Pulled BBQ Chicken Freezer Meal Recipe

Hannah Stewart

We lovingly refer to it as the “lovechild of sweet and tangy,” bringing a whisper of smoky goodness that will earn you a standing ovation.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 4

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings

Calories 128 kcal

Equipment

1 Slow Cooker
1 gallon freezer bag
1 High speed blender

Ingredients

2-3 lbs chicken thighs boneless/skinless
1 cup BBQ sauce *optional : make your own sauce following instructions below

Homemade BBQ Sauce (Blend Together)

6 oz tomato paste
1/2 tsp cinnamon
6 tbsp raw honey
4 tbsp apple cider vinegar
4 tsp chili powder
1 cup water
3 tsp salt
3 tsp cumin
2 tsp black pepper
2 tsp paprika
2 tsp onion powder
2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp ground mustard

Instructions

Freezer prep directions:

Prepare a gallon freezer bag, labeling according to your preferred method.
Add sauce ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth. (You may have to scrap sides once or twice).
Seal bag, removing as much air as possible, and freeze for up to three months.

Slow cooker directions:

Thaw freezer bag in fridge 12-24 hours before cooking.
Add freezer bag contents into slow cooker.
Cook on low for 4-6 hours.
Remove chicken, shred, and stir back into the slow cooker.
Serve over rice, on a bun, or over a salad.

Instant Pot Directions

Dump the contents of the freezer bag into the Instant Pot, add 1/2 cups water to instant pot.
Set to High Pressure for 20 minutes, then allow a 10-minute natural release followed by a quick release.
Remove chicken, shred, and stir back into the slow cooker.
Serve over rice, on a bun, or over a salad.

Dietary Adjustments

Make it Gluten-Free:

Ensure your barbecue sauce is gluten-free.

Make it Dairy-Free:

This recipe is naturally dairy-free.

Freezer Labels

Pulled BBQ Chicken Freezer Meal Printable Labels

Notes

This recipe can easily be made in a slow cooker or crock pot just set all ingredients into the slow cooker and cook on low 4-6 hours.
Use your favorite BBQ sauce for the recipe, anyone will work.
For some extra kick in the BBQ sauce add some chipotle pepper or adobo sauce.
Serve pulled chicken on buns, over a salad or even to top off nachos or pizza.

Nutrition

Calories: 128kcalCarbohydrates: 7.4gProtein: 14.5gFat: 3.7gSaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 330mgPotassium: 122mgFiber: 0.7gSugar: 6.6gCalcium: 8mgIron: 1mg

Keyword BBQ Recipes, Chicken Recipes, freezer meals, Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken