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    Home » Dinner

    Crock Pot Dr. Pepper Chicken

    August 25, 2022 by Ryan Allen Leave a Comment

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    If you love Dr. Pepper, try this Crock Pot Dr. Pepper Chicken recipe! This dish is easy to make with the help of your slow cooker, and it's packed with sweet and savory flavors! Serve this shredded chicken sandwich on a bun with your favorite toppings!

    Pin This Shredded Chicken Recipe For Later!

    Close up of Crock Pot Dr. Pepper Chicken on a potato bun with fries in the background.

    The flavor of Dr. Pepper is uniquely delicious. Dr. Pepper is a soft drink that was first introduced in 1885. It's made with a blend of 23 different flavors, including vanilla, cherry, and orange.

    This slow cooker Dr. Pepper chicken recipe is an easy way to enjoy the flavor of Dr. Pepper in a hearty dish! The chicken slowly cooks in a mixture of Dr. Pepper, barbecue sauce, and simple spices. The result is tender, juicy chicken that's fork tender and packed with flavor!

    Enjoy this chicken served on a bun with your favorite toppings, or serve over rice, a green salad, or roasted vegetables. No matter how you enjoy it, this Dr. Pepper chicken will be a favorite recipe in no time!

    Why You’ll Love This Recipe

    • The ingredients are simple and can be found in any grocery store.
    • The combination of ingredients makes the chicken sweet, savory and smoky.
    • You can serve it in a variety of different ways.
    • Great for a quick and easy weeknight protein!

    Ingredients You’ll Need

    • Chicken Breast - This high-protein meat soaks in the flavors of the sauce, providing a delicious pulled chicken.
    • Dr. Pepper - This soda gives the chicken a sweet and fruity flavor and helps tenderize the chicken so it shreds easily.
    • BBQ Sauce - Adds additional sweet and smoky notes that pair well with the unique flavor of Dr. Pepper.
    • Minced Garlic - Adds a bold kick of garlic flavor to the chicken.
    • Dried Seasonings - A mix of ground black pepper and onion powder further enhance the flavor of the chicken.

    How To Make Dr. Pepper Chicken In The Crock Pot

    Assemble the sauce: In a 6-quart slow cooker, add Dr. pepper, BBQ sauce, onion powder, garlic, and black pepper. Then, whisk until fully combined.

    Marinate the chicken: Add the chicken breast to the slow cooker and toss until it's completely coated in the sauce.

    Slow cook the chicken: Cover with the lid and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 2½-3½ hours.

    Shred and serve: Once the chicken is finished cooking, remove and shred it with two forks. Add it back to the crock pot and coat it in the sauce. Serve on a bun with your favorite toppings!

    Close up of Dr. Pepper chicken being held by tongues over a slow cooker of shredded chicken.

    Recipe Tips

    • Before you add the chicken to the crock pot, make sure you trim any excess fat off of the meat. This will help keep the dish healthy and low in calories.
    • There are many ways you can shred the chicken after it's cooked. Try using a stand mixer, hand mixer, or even a food processor!
    • If you want to make this recipe ahead of time, you can marinate the chicken in the sauce overnight. Just store it in the fridge until you're ready to cook it.
    • Make sure you don't overcook the chicken, or it will become dry. The best way to test if it's done is to use a meat thermometer. The chicken should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
    • Instead of putting the chicken on the bun, try serving it over a bed of rice, quinoa, or roasted vegetables.
    • To add a kick of spice, try adding a teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the sauce.

    Variations

    • Feel free to experiment with different types of BBQ sauce! You can use a store-bought variety or even make your own homemade sauce.
    • If you want a little extra flavor, try adding bacon to the crock pot while cooking the chicken.
    • Instead of chicken breast, try using chicken thighs for a richer flavor. Just be sure to trim any excess fat before cooking.
    • Don't enjoy Dr. Pepper? Try using other types of soda, including Coca-Cola, Sprite, or root beer!
    Crock Pot Dr. Pepper shredded chicken on a bun with fries in the background.

    Storing & Freezing

    Storing: Cooked chicken can be properly stored in the fridge in an airtight container for up to four days.

    Freezing: This recipe can also be frozen for up to four months. To freeze, place the shredded chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw it overnight in the fridge when you're ready to eat it.

    Reheating: Chicken can be reheated on the stove, in the microwave, or even in the crock pot. Just be sure to heat it until it's steaming hot all the way through.

    FAQ

    What does Dr. Pepper taste like?

    Dr. Pepper is a carbonated soft drink that has a unique flavor. It's often described as being a mix of cherry, plum, and orange flavors with a hint of vanilla and spice.

    What's the best type of BBQ sauce to use for Dr. Pepper chicken?

    A sweet BBQ sauce will yield the best flavor because it will complement the sweetness of Dr. Pepper. However, feel free to experiment with different types of sauce to find your favorite!

    How can I make this recipe healthier?

    To make this recipe healthier, you can use skinless chicken breast and trim any excess fat off before cooking. You can also lighten up the sauce by using a sugar-free BBQ sauce.

    Dr. Pepper shredded chicken in a bowl with fries and hamburger buns to the side.

    More Crock Pot Chicken Recipes

    • Slow Cooker General Tso Chicken
    • Crock Pot Hawaiian Chicken
    • Crock Pot Crack Chicken
    • Easy Crock Pot Chicken Fajitas
    • Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken Tacos

    Share It & Rate It

    I would love it if you would leave a 5 Star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating below. Then follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest!

    Close up of Crock Pot Dr. Pepper Chicken on a potato bun with fries in the background.

    Crock Pot Dr Pepper Chicken

    If you love Dr. Pepper, try this Crock Pot Dr. Pepper Chicken recipe! This dish is easy to make with the help of your slow cooker, and it's packed with sweet and savory flavors! Serve this shredded chicken sandwich on a bun with your favorite topping
    4.84 from 6 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 mins
    Cook Time 3 hrs
    Total Time 3 hrs 5 mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine American
    Servings 8
    Calories 243 kcal

    Equipment

    • My Favorite Slow Cooker
    • Slow Cooker Liners

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
    • 1½ cups Dr. Pepper
    • 1½ cups BBQ Sauce
    • ½ tsp onion powder
    • 3 tsp garlic (minced)
    • ½ tsp ground black pepper

    Instructions
     

    • In a 6-quart slow cooker add Dr. pepper, BBQ sauce, onion powder, garlic, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
    • Place chicken in sauce and completely coat.
    • Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 2½-3½ hours.
    • Shred chicken with two forks in the slow cookers and then mix into the sauce.
    • Serve on your favorite buns and enjoy!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 243kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 25gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 73mgSodium: 692mgPotassium: 551mgFiber: 1gSugar: 23gVitamin A: 155IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 26mgIron: 1mg

    *All nutrition information provided is automatically calculated and is an estimate and will vary based on ingredients, brands, and changes in cooking methods listed in the recipe. If you need exact numbers on your ingredients, I would recommend calculating them with your prefered nutrition calculator.

    Keyword Crock Pot Dr. Pepper Chicken, Shredded Chicken, Shredded Chicken Sandwiches, Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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    Hi, I'm Ryan. Welcome to Slow Cooker Meals. I have created tasty Crock-Pot meals that your family will love. New recipes are posted weekly to help you get out of that dinner rut.

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