrost overnight in the fridge.

Nutrition

Calories: 243kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 29gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.02gCholesterol: 87mgSodium: 766mgPotassium: 676mgFiber: 0.3gSugar: 19gVitamin A: 467IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 1mg
Keyword BBQ, BBQ chicken, BBQ sauce, crockpot chicken, crockpot dr pepper chicken, dr pepper, pulled chicken, slow cooker, slow cooker BBQ chicken, slow cooker chicken
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