Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken 5 Amazing Steps To Ultimate Crockpot Perfection

Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken is the ultimate solution when you’re tired of dry, flavorless chicken that needs drowning in sauce just to be edible. Hi there! I’m Lisa, the heart and soul behind Recipesrealm, and I’m thrilled to share this game-changing crockpot recipe that transforms simple chicken breasts into tender, fall-apart perfection with an incredible sweet-smoky flavor profile. Are you struggling to find chicken recipes that actually stay moist and deliver bold flavor? Frustrated by pulled chicken that’s either bland or requires constant monitoring?

This Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken promises juicy, fork-tender meat infused with caramelized cherry cola sweetness and smoky BBQ notes all achieved in your slow cooker with just 10 minutes of hands on prep time. As someone who’s been perfecting recipes for years at Recipesrealm, I’ve learned that the best weeknight dinners balance incredible flavor with minimal effort. This Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken delivers exactly that just dump ingredients in your crockpot in the morning and come home to restaurant-quality pulled chicken sandwiches ready for dinner.

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll discover why this Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken works so brilliantly for busy families, how to choose the right chicken cuts for maximum tenderness, detailed ingredient lists and prep shortcuts, step-by-step crockpot cooking instructions, pro tips for achieving perfect texture every time, exciting flavor variations to prevent dinner boredom, ideal serving suggestions and sandwich combinations, and answers to all your burning questions about making this crowd-pleasing Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken.

Why This Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken Recipe Works

At Recipesrealm, we believe that food isn’t just about taste it’s about creating memories and sharing moments, and this Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken embodies that family-friendly philosophy perfectly. Here’s why this recipe has become a beloved favorite:

• Uses affordable, accessible chicken that costs a fraction of beef or other proteins no expensive cuts required for this budget-friendly Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken
• Set-it-and-forget-it convenience with just 10 minutes of morning prep before your crockpot does all the work for your effortless Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken
• Perfect for weeknights or weekend gatherings serving 6-8 people easily, making this versatile Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken ideal for any occasion
• Naturally tender without pounding as the slow cooking and cola’s acidity break down proteins, ensuring foolproof results with your Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken
• Kid and adult approved with sweet-savory flavors that even picky eaters devour in sandwiches or over rice with this crowd-pleasing Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken
• Meal prep champion since leftovers freeze beautifully and taste even better the next day in your make-ahead Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken
• Minimal cleanup with everything cooking in one pot and no splattering or pan watching required for your convenient Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken

Choosing the Right Chicken for Your Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken

The magic of exceptional Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken lies in selecting the right chicken cuts and understanding how slow cooking transforms them into tender perfection.

Best Chicken Cuts for This Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken

The foundation of great Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken starts with choosing chicken breasts or thighs both work beautifully but offer different benefits. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are lean, cook slightly faster, and have mild flavor that absorbs the cherry cola marinade beautifully. Choose medium-sized breasts (6-8 ounces each) for even cooking in your Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken.

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs provide richer, more succulent meat with higher fat content that makes them virtually impossible to dry out ideal for beginners making Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken. Thighs have deeper chicken flavor and stay moist even if slightly overcooked. For richest flavor, use thighs; for leanest option, use breasts; for best of both, use a combination in your customized Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken.

Buying Tips for Your Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken

When shopping for chicken for your Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken, look for fresh chicken with pink color (not gray), no strong odor, and packaging with no tears or excessive liquid. Check the sell-by date and choose packages with dates furthest out. Buy chicken from the coldest part of the grocery store cooler, and transport home in an insulated bag with ice packs if possible for your food-safe Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken.

Choose individually frozen chicken breasts or thighs if buying frozen they’re easier to thaw exactly the amount you need. Avoid chicken with “added solution” or “enhanced with up to 15% solution” on the label, as this means water and salt have been injected, which dilutes flavor in your Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken. Organic or free-range chicken offers superior flavor if budget allows, though standard chicken works perfectly well.

Substitutions for Your Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken

This Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken is wonderfully adaptable. Swap chicken for turkey breast (cooks similarly), though avoid beef or other red meats as cooking times and flavors differ dramatically. Replace cherry cola with regular Coca-Cola, Dr Pepper, or root beer for different flavor profiles while maintaining the caramelized sweetness in your creative Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken.

For the BBQ sauce component, use your favorite brand or make homemade sweet and smoky varieties work best with the cherry cola. Sugar-free cola and sugar-free BBQ sauce create lower-sugar versions for diabetic-friendly diets. Add a splash of apple cider vinegar for extra tang, or include chipotle peppers for heat in your customized Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken.

Ingredients & Prep for Your Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken

Essential Ingredient List for This Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken

For the Chicken:

• 2.5-3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (about 6 medium breasts)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

For the Cherry Cola Sauce:

• 1 can (12 oz) cherry cola (regular, not diet)
• 1 1/2 cups BBQ sauce (use your favorite brand)
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke (optional, for extra smokiness)

For Serving:

• 8 hamburger buns or sandwich rolls
• Coleslaw (for topping)
• Pickles
• Sliced red onion
• Extra BBQ sauce

Chicken Prep Essentials for Your Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken

Begin your Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken by patting chicken completely dry with paper towels—excess moisture dilutes the sauce and prevents proper seasoning adhesion. If chicken breasts are uneven in thickness, you can pound them to uniform thickness, though slow cooking makes this less critical. Trim any excess fat or connective tissue from chicken pieces for cleaner presentation in your Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken.

Season chicken on all sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Pat the seasonings into the meat rather than just sprinkling on top this helps them adhere better during the long cook time. You can season chicken the night before and refrigerate covered for even deeper flavor penetration in your well-seasoned Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken.

Sauce Mixture for Your Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken

In a medium bowl or large measuring cup, whisk together cherry cola, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and liquid smoke if using. The mixture should be smooth and well combined any sugar lumps will dissolve during cooking. Taste the sauce and adjust sweetness or tang to your preference before adding to the crockpot with your Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken.

The sauce will seem thin at this stage this is perfect. During slow cooking, it will reduce and thicken into a luscious, glossy coating for your Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken. Don’t worry about exact measurements; this recipe is very forgiving and adapts well to personal taste preferences.

Pantry Staples for Your Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken

Essential pantry items for your Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken include cherry cola (or any dark cola), your favorite BBQ sauce (sweet and smoky varieties work best), brown sugar for caramelization, apple cider vinegar for tang, Worcestershire sauce for umami depth, and basic spices like garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Stock these basics and you can make this dinner anytime cravings strike.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Your Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken

Pre-Cooking Prep for Your Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken

Ensure your crockpot is clean and the insert is at room temperature before beginning placing cold stoneware directly on the heating element can cause cracking. Pat chicken dry thoroughly and season as directed. Have your sauce mixture whisked and ready. Clear counter space for assembling everything before cooking your Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken.

Set out your crockpot in a convenient location where it can cook undisturbed for 4-6 hours away from walls or cabinets that could be damaged by steam vents. Have your lid nearby and ensure the cooker is plugged in and functional before adding ingredients for your Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken.

Slow Cooking Method for Your Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken

Place seasoned chicken pieces in the bottom of your crockpot in a single layer don’t stack them or they’ll cook unevenly in your Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken. Pour the cherry cola sauce mixture over chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated. Use a spoon to spread sauce evenly if needed. Some chicken will be partially submerged; others will have sauce pooled around them both scenarios work perfectly.

Cover with the crockpot lid and set to LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours. Do not lift the lid during cooking except to check doneness in the final 30 minutes—each peek releases heat and adds 15-20 minutes to cook time. Your kitchen will fill with the most incredible sweet-smoky aroma as your Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken cooks to perfection.

Doneness Check for Your Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken

The chicken in your Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F in the thickest part use an instant-read thermometer to verify. However, for pulled chicken, you want it even more tender than just “safe to eat.” Cook until the chicken shreds easily with two forks, which typically occurs around 190-200°F internal temperature when collagen has fully broken down in your perfectly tender Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken.

To test, remove one piece of chicken and try shredding with two forks. If it pulls apart effortlessly into tender strands, it’s ready. If it still feels rubbery or requires sawing motions to shred, cook another 30-60 minutes on LOW. Properly cooked Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken should almost fall apart when touched.

Shredding for Your Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken

Once chicken is fork-tender, remove all pieces from the crockpot and place in a large bowl. Using two forks (or your hands once chicken cools slightly), shred chicken into bite-sized pieces by pulling in opposite directions. Discard any remaining fat or gristle. Return shredded chicken to the crockpot with the sauce and stir to combine thoroughly every strand should be coated with that gorgeous cherry cola glaze in your perfectly sauced Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken.

If sauce seems too thin after shredding, leave the crockpot lid off and cook on HIGH for 15-20 minutes to reduce liquid and thicken sauce. If too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or extra cola. Taste and adjust seasonings add more BBQ sauce for smokiness, brown sugar for sweetness, or vinegar for tang in your customized Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken.

Pro Tips for Perfect Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken

Avoiding Dry or Mushy Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken

The most common issue when making Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken is dry, stringy meat that lacks moisture. Prevent this by not overcooking beyond the shredding stage (stop as soon as it pulls apart easily), using chicken thighs which are more forgiving than breasts, ensuring there’s enough liquid in the crockpot (sauce should cover bottom and partially coat chicken), and returning shredded chicken to the sauce immediately after shredding to reabsorb moisture in your juicy Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken.

Mushy, waterlogged chicken occurs when too much liquid is used or cooking time is excessive. Use only the sauce amounts specified (don’t add extra cola), remove lid for the last 15-20 minutes on HIGH to reduce excess liquid, and serve with a slotted spoon if sauce is too thin. Properly cooked Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken should be moist but not swimming in liquid.

Tool Recommendations for Your Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken

A 6-quart slow cooker is ideal for this recipe, accommodating 3 pounds of chicken comfortably with room for sauce circulation around your Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken. An instant-read thermometer ensures proper doneness (look for 165°F minimum, 190-200°F for pull-apart texture). Two forks make shredding easy, though clean hands work even better once chicken cools slightly.

A large bowl holds chicken during shredding without mess. A ladle or slotted spoon serves finished Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken without excess sauce. Store leftovers in airtight containers glass containers won’t absorb the sweet sauce smell. Consider buying crockpot liners for zero cleanup on busy nights with your convenient Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken.

Storage & Reheating for Your Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken

Store cooled Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days the flavors actually improve overnight as they meld. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, or reheat the entire batch in a covered pot on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until steaming hot throughout your reheated Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken.

Freeze Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers or bags portion into meal-sized amounts for easier thawing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of chicken broth or BBQ sauce when reheating to restore moisture if needed. Frozen and reheated chicken tastes nearly as good as fresh-made in your freezer-friendly Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken.

Flavor Variations for Your Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken

Spicy Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken

Add heat to your Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken by stirring 2-3 finely diced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce into the cherry cola mixture, adding 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper to the spice rub, using spicy BBQ sauce instead of sweet varieties, serving with jalapeño slices and pepper jack cheese on sandwiches, and drizzling with sriracha mayo for extra kick in your fiery Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken.

Asian-Inspired Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken

Transform your Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken with Asian flavors by adding 2 tablespoons soy sauce and 1 tablespoon rice vinegar to the sauce, including 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger, using hoisin sauce instead of BBQ sauce, serving on Asian-style buns with quick-pickled cucumbers and cilantro, and garnishing with sesame seeds and green onions for your fusion Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken.

Hawaiian Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken

Create tropical vibes in your Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken by adding 1 cup pineapple juice to the sauce mixture, including 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, using teriyaki-style BBQ sauce, serving on Hawaiian sweet rolls with grilled pineapple rings, and topping with a sprinkle of toasted coconut for your island-inspired Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken.

Tangy Mustard Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken

Add Southern tang to your Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken by stirring 3 tablespoons yellow mustard into the sauce, adding 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard for complexity, increasing apple cider vinegar to 1/4 cup for extra punch, using Carolina-style mustard BBQ sauce, and serving with traditional Southern coleslaw for your Carolina-style Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken.

Low-Sugar Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken

Create a healthier version of your Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken by using diet cherry cola (though flavor will be slightly different), reducing brown sugar to 2 tablespoons or omitting entirely, using sugar-free or reduced-sugar BBQ sauce, adding extra vinegar and spices to compensate for sweetness reduction, and serving on lettuce wraps instead of buns for your low-carb Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken.

Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken Variations Comparison Table

Serving Suggestions for Your Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken

Your Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken deserves to be served in a way that maximizes both flavor and satisfaction. Build the ultimate pulled chicken sandwich by toasting hamburger buns or brioche rolls, piling on generous amounts of Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken, topping with creamy coleslaw for crunch and tang, adding pickle chips for acidity, including thinly sliced red onion for bite, and drizzling with extra BBQ sauce for moisture on your loaded sandwich.

Pair your Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken sandwiches with complementary sides that balance the sweet-smoky flavors: crispy french fries or sweet potato fries provide satisfying crunch, tangy coleslaw (if not using on sandwich) adds freshness, baked beans complement the BBQ notes, corn on the cob offers summer sweetness, or keep it light with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette alongside your hearty Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken.

Serve your Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken beyond just sandwiches for versatile meal options: over fluffy white rice or cilantro-lime rice for a bowl meal, stuffed into soft flour tortillas for tacos, layered on nachos with cheese and jalapeños, mixed into mac and cheese for ultimate comfort food, or piled on baked potatoes with sour cream and chives for your creative Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken applications.

For beverages, pair your Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken with iced tea (sweet or unsweet), lemonade for refreshing contrast, cold cola to echo the cooking liquid, or cream soda for nostalgic sweetness. The sweet-savory flavors work with most casual beverage options for your versatile Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken.

FAQs About Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken

Can I use frozen chicken in my Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken?

Yes, you can cook frozen chicken breasts directly in your crockpot for Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken, though cooking time increases by 1-2 hours. Place frozen chicken in the crockpot, add sauce, and cook on LOW for 7-8 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours until chicken reaches 165°F and shreds easily. However, food safety experts recommend thawing first for more even cooking and to ensure chicken spends minimal time in the “danger zone” temperature range in your safely prepared Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken.

Why is my Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken too sweet?

Overly sweet Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken results from too much cola or brown sugar. Balance sweetness by adding 2-3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar or lemon juice for acidity, using a tangier BBQ sauce (like mustard-based), reducing or omitting brown sugar next time, or adding a splash of hot sauce for heat that cuts sweetness. You can also dilute with chicken broth if sauce is too concentrated in your properly balanced Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken.

How do I thicken the sauce in my Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken?

Thin sauce in Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken happens when cola doesn’t reduce enough. Thicken by removing the lid and cooking on HIGH for 15-30 minutes to evaporate excess liquid, transferring sauce to a saucepan and simmering on the stovetop until reduced by half, mixing 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water and stirring into sauce then cooking 5 minutes to thicken, or simply serving with a slotted spoon and using less sauce per sandwich in your perfectly textured Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken.

Can I make Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken in an Instant Pot?

Absolutely! Adapt this Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken for Instant Pot by placing chicken and sauce in the pot, securing lid with valve to “sealing,” and cooking on HIGH pressure for 15 minutes for breasts or 20 minutes for thighs. Allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then quick release remaining pressure. Shred chicken, return to pot, and use sauté mode with lid off for 5-10 minutes to thicken sauce for your quick-cooking Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken.

Is Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken safe for pregnant women?

Yes, properly cooked Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken is completely safe for pregnant women. Ensure chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature (use a thermometer to verify), cook thoroughly until no pink remains and juices run clear, and reheat leftovers to steaming hot (165°F). All ingredients are pregnancy-safe when chicken is fully cooked. The cola is used as a cooking liquid and most carbonation evaporates during cooking in your safe, delicious Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken.

Can I use regular Coca-Cola instead of cherry cola for Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken?

Yes! Regular Coca-Cola, Dr Pepper, root beer, or even orange soda work beautifully in this recipe with slightly different flavor profiles. Cherry cola provides distinct cherry sweetness, but regular cola creates a classic pulled chicken flavor. The acid in any cola tenderizes chicken and the sugar caramelizes during cooking. Experiment with different sodas to find your favorite version of this adaptable Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken recipe.

How many sandwiches does Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken make?

This recipe yields approximately 8 generous sandwiches with 2.5-3 pounds of chicken. Each person typically eats 1/3 to 1/2 pound of cooked chicken. For larger crowds, simply scale the recipe it doubles and triples perfectly. If serving as a main dish over rice or in bowls, this serves 6-8 people. Adjust quantities based on your guests’ appetites and what sides you’re serving with your versatile Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken.

Can I make Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken ahead for a party?

Definitely! Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken is ideal for make-ahead entertaining. Cook 1-2 days before your event, cool completely, and refrigerate in airtight containers. Reheat in a crockpot on LOW for 2-3 hours or on the stovetop over medium-low heat until steaming hot. The flavors actually improve overnight. Keep warm in a crockpot on WARM setting during parties for easy self-serve. This allows you to be a relaxed host with your convenient Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken.

Conclusion

Plug in your crockpot and make this incredible Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken tonight your family will request it weekly once they taste this sweet-smoky perfection! From cozy family dinners to vibrant game day gatherings, this recipe is crafted to make every meal feel like a special occasion. Whether you’re an experienced cook or just getting started, this easy-to-follow Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken helps you enjoy the process and savor every bite.

If you found this recipe helpful, we encourage you to share it with your network or save it for future use.                                                                    

We’d be delighted to see your unique creations feel free to share your photos with us pinterest

Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken 5 Amazing Steps To Ultimate Crockpot Perfection

---

• Author: Simon
• Total Time: 370
• Yield: 8 sandwiches (6-8 servings) 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

This Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken features tender, juicy chicken slow-cooked in cherry cola and BBQ sauce for incredible sweet-smoky flavor. Perfect for sandwiches with just 10 minutes of prep!

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

**For the Chicken:**

2.5–3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

**For the Cherry Cola Sauce:**

1 can (12 oz) cherry cola (regular, not diet)

1 1/2 cups BBQ sauce

1/4 cup brown sugar

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke (optional)

**For Serving:**

8 hamburger buns or sandwich rolls

Coleslaw for topping

Pickles

Sliced red onion

Extra BBQ sauce

---

Instructions

1. Pat chicken breasts or thighs completely dry with paper towels. Trim any excess fat.

2. Season chicken on all sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Pat seasonings into meat.

3. In medium bowl, whisk together cherry cola, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and liquid smoke if using.

4. Place seasoned chicken in bottom of 6-quart crockpot in single layer.

5. Pour cherry cola sauce mixture over chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated.

6. Cover with lid and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours until chicken reaches 165°F and shreds easily.

7. Remove chicken pieces from crockpot and place in large bowl.

8. Using two forks, shred chicken into bite-sized pieces. Discard any fat or gristle.

9. Return shredded chicken to crockpot and stir to coat thoroughly with sauce.

10. If sauce is too thin, cook uncovered on HIGH for 15-20 minutes to reduce and thicken.

11. Taste and adjust seasonings with more BBQ sauce, brown sugar, or vinegar as desired.

12. Toast hamburger buns and pile generously with Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken.

13. Top with coleslaw, pickles, red onion, and extra BBQ sauce as desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

Chicken thighs are more forgiving and stay moister than breasts—use for foolproof results.

Don’t lift crockpot lid during cooking—each peek adds 15-20 minutes to cook time.

Cook until chicken reaches 190-200°F for easiest shredding (beyond safe 165°F).

Chicken should pull apart effortlessly when done—if still rubbery, cook 30-60 minutes longer.

Store leftovers refrigerated up to 4 days. Flavors improve overnight.

Freeze up to 3 months in airtight containers or freezer bags.

Can use regular Coca-Cola, Dr Pepper, or root beer instead of cherry cola.

For less sweet version, reduce brown sugar or use diet cola.

Add chipotle peppers for spicy variation.

Works perfectly in Instant Pot: HIGH pressure 15 min (breasts) or 20 min (thighs), natural release 10 min.

Recipe serves 6-8 people or makes 8 generous sandwiches.

Can be made 1-2 days ahead and reheated for parties.

Keep warm in crockpot on WARM setting for self-serve gatherings.

• Prep Time: 10
• Cook Time: 360
• Category: Main Course/Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooker/Crockpot
• Cuisine: American/BBQ

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 sandwich
• Calories: 385
• Sugar: 24g
• Sodium: 890mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 35g
• Cholesterol: 95mg

Keywords: cherry cola pulled chicken, crockpot pulled chicken, slow cooker chicken, BBQ chicken sandwich, easy chicken recipe