Go Back
–+ servings
Crockpot Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken pinterest

Crockpot Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken

This juicy chicken slow-cooked in cherry cola and BBQ sauce until it practically shreds itself creates a rich, sticky, and just a little unexpected sauce that transforms ordinary chicken into something extraordinary.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Shredding Time 5 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, BBQ
Servings 6 servings
Calories 285 kcal

Equipment

  • Crockpot/Slow Cooker
  • Cutting Board
  • Two Forks (for shredding)

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for more flavor
  • 1 cup cherry cola not diet
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce sweet or smoky variety
  • 1 small onion finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional

Instructions
 

  • Gather all ingredients and trim any excess fat from your chicken breasts.
  • Season chicken with salt and pepper on both sides.
  • In your crockpot, combine cherry cola, BBQ sauce, diced onion, minced garlic, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes if using. Whisk until well-blended.
  • Submerge the chicken breasts in the sauce mixture, making sure they're fully covered. Cover with the lid and cook on HIGH for 3-4 hours or LOW for 6-7 hours. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
  • Once the chicken is tender, remove it from the crockpot and shred it on a cutting board using two forks.
  • Optional: While your chicken is being shredded, turn the crockpot to HIGH and let the sauce simmer uncovered for about 10-15 minutes to thicken.
  • Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and mix thoroughly with the sauce. Allow it to absorb the sauce for an additional 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

For a healthier version, consider these options:
  • Use diet cherry cola to reduce sugar content
  • Opt for low-sodium BBQ sauce
  • Replace brown sugar with a stevia blend
  • Add finely chopped bell peppers to increase vegetable content
Storage tips:
  • Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days
  • Freeze for up to 3 months
  • Add a bit of water or chicken broth when reheating

Nutrition

Calories: 285kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 29gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 580mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 1gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 120IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 25mgIron: 1.5mg
Keyword Pulled Chicken, Slow Cooker, Crockpot, Cherry Cola, BBQ
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!