Introduction

Remember those summer barbecues, the sweet smell of grilling, and the absolute joy of a perfectly pulled chicken sandwich? Well, get ready to relive those memories (or create brand new ones!) because we’re whipping up some Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken Sandwiches that are so easy, so flavorful, and so darn good, you’ll wonder why you haven’t made them sooner. This recipe is an absolute game-changer for busy weeknights, casual get-togethers, or even just a cozy meal for yourself. It’s that good!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fast: While it cooks low and slow, the prep time is practically non-existent!
Easy: Seriously, your slow cooker does all the heavy lifting.
Giftable: Make a big batch and freeze portions for future quick meals – perfect for new parents or busy friends!
Crowd-pleasing: Picky eaters and flavor adventurers alike will devour these. The sweet and smoky sauce is irresistible!

Ingredients

Gather ’round, because here’s what you’ll need for these flavor-packed sandwiches:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The stars of our show! Boneless and skinless makes shredding a breeze.
1 teaspoon garlic salt: For that savory, garlicky punch.
1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.
1 teaspoon smoked paprika: This is where the magic happens for that smoky, slightly sweet, and beautiful color.
1 cup honey BBQ sauce: Choose your favorite brand! It’s the sweet and tangy foundation of our sauce.
1 cup cherry cola: Yes, you read that right! The cola tenderizes the chicken and adds a unique sweet and slightly fruity note that’s surprisingly delicious.
2 tablespoons maraschino cherry juice: This little secret ingredient adds a gorgeous pink hue and an extra burst of cherry sweetness. Don’t skip it!

How to Make It

Alright, let’s get cooking! This is where the magic happens with minimal effort on your part.

Prep your slow cooker: Grab your trusty slow cooker. No need to grease it, just place your chicken breasts right in the bottom.
Season generously: Now, sprinkle those chicken breasts evenly with the garlic salt, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Make sure they’re well-coated for maximum flavor.
Sauce it up: Pour the entire cup of honey BBQ sauce right over the chicken. Then, pour in the cherry cola. It might seem like a lot of liquid, but it’s going to create the most tender, flavorful sauce.
Add that cherry kiss: Finally, drizzle in the maraschino cherry juice. It’s the secret touch that elevates these sandwiches to a whole new level of deliciousness.
Slow cook to perfection: Cover your slow cooker and set it to low for 6-8 hours, or to high for 3-4 hours. You want the chicken to be completely cooked through and super tender – so tender it practically falls apart. My slow cooker tends to run a little hot, so I usually opt for the lower setting to be safe!
Shredding time: Once the chicken is done, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and place them on a plate or cutting board. Grab two forks and get ready to shred! It’s so satisfying to pull it apart.
Sauce it again: Return the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker. Give it a good stir to make sure all that delicious, syrupy sauce coats every single shred.
Serve and enjoy: Ladle generous portions of this mouthwatering pulled chicken onto your favorite sandwich buns. Pile them high!

Substitutions & Additions

Feeling adventurous? Want to tweak it a bit? Here are some fun ideas!

Cola alternatives: Don’t have cherry cola? Regular cola will work in a pinch, but you’ll miss a bit of that signature flavor. Some folks have even had success with Dr. Pepper!
BBQ sauce variations: Feel free to use your favorite BBQ sauce. A spicier one can add a nice kick, or a vinegar-based one will give it a tangier profile.
Spice it up: For a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the slow cooker.
Fruity additions: Some people love adding a handful of fresh or frozen cherries towards the end of the cooking time for an extra burst of fruity goodness.
Onion lovers: If you love onions, you can add a sliced yellow or red onion to the slow cooker with the chicken.

Tips for Success

A few little tricks to make sure your Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken is absolutely perfect every time:

Don’t overcook: While slow cookers are forgiving, you still want to check the chicken periodically, especially if you’re on the high setting. Overcooked chicken can become dry, even in sauce.
Shredding trick: For even easier shredding, you can transfer the cooked chicken to a stand mixer with the paddle attachment and let it do the work for you! Just a few pulses and you’ll have perfectly shredded chicken.
Prep ahead: This recipe is perfect for making a big batch on the weekend and enjoying it throughout the week. It freezes beautifully!
Sauce consistency: If you find the sauce a little too thin after shredding, you can remove the lid and cook on high for the last 30-60 minutes to let it thicken up a bit.

How to Store It

Leftovers are a good thing with this recipe! Once cooled, store your Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze portions for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this in an Instant Pot?: A: Absolutely! You can likely achieve a similar result in an Instant Pot on the “poultry” or “manual” setting. I’d recommend starting with about 10-12 minutes on high pressure, followed by a natural release of about 10 minutes.
Q: What kind of buns are best?: A: Brioche buns are fantastic because their slight sweetness complements the chicken sauce. However, classic hamburger buns, potato rolls, or even Kaiser rolls are all delicious choices!
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?: A: Yes, chicken thighs are a great option and often even more tender and flavorful than breasts. You might need to adjust the cooking time slightly, but the result will be wonderfully moist pulled chicken.

Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken Sandwiches

Print Recipe

Easy, flavorful pulled chicken sandwiches made in a slow cooker with cherry cola and BBQ sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 8 sandwiches
: Lara

Ingredients

Scale

Main ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 teaspoon garlic salt
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 cup honey BBQ sauce (choose your favorite brand)
1 cup cherry cola (or regular cola, or Dr. Pepper)
2 tablespoons maraschino cherry juice (secret ingredient for color and sweetness)
0 sandwich buns (brioche, hamburger, potato rolls, or Kaiser rolls)

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Instructions

Prep your slow cooker: Grab your trusty slow cooker. No need to grease it, just place your chicken breasts right in the bottom.
Season generously: Now, sprinkle those chicken breasts evenly with the garlic salt, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Make sure they’re well-coated for maximum flavor.
Sauce it up: Pour the entire cup of honey BBQ sauce right over the chicken. Then, pour in the cherry cola. It might seem like a lot of liquid, but it’s going to create the most tender, flavorful sauce.
Add that cherry kiss: Finally, drizzle in the maraschino cherry juice. It’s the secret touch that elevates these sandwiches to a whole new level of deliciousness.
Slow cook to perfection: Cover your slow cooker and set it to low for 6-8 hours, or to high for 3-4 hours. You want the chicken to be completely cooked through and super tender – so tender it practically falls apart. My slow cooker tends to run a little hot, so I usually opt for the lower setting to be safe!
Shredding time: Once the chicken is done, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and place them on a plate or cutting board. Grab two forks and get ready to shred! It’s so satisfying to pull it apart.
Sauce it again: Return the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker. Give it a good stir to make sure all that delicious, syrupy sauce coats every single shred.
Serve and enjoy: Ladle generous portions of this mouthwatering pulled chicken onto your favorite sandwich buns. Pile them high!

Notes

For easier shredding, use a stand mixer with the paddle attachment. If the sauce is too thin after shredding, remove the lid and cook on high for the last 30-60 minutes to thicken.