Slow Cooker Chipotle Tomato Pulled Chicken
Tender pulled chicken in a smoky tomato-pepper sauce that stays silky and juicy from kitchen to party table. It is colorful, crowd-friendly, and easy to spoon into tortillas, offering a lighter slow-cooked option that still feels abundant and celebratory.
Ingredients
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boneless skinless chicken thighs1.5 lb $6.99/lb
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yellow onion, sliced1 medium $1.49
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fresh tomatoes, chopped2 to 3 $2.99
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orange bell pepper, sliced1 $2.00
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garlic, minced3 cloves $1.50
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lime1 $1.50
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cilantro, chopped1/3 bunch $2.50
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chipotle in adobo, chopped1 to 2 teaspoons
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ground cumin1 teaspoon
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smoked paprika1 teaspoon
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kosher salt1 1/4 teaspoons
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black pepper1/2 teaspoon
Instructions
- Add the sliced onion, chopped tomatoes, sliced bell pepper, and minced garlic to the slow cooker.
- Season the chicken thighs with chipotle, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, then place them on top of the vegetables.
- Cover and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours, until the chicken is very tender.
- Shred the chicken directly in the cooker and stir it into the sauce.
- If you want a thicker sauce, transfer the liquid to a saucepan and simmer on the stove for several minutes, then stir it back into the chicken.
- Finish with lime juice and chopped cilantro just before serving or packing for transport.
Cook time: 5-6 hours slow cooker
Estimated cost: $14-18
Health notes: Serves 4. Approx. 360-440 calories per serving.
Drink pairing: Sauvignon Blanc, Mexican lager, or sparkling agua fresca.