Easy Weeknight Dinner Under Budget: Crockpot Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken

Some nights I just need dinner to basically make itself, and that’s exactly where this Crockpot Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken comes in. It’s one of those recipes I keep coming back to because it checks all the boxes: super easy, kid-approved, and won’t wreck our weekly grocery budget. Plus, the flavor? Oh my goodness. The combo of cherry cola, honey BBQ sauce, and a little bit of cherry juice makes it so saucy and tender, it just falls apart with a fork.

I love throwing this together on a busy weekday morning before the school rush kicks in. Just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do its thing while you’re off doing everything else. By dinnertime, the whole house smells amazing and all you have to do is shred the chicken and pile it high on soft buns. Sometimes I’ll add a little side salad or some roasted veggies if I’m feelin’ fancy, but honestly, it’s totally satisfying on its own.

And the best part? My kids actually eat it. No complaints, no bargaining bites. It’s rare to find a meal that everyone in the house is excited about. This one always gets requested again. It’s such a lifesaver on those hectic evenings when you just can’t deal with a complicated meal or the cleanup that usually comes with it.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts: I usually go with boneless, skinless chicken breasts to keep things simple and lean, but thighs would work great too if that’s what you have on hand.

• 1 teaspoon garlic salt: Garlic salt gives the chicken a savory base flavor without having to fuss with fresh garlic or separate seasonings.

• 1 teaspoon onion powder: Onion powder adds just the right touch of sweet, mellow onion flavor that blends so well into the sauce.

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Smoked paprika brings a hint of smoky depth that really takes this pulled chicken to the next level.

• 1 cup honey bbq sauce: The honey BBQ sauce adds a sweet and tangy kick that helps balance out the richness of the cola.

• 1 cup cherry cola: I know it sounds a little different, but the cherry cola tenderizes the chicken and gives the sauce that perfect sweet-and-savory flavor.

• 2 tablespoon maraschino cherry juice: A splash of maraschino cherry juice adds an extra layer of fruity sweetness, plus I always have a jar in the fridge for topping sundaes!

Recipe Instructions

You can find a printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

1. Place your chicken into the bottom of your slow cooker.

2. Sprinkle the garlic salt, onion powder and paprika all over the chicken.

3. In a small bowl whisk together the bbq sauce, cherry cola and cherry juice.

4. Pour over the chicken breasts.

5. Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 6 hours.

6. Remove half of the cooking liquid from the slow cooker.

7. Shred the chicken with 2 forks.

8. Pile on buns and serve!

Top Tips

• Don’t skip the cherry cola: It might sound unusual, but it adds so much flavor and helps the chicken stay super tender.

• Use chicken thighs for extra richness: Boneless thighs work just as well and add a bit more moisture and flavor.

• Make it ahead: You can shred the chicken and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days, just reheat and pile on buns when you’re ready.

• Add a little heat: If your family likes a bit of spice, toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.

• Toast your buns: Lightly toasting the sandwich buns gives them a little crunch and helps them hold up to the saucy chicken.

• Great for leftovers: Use any extra chicken in wraps, quesadillas, or over baked potatoes for a second easy meal.

• Drain before shredding: Removing some of the liquid before shredding keeps the chicken from getting too soupy.

• Double it for a crowd: This recipe easily doubles if you’re feeding a larger group or want leftovers for lunches.

My Favorite Ways to Enjoy Crockpot Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken

• Piled high on brioche buns: Soft, slightly sweet buns are perfect for soaking up all that saucy goodness.

• Stuffed into baked potatoes: Such a cozy meal, just add a little shredded cheese and green onions on top.

• Wrapped in tortillas: Turn it into easy BBQ chicken wraps with a bit of coleslaw or lettuce for crunch.

• Over a bed of rice or quinoa: A great gluten-free option that turns it into a hearty bowl meal.

• With a side of coleslaw: The cool, creamy crunch pairs perfectly with the sweet and smoky pulled chicken.

• Topped with pickles: Sounds simple, but the tang of dill pickles really balances the sweet BBQ flavor.

• Made into sliders: Perfect for game day or parties, just use slider buns and serve a tray of them.

• On a pizza crust: Spread it over a prepared pizza base, sprinkle with cheese, and bake for a fun BBQ chicken pizza twist.

FAQs

Can I use diet cherry cola?
Yes, you can! The flavor will still be good, but it may be slightly less sweet. If you’re using diet, make sure your BBQ sauce has a little sweetness to balance it out.

What can I use instead of cherry cola?
Regular cola or Dr. Pepper works in a pinch, but the cherry flavor really adds something special. You can also try mixing cola with a splash of cherry juice if that’s what you have.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Definitely! You can cook and shred the chicken, then store it in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 2 months.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes! Let the pulled chicken cool completely, then freeze it in an airtight container. Just thaw and reheat when you’re ready to use it.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave with a splash of extra BBQ sauce or broth to keep it moist.

Can I cook this on the stovetop or in the oven instead?
This recipe is designed for the slow cooker, but you could simmer it gently on the stove for about an hour, or bake it covered at 300°F until the chicken is tender enough to shred.

What kind of BBQ sauce works best?
Honey BBQ sauce works great for that sweet, sticky flavor, but any style will do. Just use one your family already loves!