Slow Cooker Applesauce Pulled Chicken has become my absolute go-to for busy weeknights. I first stumbled upon this recipe when I was juggling work, soccer practice, and a serious craving for something comforting and delicious. The aroma that fills my kitchen as it cooks – a perfect blend of sweet applesauce and savory spices – is just heavenly. My family always gathers around, drawn by that irresistible smell, asking what’s for dinner. This easy slow cooker pulled chicken recipe is so forgiving, and the natural sweetness from the applesauce makes it a hit with everyone, even the pickiest eaters. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Applesauce Pulled Chicken

This recipe is a game-changer for a reason! It’s incredibly easy, making busy weeknights a breeze. You’ll love the hands-off cooking method that delivers tender, flavorful chicken every time. Plus, the natural sweetness from the applesauce creates a perfectly balanced flavor profile that’s both comforting and delicious. It’s a fantastic dump and go slow cooker pulled chicken option, meaning minimal prep for maximum taste. You can even use it for meal prep, saving you time throughout the week. It’s the ultimate simple slow cooker pulled chicken that your whole family will adore.

Incredibly easy prep for busy days
Tender, fall-apart chicken
Perfectly balanced sweet and savory flavor
Minimal cleanup with one-pot cooking
A forgiving recipe that’s hard to mess up
Fantastic for meal prep throughout the week
A healthy slow cooker pulled chicken applesauce option
Versatile for sandwiches, tacos, and more

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Applesauce Pulled Chicken

Gather these simple ingredients for a delicious Crock pot pulled chicken applesauce meal. Using unsweetened applesauce is key here; it lends a subtle sweetness without being overpowering, creating that perfect sweet and savory pulled chicken with applesauce flavor profile we love.

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs – Thighs tend to be more moist, but breasts work great for a leaner dish.
1 cup unsweetened applesauce – This is the star for natural sweetness and moisture.
1 small onion, finely chopped – Adds a foundational savory depth.
3 cloves garlic, minced – For that essential aromatic kick.
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar – Provides a touch of tang to balance the sweetness.
2 tbsp brown sugar or honey – Enhances the sweetness and helps create a lovely glaze.
1 tbsp Dijon mustard – Adds a subtle, complex flavor note.
1 tsp smoked paprika – For a hint of smoky depth.
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon – Complements the applesauce beautifully.
1 tsp salt – To enhance all the other flavors.
1/2 tsp black pepper – Freshly ground is always best.
1 tbsp olive oil or cooking spray – To lightly grease the slow cooker.

How to Make Slow Cooker Applesauce Pulled Chicken

Get ready for the easiest dinner you’ll make all week! This recipe truly lives up to its name as an easy slow cooker pulled chicken, requiring minimal effort for maximum deliciousness.

Step 1: Lightly grease the bottom of your slow cooker insert with 1 tbsp olive oil or a quick spray of cooking oil. This prevents any sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Place the 2 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs directly into the greased slow cooker. Make sure they’re in a single layer if possible.
Step 3: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together all the sauce ingredients: 1 cup unsweetened applesauce, 1 small onion, finely chopped, 3 cloves garlic, minced, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 2 tbsp brown sugar or honey, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. This mixture is where all the magic happens for that perfect pulled chicken with applesauce flavor.
Step 4: Pour the delicious sauce mixture evenly over the chicken in the slow cooker. Give it a little nudge to ensure every piece of chicken is coated in that sweet and savory goodness.
Step 5: Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Set it to cook on the low setting for 6–7 hours or on the high setting for 3–4 hours. The chicken is ready when it’s incredibly tender and falls apart easily with a fork. The aroma filling your kitchen will be absolutely amazing!

Slow Cooker Applesauce Pulled Chicken: Amazing Comfort - Slow Cooker Applesauce Pulled - main visual representation

Step 6: Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board or in a bowl. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and mix it thoroughly with the luscious sauce. This ensures every shred is infused with flavor, making it the best crock pot pulled chicken applesauce you’ve ever had.
Step 7: Serve your amazing Slow Cooker Applesauce Pulled Chicken warm. It’s fantastic piled high on toasted buns for sandwiches, spooned over fluffy rice, or served alongside your favorite roasted vegetables.

Pro Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Applesauce Pulled Chicken

I’ve made this dish so many times, and I’ve picked up a few tricks to make it absolutely perfect every single time. These tips will elevate your slow cooker applesauce pulled chicken from good to incredible.

Always use unsweetened applesauce. This gives you control over the sweetness and prevents the dish from becoming cloying.
Don’t be afraid to adjust the spices! If you love cinnamon or smoked paprika, add a little extra to suit your taste.
For extra tender chicken, consider using thighs instead of breasts. They have more fat and stay moist longer.
Shredding the chicken directly in the slow cooker with the sauce allows it to soak up all those delicious flavors.

What’s the secret to perfect Slow Cooker Applesauce Pulled Chicken?

The secret lies in the balance of sweet and savory. Using unsweetened applesauce and a touch of apple cider vinegar prevents it from being too sweet, while the Dijon and smoked paprika add depth. It’s all about that perfect flavor profile.

Can I make Slow Cooker Applesauce Pulled Chicken ahead of time?

Absolutely! This is a fantastic recipe for meal prep. You can cook the chicken entirely, shred it, and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days before you plan to serve it.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Slow Cooker Applesauce Pulled Chicken?

A common pitfall is overcooking the chicken, which can make it dry. Stick to the recommended cooking times. Also, ensure you’re using unsweetened applesauce; sweetened varieties will throw off the savory balance.

Best Ways to Serve Slow Cooker Applesauce Pulled Chicken

This versatile slow cooker applesauce pulled chicken is a dream for weeknight meals. My absolute favorite way to serve it is on toasted brioche buns, piled high with a little creamy coleslaw for a fantastic contrast in textures and flavors. It makes for the most satisfying slow cooker applesauce pulled chicken sandwiches! For a lighter option, try serving it over a bed of fluffy quinoa or brown rice, perhaps with some steamed broccoli or roasted sweet potatoes on the side. It’s also incredibly delicious stuffed into warm tortillas for a quick and easy taco night, proving just how adaptable this dish is.

Nutrition Facts for Slow Cooker Applesauce Pulled Chicken

This recipe offers a delicious way to enjoy pulled chicken with a touch of sweetness. Here’s a breakdown of the approximate nutritional information per serving (based on 6 servings from the recipe):

Calories: 290
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 14g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 10g
Protein: 38g
Sodium: 480mg
Cholesterol: 105mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used and serving sizes.

How to Store and Reheat Slow Cooker Applesauce Pulled Chicken

One of the best things about this slow cooker applesauce pulled chicken is how well it stores and reheats, making it perfect for meal prep. Once the chicken has cooled slightly after cooking, transfer it to airtight containers. You can keep your delicious applesauce pulled chicken meal prep portions in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, it freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Simply thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. To reheat, gently warm it in a skillet over medium-low heat, or microwave individual portions until heated through. Add a splash of water or broth if it seems a little dry.

Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Applesauce Pulled Chicken

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this applesauce pulled chicken slow cooker recipe?

Absolutely! While chicken thighs tend to be a bit more forgiving and moist, chicken breasts work wonderfully for this slow cooker applesauce pulled chicken. Just be sure not to overcook them, as they can dry out more easily. Aim for the shorter end of the cooking time range on high heat, or the lower end of the range on low heat, until the chicken is tender and shreds easily.

What kind of applesauce should I use for this pulled chicken recipe slow cooker applesauce?

I highly recommend using unsweetened applesauce for this recipe. This allows you to control the sweetness of the dish and ensures that the savory elements, like the onion, garlic, and spices, can shine through without being overpowered by added sugars. If you only have sweetened applesauce on hand, you might want to reduce or omit the brown sugar/honey in the recipe.

How do I make this a spicier version of slow cooker pulled chicken with applesauce?

If you like a little heat, you can easily spice up this crock pot pulled chicken applesauce. I suggest adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the sauce mixture before cooking. You could also add some red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. For a bolder heat, consider adding diced jalapeños along with the onion and garlic!

Can I make this a gluten-free slow cooker applesauce pulled chicken recipe?

Yes, this slow cooker applesauce pulled chicken is naturally gluten-free as written, assuming your Dijon mustard and any optional additions like barbecue sauce are gluten-free. The primary ingredients – chicken, applesauce, onion, garlic, vinegar, and spices – are all gluten-free. It’s a wonderful option for a healthy, gluten-free meal.

Variations of Slow Cooker Applesauce Pulled Chicken You Can Try

This slow cooker applesauce pulled chicken recipe is fantastic as is, but it’s also wonderfully adaptable! I love tweaking it to keep things interesting. For a spicier kick, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the sauce mixture. If you’re looking for a smoky flavor, a tablespoon of liquid smoke or a bit more smoked paprika can do wonders. For a healthier twist, you can easily make this a healthy slow cooker pulled chicken applesauce by using chicken breasts and reducing the brown sugar slightly, or even swapping it for a sugar substitute. And if you don’t have a slow cooker, you can adapt this recipe for the Instant Pot on high pressure for about 12-15 minutes, followed by a natural release.