If you’re craving a dish that’s effortlessly bold, sweetly smoky, and brimming with Southern charm, look no further than Slow-Cooker Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken. This playful take on traditional pulled chicken lets your slow-cooker do the heavy lifting, infusing juicy chicken with the nostalgic flavors of cherry cola and zesty chipotle. Whether you’re piling it onto sliders, rolling it up in enchiladas, or sneaking forkfuls straight from the slow-cooker, this recipe is guaranteed to surprise and delight. It’s a deeply flavorful crowd-pleaser you’ll want to make over and over, perfect for meal-prep, parties, or the coziest of weeknights.

Slow-Cooker Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This ingredient list might look simple, but each item has a valuable role in crafting the ultimate Slow-Cooker Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken. The balance of sweet, smoky, and spicy is what makes this dish such a standout, and you’ll find every component delivers distinctive flavor or texture.

Boneless frozen chicken: A mix of breast and thigh adds just the right balance of juicy tenderness and hearty texture.
Chopped onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and classic depth to the finished pulled chicken.
Canned chopped green chiles: For a welcome pop of mild heat and Southwestern flair.
Zevia Cherry Cola: This zero-sugar soda brings a blast of cherry brightness and caramelized sweetness that sets this dish apart.
Garlic powder: Brings a savory foundation and gentle warmth.
Smoked paprika: Deepens the smoky barbecue notes and enhances the sunset hue of the chicken.
Chipotle in adobo sauce (no peppers): Adds a kick of smoky heat and a touch of richness—perfect for complexity without overwhelming spice.
Frozen peaches: A touch of juicy fruitiness, these melt into the sauce and help tenderize the chicken with their delicate sweetness.
BBQ sauce (optional, after cooking): For extra sticky-sweet flavor, especially if you love classic barbecue sandwiches.

How to Make Slow-Cooker Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken

Step 1: Prep the Slow Cooker

Start by setting your slow-cooker to the low setting for an 8 to 10 hour cook. Give the inside a generous sweep of cooking spray—this keeps everything from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze later on.

Step 2: Layer the Aromatics

Scatter the chopped onion and green chiles in the bottom of your slow-cooker. This bottom layer provides a flavorful base as the chicken cooks, soaking up and redistributing those delicious juices.

Step 3: Arrange the Chicken and Seasonings

Place your frozen boneless chicken (a combo of breast and thigh is best, but any mix you love will work) on top of the aromatics. Sprinkle the garlic powder and smoked paprika evenly over the chicken, then spoon in the chipotle in adobo sauce. These seasonings will anchor the bold flavor profile we’re after.

Step 4: Pour and Top

Gently pour the can of Zevia Cherry Cola over everything, letting it settle around the chicken and mingle with the spices. Top with those frozen peaches—their flavor will dance through every bite, balancing the smoky spice with natural sweetness.

Step 5: Cook Low and Slow

Pop the lid on your slow-cooker and let the magic happen. Eight to ten hours on low is perfect; the chicken will become gorgeously tender, and the flavors will marry in the most irresistible way.

Step 6: Finish and Shred

Once the Slow-Cooker Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken is fork-tender, carefully ladle out about 1 to 1.5 cups of the cooking liquid—this prevents the sauce from becoming too watery. Shred the chicken directly in the pot with tongs or forks. You’ll find it falls apart with almost no effort! If you’d like extra sauciness, stir in a bit of your favorite BBQ sauce.

How to Serve Slow-Cooker Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken

Garnishes

For a dish as fun as Slow-Cooker Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken, don’t hold back with fresh garnishes! Try a sprinkle of chopped cilantro, fresh sliced jalapeños, or quick-pickled onions for color and crunch. A squeeze of lime brightens everything and a dusting of extra smoked paprika ups the smoky factor.

Side Dishes

This pulled chicken is a natural partner to so many side dishes. Serve it alongside tangy coleslaw, creamy mac and cheese, or roasted sweet potatoes for a comfort food feast. Even a simple green salad or classic cornbread can round out your table and let the chicken shine.

Creative Ways to Present

Think beyond sliders! Stuff your Slow-Cooker Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken into tacos or enchiladas, pile it onto loaded baked potatoes, or nestle it into tostadas for a flavor-packed spin on taco night. It’s also irresistible cold in chicken salad, wrapped up in tortillas for a fresh picnic lunch, or even tossed over a crisp bed of greens.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover pulled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavor actually deepens as it sits, so don’t be surprised if tomorrow’s lunch tastes even better! Just be sure to let the chicken cool before sealing it up.

Freezing

Slow-Cooker Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken is absolutely freezer-friendly! Portion cooled chicken into resealable freezer bags or freezer-safe containers. Label and date, then stash them in your freezer for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for easy meal prep.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or reserved cooking liquid if needed to keep things juicy. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, covered, until hot. Stir well to distribute the sauce and flavors evenly.

FAQs

Can I use fresh chicken instead of frozen?

Absolutely! If you’re using fresh boneless chicken, simply reduce the cooking time by about 1 to 2 hours. Just keep an eye on it for perfect tenderness.

Is Zevia Cherry Cola required, or can I substitute another cherry cola?

You can use any cherry cola you like—diet, regular, or naturally sweetened. Zevia is a great option for a lighter, no-sugar approach, but the recipe is flexible if you use what you have on hand.

How spicy does the chipotle in adobo make the chicken?

The chipotle in adobo adds a gentle, smoky heat rather than overwhelming spice. If you prefer a milder dish, start with half the amount and adjust to your taste next time.

What’s the best way to shred the chicken for Slow-Cooker Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken?

Once the chicken is cooked, use two forks or a pair of tongs to shred it right in the slow-cooker. It should fall apart effortlessly after cooking on low all day.

Can I double the recipe for a larger group?

Definitely! Just make sure your slow-cooker is large enough to accommodate extra chicken and ingredients, and you may need to add a bit more cooking time if it’s very full.

Final Thoughts

It’s always a joy to share a dish that’s as fuss-free yet flavorful as Slow-Cooker Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself to some meal-prep magic, this recipe never disappoints. Give it a try—your future self (and any lucky guests) will thank you!