Pulled Chicken Dutch Oven

Get ready to savor the simplicity and incredible flavor of this Pulled Chicken Dutch Oven recipe. Perfect for meal prep or whether you're craving low carb chicken tacos, a protein-packed salad, or a comforting bowl of soup, this pulled chicken recipe is your go-to solution.

this recipe

• Flavorful and tender chicken: The Dutch oven allows for slow cooking, which helps to infuse the chicken with delicious flavors and ensures it becomes incredibly tender and juicy.
• Easy preparation: This recipe is simple to prepare, requiring just a few ingredients and minimal effort. Once everything is assembled in the Dutch oven, you can let it simmer and do its magic while you attend to other tasks.
• Versatility: Dutch oven pulled chicken is a versatile dish that can be used in various ways. You can enjoy it as a standalone main course, use it to make sandwiches, tacos, wraps, or even add it to salads. The possibilities are endless!
• Crowd-pleasing: Whether you're hosting a gathering or simply cooking for your family, pulled chicken is a dish that tends to be loved by all. It's a comforting and satisfying meal that appeals to a wide range of palates.
• Leftover potential: great for meal prep, they can be stored and reheated easily. Pulled chicken tends to develop even more flavor as it sits, making it an excellent option for meal prepping or enjoying on subsequent days.

• Chicken Breasts: we used boneless skinless chicken breasts in this recipe because they are lean, tender, and versatile, making them ideal for slow cooking in a Dutch oven while maintaining their moistness and absorbing the delicious flavors of the dish.
• Chicken Broth: used in this recipe to add depth, richness, and savory notes to the dish. It enhances the overall flavor profile of the pulled chicken, ensuring a delicious and well-seasoned result. Additionally, the broth helps to keep the chicken moist during the slow cooking process, contributing to its tender and juicy texture. Can also use chicken stock.
• Salt and Pepper

See the recipe card for quantities.

Steps by step instructions

How to make the pulled chicken in the Dutch oven?

STEP 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Evenly place the chicken breasts in the Dutch oven. Whisk together the chicken broth with the salt and pepper then pour over the chicken breasts.

STEP 2: Cover the dutch oven with its lid and transfer to the preheated oven. Allow the chicken to cook in the oven for 45 minutes or until it becomes tender and is easy to shred.

STEP 3: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the Dutch oven and transfer it to a bowl or a plate. Shred the chicken either with two forks or use a hand mixer in a bowl to easily shred the chicken quickly.

• STEP 4: remove half of the broth in the Dutch oven and then transfer the shredded chicken back into the Dutch oven, mixing it with the remaining liquid. Season to taste if required.

STEP 5: Use the chicken for tacos, salads, soups, sandwiches or wraps. Store in an airtight container in the fridge and use as needed.

Other chicken recipes you might enjoy

• Low Carb Chicken Fajitas
• Keto Crispy Chicken Thighs
• Sheet Pan Chicken with Veggies
• BBQ Air Fried Bacon Wrapped Chicken Skewers
• Keto Crack Chicken
• 5 Ingredient Chicken Salad Recipe

Recipe tips

Here are two tips to make the best pulled chicken Dutch oven ever:

• Customizable seasoning: Since this pulled chicken Dutch oven recipe uses minimal seasonings like salt and pepper, it provides a blank canvas for you to personalize the flavors. Feel free to adjust the seasoning according to your preferences and the specific dishes you plan to create using the pulled chicken. Whether you prefer it spicy, smoky, or herb-infused, you have the freedom to tailor the seasoning to suit your culinary desires.
• Let it rest and absorb: After cooking the chicken, let it rest in the Dutch oven for a few minutes before shredding and serving. This allows the chicken to absorb the flavors of the cooking liquid and distribute them evenly throughout the meat. The resting period also helps the chicken retain its moisture and juiciness, ensuring a more flavorful and enjoyable eating experience.

By following these tips, you'll enhance the tenderness, flavor, and overall quality of your pulled chicken prepared in a Dutch oven.

Storage

To store any leftover shredded chicken, follow these steps:

1. Allow the pulled chicken to cool down to room temperature.
2. Transfer the chicken to an airtight container or resealable plastic bags.
3. Press down gently to remove any excess air from the container or bags, as this helps to maintain the quality of the chicken.
4. Seal the container or bags tightly.
5. Label the container or bags with the date of storage for easy reference.
6. Place the container or bags in the refrigerator.

Stored properly, the pulled chicken can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. If you need to store it for longer, you can freeze it for up to 2-3 months. When freezing, ensure that the chicken is in an airtight container or freezer bag to prevent freezer burn.

Remember to thaw frozen pulled chicken in the refrigerator before reheating or using it in recipes. It is best to consume the pulled chicken within a day or two after reheating it to maintain its quality and flavor.

By following these storage guidelines, you can safely keep the pulled chicken for future use and enjoy it again whenever you desire.

• Pulled BBQ Chicken Sandwiches: Pile the pulled chicken onto your favorite low-carb bread or buns, add some sugar-free barbecue sauce or coleslaw, and enjoy a delicious pulled chicken sandwich.
• Pulled Chicken Tacos: Fill soft low carb tortillas with pulled chicken, and top it with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, salsa, avocado, and cilantro for a tasty taco treat. Or use this Cheese Taco Shell recipe for the tacos.
• Pulled Chicken Salad: Combine the pulled chicken with crisp lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and your choice of dressing for a refreshing and satisfying salad.
• Pulled Chicken Quesadillas: Spread the pulled chicken between low-carb tortillas with a layer of cheese, and grill or pan-fry until the cheese melts, creating a gooey and flavorful quesadilla.
• Pulled Chicken Pizza: Use the pulled chicken as a topping on pizza, along with your favorite sauce, cheese, and other toppings like bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms, for a unique and delicious pizza creation. Use this zero carb pizza crust recipe.