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Homemade Brown Sugar Pulled Chicken photo

Brown Sugar Pulled Chicken

Tender, sweet-savory pulled chicken made with a brown sugar glaze, adaptable for Instant Pot or slow cooker.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 40 minutes
Servings 6 servings

Equipment

  • Instant Pot (6-qt) or 6-qt slow cooker
  • Mixing Bowls
  • Small saucepan
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Two forks for shredding

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds chicken thighs boneless, skinless
  • 1 cup water divided (1/2 cup + 1/2 cup)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
  • 1 teaspoon oregano dried
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar packed
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce low sodium
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry and place them in the Instant Pot or slow cooker.
  • Mix basic seasoning: In a small bowl combine 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, 1 teaspoon dried oregano and 1/2 cup water; pour over the chicken and toss to coat.
  • If using Instant Pot: Close the lid and set to Manual/High for 8 minutes, then perform a quick/manual pressure release; remove chicken to a bowl and reserve juices.
  • If using slow cooker: Cook on high for 2½ hours, then continue with the glaze step below and cook an additional hour on low.
  • Make the glaze: In a small saucepan combine the remaining 1/2 cup water, 1/2 cup packed brown sugar, 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce, 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar and 1 tablespoon cornstarch; heat over medium, stirring, until it boils and begins to thicken.
  • Combine chicken and glaze: Pour the hot glaze over the cooked chicken (in the slow cooker) or toss the shredded chicken with some reserved Instant Pot juices and glaze; mix thoroughly so chicken is well coated.
  • Shred the chicken: Transfer chicken to a bowl and shred with two forks, then toss with sauce and let rest a couple minutes to absorb the flavors.
  • Serve: Serve warm, for example on buns with coleslaw if desired.

Notes

  • Do not use frozen chicken in the slow cooker for food-safety reasons.
  • Chicken thighs yield juicier, more flavorful results than breasts.
  • Use low-sodium, high-quality soy sauce to better control saltiness.
  • For a smoky boost, add 1 teaspoon liquid smoke if desired.