Chicken/ Recipes

Crock Pot Pulled Chicken

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A recipe! I actually posted a recipe! Granted, it’s an old recipe but it’s still a recipe.

Before anyone starts hoot and hollerin’ about a re-post of an older recipe, give me a chance to explain myself. I posted the original recipe for this AMAZING barbecue pulled chicken back in 2010. The photos were lame and it followed a weird format since it was right after I switched from posting about our day to day life to more recipes. Plus, 2010. Long time ago. And with football season starting soon I thought it would be a great recipe to share again. In case you missed it the first time.

And yes, I know I’ve been a sorry excuse for a food blogger lately. I offer my only excuse:

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I’m just sort of going with the flow. My first priority is being a great mom to Grayson and I just feel really lucky that I get to stay home and do that full time. I don’t know how this blog will transition in the future but I’m just taking one day at a time. Obviously, your input is key here! What do you love and want to see more of? And less of?

I’ll be completely honest and transparent here and tell you a) that I had NO IDEA how all consuming or how wildly satisfying being a mom would be. No.idea. b) I’m feeling pretty uninspired in the kitchen right now. My days are filled with diaper changes, feedings, laundry and play dates. My mind hasn’t really been focused on food too much lately {except for the current late night canning bender I’m on. I wish I could share my pickles with you!}. I’m not going anywhere but that is just the season that I’m in right now and instead of resisting it, I’m choosing to embrace where I’m at.

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So anyway, barbecue chicken ingredients! I always have all these items on hand and Adam loves this dish so I make it fairly often! It’s so easy to just throw in the slow cooker before lunch and have a great dinner all set and ready!

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Yes, it involves browning the chicken on the stove pre-crock pot but it’s worth it! I know I’ll get questions as to whether or not you can make this with chicken breasts instead of thighs so I’ll say I’m sure you can, but I haven’t tried it. It’s just so great with chicken thighs that I don’t like to mess with a good thing. You know?

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My favorite part is the zesty homemade barbecue sauce that gets poured over the whole thing right before you turn the crock pot on. It’s just a blend of ketchup {lots of ketchup!}, brown sugar, cider vinegar, mustard and cayenne. It’s super addicting and delicious!

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Crock Pot Pulled Chicken

serves 4-6

Print this Recipe!

Ingredients:

1 and 1/2 lbs. skinned and deboned chicken thighs (use dark meat here for most flavor!)

1 T olive oil

1 cup ketchup

1/4 cup dark brown sugar

1 T Worcestershire sauce

1 T cider vinegar

1 T yellow mustard

1/4 tsp cayenne

1/2 tsp garlic salt

Directions:

Brown chicken for four minutes on each side in one tablespoon of hot oil in a large skillet over med-high heat. Remove from heat and place in a slow cooker.

Combine ketchup and next six ingredients. Pour over chicken.

Cover and cook on high for one hour. Reduce heat to low, and cook five to six hours.

Remove chicken from sauce and then shred it into a large bowl, using your hands. Stir shredded chicken into the sauce. Spoon mixture onto buns, serve over a salad, or coleslaw.

Time:

active time ~ 10 minutes

total time ~ 6 hours

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  • Laura @ SheEatsWell
    August 27, 2014 at 1:33 pm

    I have to admit, this is actually one of my favorite recipes of yours. I make this a lot and it’s a big hit with my Midwestern bf. I double the sauce ingredients – so good.

    As for your blog, I like all sorts of posts – I love reading about your life and baby! And I also like your recipes, of course….so, probably not the most helpful, but that’s my honest feedback.

  • Kelli
    August 27, 2014 at 1:34 pm

    I think it’s so great that you are just embracing the crazy, fun whirlwind that is motherhood. You’ll adjust to your new normal soon enough (for me, it was after my daughter turned one) and then you’ll feel like you can find some time for yourself! I’m sure no one expects what having a baby actually brings to their life, you can explain it to someone until you are blue in the face, but until a person actually experiences it they won’t understand! Enjoy it all and keep soaking it up! It will fly by!

  • emma
    August 27, 2014 at 1:36 pm

    He is darling! Kids are all consuming not the best possible way. 🙂

  • Whitney S
    August 27, 2014 at 1:48 pm

    Love the baby and day to day life posts! My son was born in June and its nice to read about what other new moms are going through!

  • CaitlinHTP
    August 27, 2014 at 1:49 pm

    I actually like the idea of you reposting and rephotographing your older recipes! So many good recipes just got lost to time. You should do this more often!

    • CaitlinHTP
      August 27, 2014 at 1:50 pm

      And I agree with the other poster who said you’ll adjust soon and be able to get more work done… It took me a good 5 – 6 months to feel like a normal person again.

    • jenna
      August 27, 2014 at 1:54 pm

      Thanks lady! Hope you’re doing well. Pregnancy looks awesome on you!

  • Amber
    August 27, 2014 at 2:04 pm

    Please share some of your canning recipes! Do you grow your own produce or buy from the farmer’s market?

    • jenna
      August 27, 2014 at 2:10 pm

      I’m actually working my way through an amazing cookbook called Canning for a new Generation! I highly recommend it. And I buy all my produce from farmers markets.

      • Jennifer
        August 28, 2014 at 8:54 am

        I would LOVE a canning tutorial – I find it so intimidating!

  • Caroline
    August 27, 2014 at 2:15 pm

    I love all your posts! I’ve been following your blog for 2 years now, since just before I got married. I can’t tell you how helpful and inspiring it has been to me as a relatively inexperienced cook learning to cook for 2. My husband routinely asks, ooh, is this a Jenna recipe? Thanks for all the inspiration! Seeing you take on motherhood has been really fun too. Helps me visualize what that will look like when my husband and I reach that stage (God willing). Keep em’ coming!

  • Jen @ Pretty Little Grub
    August 27, 2014 at 2:15 pm

    Looks amazing! I love pulled chicken, putting this on the list of items to make ASAP.

  • Kay @ goaloflosing.com
    August 27, 2014 at 2:45 pm

    I’ll have to give this recipe a try! And to be honest, I think you’re doing a great job at balancing everything. I’m 5 months pregnant and have been enjoying reading all about your journey through motherhood!

  • Laura
    August 27, 2014 at 2:45 pm

    this was one of the freezer meals i made before giving birth to our daughter! it is SO good. i normally use thighs but i HAVE used breasts, and it is just as delicious, in case anyone is wondering. i’ve also skipped browning the thighs before (sometimes that extra pan is just too much, you know?) and it is still very very delicious! i’ve actually frozen it two ways–cooking it completely and then freezing & assembling everything, freezing, and then dumping in the crockpot after thawing it overnight.

    we probably make this….once every two weeks. it is foolproof and always turns out perfectly.

  • Danielle
    August 27, 2014 at 2:55 pm

    I have been a long time reader…probably sometime around when this recipe was originally posted. I have loved your blog more as time has gone on, and the effects of your new lifestyle on the blog have only made me love it more. The only thing I wish is that there were more posts! I find everything you share inspiring to me in my life and love it all! Keep being yourself!

  • Bliss
    August 27, 2014 at 3:14 pm

    I, for one, am happy to be reminded of great recipes that have fallen off the radar. I follow several food blogs and it’s hard to keep up with all of the fantastic recipes you guys come up with! How about a series on long lost favorites? I make your peanut bowls and Indian recipes all the time, but I know you have a lot of other great ones I just can’t remember.

    • Lauren C
      September 1, 2014 at 5:48 am

      Great idea to post a series of long lost favorites! I’m sure we all get in a rut in the kitchen from time to time – baby or no baby – and going back through old recipes is a great way to revamp our cooking vibes. When I look back through old binders of recipes I’ve collected, my collection of cookbooks, or my bookmarked online recipes, I always find at least 2 or 3 recipes that I totally forgot about. Then it’s so much fun to make them again and cooking becomes fun and creative again, not just a necessary chore!

  • Rachel W. Miller
    August 27, 2014 at 3:14 pm

    Mmm this looks so good and somehow I missed it the first time around. I’m glad you reposted!

    As for your blogging, I actually prefer the more lifestyle posts! The recipes are nice but your other posts feel just more…authentic? I’m not a mom but I still like reading about your day to day life with a baby!

  • Bliss
    August 27, 2014 at 3:14 pm

    I forgot to

  • Julianna @ Julianna Bananna
    August 27, 2014 at 3:15 pm

    this looks amazing. and i’m not even the biggest fan of barbecue sauce!

    i’m considering getting a slow cooker since i am moving apartments in a week or so and will need to be purchasing a few other things for my new place as well.. and because it seems so darn convenient!

  • Amanda
    August 27, 2014 at 3:22 pm

    Looks great! I am actually very happy you re-posted this, because I did miss it the first time, I really love pulled pork and am really excited to try pulled chicken!

    As a reader, I really like the what you’re doing over here on your blog. I love hearing about your family, and love the recipe’s and it feels very balanced

  • Shelley
    August 27, 2014 at 3:28 pm

    Hooray hooray a crock pot recipe!! I have been on a huge BBQ kick recently. Best timing ever!! And welcome to the world, Grayson! I’m a long time reader and seldom comment. 🙂 congrats!!

  • Connie
    August 27, 2014 at 3:33 pm

    I recently made pulled pork for the first time, so this looks like a great chicken variation! I don’t blame you for not being able to dedicate much time to the blog, I mean, look at the adorable little face! Glad you’re well, and glad to see you back blogging. Hope to see more pics of your little one.

  • Kesley
    August 27, 2014 at 3:36 pm

    Long time reader here who just loves anything you have to offer. Recipes/baby posts/pictures/anything. So keep them coming! I like it all!

  • Avery
    August 27, 2014 at 3:39 pm

    I’ve been a long time reader but honestly I’ve never really read the recipes. I reference them sometimes (because they’re still awesome) but really I just love your lifestyle posts. I’m biased as a new mom myself but I wouldn’t mind if we only saw baby posts for awhile! Have so enjoyed keeping up with y’all!

    • sarah
      August 28, 2014 at 4:31 pm

      ditto on everything, here!

      • Shayla
        September 2, 2014 at 1:59 pm

        Ditto!! 🙂

  • Marion
    August 27, 2014 at 3:47 pm

    For what it’s worth, I’ve been a reader for a loooong time (back when you lived in Florida), and I’ve enjoyed almost all of your posts. However, it was your recipes that first got me hooked. My boyfriend and I have bookmarked several in the archive that we make all the time!

    If you’re looking for constructive (?) criticism about your content, I’d say my least favorite posts were about Stitch Fix or Noonday or other similar posts with affiliate links. But, that is just my humble opinion and as a reader, I can just skip those posts, no biggie. It’s your blog! (Plus, I haven’t really seen those kind of blogs in awhile).

    I have zero children but find all of your baby posts super fascinating and interesting. I think that’s because several of my friends are growing their families, so it’s nice to have some insight into what they are also going through.

    TLDR version: I’ve always liked your blog for its recipes and have enjoyed the content lately (even though I know it’s hard for you to keep up with due to the little one). 🙂

    • Stacey
      August 28, 2014 at 9:43 am

      I second all of this! Love the food, love hearing about your everyday life, and love your honest insight on life with a new baby!

  • Dana
    August 27, 2014 at 3:52 pm

    You seem to have a specific food “style”, by that I mean most of your recipes are healthy, and very creative. You’ve blogged a little about essential oils and what not, but I’d love to hear more about what kind of food/living things you like and believe in. Maybe it’s a product, maybe it’s just a cup of tea in the morning before you start your day.

    You’re doing a great job and I love reading your blog no matter what kind of content it is. Keep it up, mama!

  • nickee
    August 27, 2014 at 4:12 pm

    I’ve said it before but I’ll say it again 😉 I love the lifestyle posts so I love the direction the blog has taken lately. What I’d like to see more of? Well – more day in the life type stuff. Even fashion stuff(i know you tried for a bit and then stopped but I loved them!) You don’t have to do it regularly…just once in a while. Also; the weeks when you don’t have time to post recipes maybe you could just do a “What I Ate” type post (just once a week or whatever 🙂

  • lwenderoth@gmail.com
    August 27, 2014 at 4:21 pm

    I love your book recommendations so if you have had a chance to read anything with Grayson please post. Thanks for the reminder on the crock pot pulled chicken recipe

  • Samantha
    August 27, 2014 at 4:39 pm

    This recipe looks awesome! I have an 8 month old baby girl and my crock pot is my best friend. I made your Asian pork noodle recipe last week by the way and it turned out awesome! Such an adorable picture of Grayson too. Love your blog Jenna, keep up the good work. 🙂

  • polly
    August 27, 2014 at 4:54 pm

    hi sweetie!
    I love every single post you post. 🙂 Baby, life, Adam, books, faith, random anything ya like and food too! I love it ALL!

    In fact, have I ever told ya your website is our homepage on our home computer. So i pop on the web i see your site every single time! Pioneer woman is in my faves and a few others, but YOUR website is home base. 🙂

    Hugs to Adam and Baby Grayson. Sure wish we lived close by. I would totally come eat pickles with you and bring over a peach crisp or cobbler to trade.

    XOXO

  • Astrid
    August 27, 2014 at 4:54 pm

    Do your thing! I love it. I am also very uninspired in the kitchen right now in the worst possible way. I do feel more like myself with every month and I am trying to embrace this season as well, knowing that soon enough I will (hopefully) be in the kitchen again. He is adorable 🙂

  • polly
    August 27, 2014 at 4:55 pm

    Can Adam bring you to Indiana for Halloween? I want Gray to trick or treat at our house. I would give you guys kind size candy bars. 😉 XOXO

  • Hillary
    August 27, 2014 at 4:56 pm

    I love the idae of reviving some of your old recipes! Also quick week night meals would be great. You’re a mom, you’re real! we want to see it!

  • Shannon
    August 27, 2014 at 4:57 pm

    This has college football on a fall Saturday afternoon with a pumpkin beer written all over it! I can’t wait to make it!

  • Anna
    August 27, 2014 at 5:07 pm

    Miss the recipes…

  • LB
    August 27, 2014 at 5:10 pm

    I think some updated recipes (or perhaps #throwbackrecipes?) are totally fine. And speaking of old recipes, I make your Thai fire pot soup recipe all the time. I have it memorized. So good!!

    I agree with what Marion said in the comments above – I originally came for the recipes, and while I don’t have kids, I enjoy all your posts because your “voice” is authentic and inspiring.

    I have a hunch once winter rolls around you will be inspired to cook more 😉

  • LB
    August 27, 2014 at 5:11 pm

    And, um, feel free to share your pickling recipes! I have cucumbers growing in my garden right now!

  • Allie
    August 27, 2014 at 5:17 pm

    I love this recipe! I make it at least once a month. For those of you who are wondering, you can make it with chicken breasts, but it is way better with dark meat. I usually do half and half. Also, when in a pinch I’ve not browned the chicken (gasp!) and it has still been so so delicious.

  • Melanie
    August 27, 2014 at 5:38 pm

    So excited to try a new crockpot recipe. Thanks for sharing!

  • Candice
    August 27, 2014 at 6:09 pm

    You’re doing a great job! I enjoy everything you post!

  • Stephanie A
    August 27, 2014 at 6:25 pm

    I know many enjoy food posts….but I enjoy every day mama posts. Just thought I’d throw that out there.

  • Melissa
    August 27, 2014 at 6:27 pm

    I am going to have to try this recipe, my husband is from Texas and loves BBQ!

    I have been reading for blog for awhile (before you moved to CA) and the direction you have taken is good, you are being honest with your readers that you are not the same person before baby and through other life changes. I do enjoy the recipes and I remember you starting a project with your grandmother’s recipes and haven’t seen anything for awhile, if you can find time, I think it would be great to start up your grandmother’s recipes for something different!

    Grayson is adorable and you are such a cute family!

  • Sophie Piper
    August 27, 2014 at 6:48 pm

    Go you! This looks amazing and you should totally let yourself just focus on being a mom right now. And when you do get re-inspired ( it will happen again ) we will all be so excited to try your yummy recipes! Until then we are loving the baby posts.

  • Kristin @ W [H] A T C H
    August 27, 2014 at 7:24 pm

    keep it up — embrace the season!

  • Christy
    August 27, 2014 at 7:37 pm

    I don’t know why I don’t feel this way about any other blog, but I find all your posts to be interesting and worth a read. And this is coming from someone who still doesn’t intend on having kids! The way you write, as someone else put it, is so authentic and…honest. It sucks me in. And I’m guessing you must’ve gotten negative feedback on it to stop, but I also loved the fashion posts you did. This is cheesy, but I loved your style and the clothes you mentioned you liked caught my eye and it actually inspired me to start updating my post-college wardrobe and dressing better to the extent that I actually get compliments on outfits now. Your recipes of course are what brought me here in the first place, but I’ve stuck around over the years because I’ve loved it all. God bless you honey!! Keep up the good work!

    • nickee
      August 28, 2014 at 8:12 am

      Yes! See I mentioned wanting fashion posts back too! 😉

  • em@simplypresent
    August 27, 2014 at 8:14 pm

    Yummy! Love crock pot chicken! This recipe sounds perfect for an end of summer party.

  • Lauren Z.
    August 27, 2014 at 8:28 pm

    Yum!! I will be making this recipe VERY soon! And girl – I TOTALLY hear ya – I have 1-year-old boy/girl TWINS so you just keep on keepin’ on with your Mommy vibe. 🙂 I’m right there with ya! Because I am in relatively the same season of life as you are, I love seeing baby/mommy posts just as much as recipes. I don’t really read through your book/reading list posts (because I’m not much of a reader – except for blogs and food/home magazines.) My favorite of your recipes are the baked treats. 🙂

  • Shannon
    August 27, 2014 at 8:56 pm

    I came for the recipes (having landed on this exact one a few years back, funnily enough, when googling for pulled chicken) and have stayed for it all: food, books, daily life, inspiration. Really I think it is your voice, Jenna, and your enthusiasm, humor, and open authenticity that allow us readers to feel like a visit to ELR is like a refreshing check-in with a friend–or perhaps an update on a character in a good book–throughout the seasons of life. I’m glad you’ve created a space where you can continue to be who you are, where you’re at, in your own time. Your recipes are wonderful, and now your positive influence goes beyond food (but lucky for us still includes it!) Thanks for sharing it all.

  • Katie sB
    August 27, 2014 at 9:49 pm

    I have really enjoyed your posts on motherhood and the occasional recipe is great. 🙂

  • Andrea
    August 27, 2014 at 10:07 pm

    I have been reading your blog for years now. I think it is normal for your blog to grow and transition with new stages of life. And for us long time readers- it’s neat to see how your blog is changing over time and I’m glad that you share that with us. Your number one priority is your baby, of course! I have three little ones and life definitely does a 180 with parenthood, and really any mother understands that. I think you’re doing a wonderful job. I love the recipes, baby posts, life updates – all of it! Keep up the great work! 🙂

  • lindsey
    August 27, 2014 at 11:52 pm

    We’ve been on a “chicken in sweet rolls/onion roll/delicious carbs!” kick lately at my house and this sandwich is no exception to what I want to make right now! SIDE NOTE: Now that you’re married to a Texan, have y’all had a BBQ sauce issue? or do you make your own and call it good? I’ve been converted to Sweet Baby Ray’s by my Texan 😉

    I would say this about your blogging as a mom now: Yes, your readers love reading what you’ve got to offer, and you completely appreciate them, but your PRIORITY is your family!! Of course you’ll find your balance with motherhood and blogging as a food blogger, but there’s no deadline for when that should happen. I’m telling you, it took me 1 full year with my girl to be able to think about doing something other than focus on her 24/7. I probably went overboard and dropped the ball on ALL of my priorities, but I don’t regret a second of time spent watching her just be her.

    Also, I’m sure others will agree when I say you don’t typically feel engaged reading a blog where you think the blogger was writing “just to hit the quota for the month.” If people can’t get on board with you devoting your time and energy where it is and feels right for you to spend it, then that’s their loss. a 3rd of your blog name is LIVE! It doesn’t get more honest/transparent than that! I come here to read whatever you’re putting down that day.

  • Philippa
    August 28, 2014 at 2:17 am

    As a long time reader, I’ve always enjoyed what you have to offer and it’s why I still check in five years on 🙂

    I’m not a mum, but I enjoy reading about life with a baby and I’m interested in healthy food, books, fashion…all things you have written about regularly over the years. The recipe posts, if I’m honest, tend to be the ones I skim over (unless they’re vegetarian! ;)). I found the posts about your monthly favourite things (that would be an awesome thing to see from a new mum’s perspective!), outfits, what books you’re reading, etc. were the ones I enjoy most and are really fun to read. But as a long-time blogger myself, I know how important it is to devote your time and energy to posts that you really want to write. Readers, in my experience, would rather read one great, heartfelt, authentic post every couple of weeks than a new post every few days that was just something you churned out because you felt you had to. You are in a new chapter of your life and of course your blog will change too. I personally have really enjoyed seeing you blossom and transform over the years, even more so with the arrival of your baby.

    You give a very generous window into your world Jenna and I’m sure I’m not the only reader who appreciates that. I say embrace this new season of your life and let the blog go where it will 🙂 you’re doing a fabulous job! xx

  • melissa
    August 28, 2014 at 4:09 am

    Perhaps it is because I am in a similar place in life right now (first time mom) but I find your recent posts to be truly wonderful. I love seeing you mommy Grayson and hearing about your joys, surprises, and challenges has been incredibly enriching. Of course, your recipes are fantastic as well but I love the current “direction” of the blog that blends in where you are right now so honestly. Of course, you need to make the decisions that are right for you and your family, but know that I have been truly enjoying what you have shared and appreciate your work and mindfulness here.

  • Lea J.
    August 28, 2014 at 4:58 am

    Enjoy that sweet baby of yours! I love your recipe posts but I also love seeing how happy you are with your newly expanded family. I wouldn’t complain though if you decided to share your pickle recipe. =)

  • Casey
    August 28, 2014 at 5:28 am

    I have been a blog reader for a few years and I have to say I like recipes, but my favorite posts were the ones that were about your life – before the blog became mostly about food.

    I enjoy recipes (and the beautiful pics!), but I also find great value in posts about your favorite items and what is generally going on in your life. I had a baby in May too and I def bought the bra you suggested in one of the pregnancy posts.

    I’d love to hear about your work out routine/non-routine. Your favorite skin care for you (and baby!). What shoes are you wearing? How is your kitchen organized? What’s in your closet these days? And you know, a beautifully photo-ed recipe here and there… 🙂 Keep up the good work, this stuff…this life isn’t easy, but it’s wonderful!

  • Victoria
    August 28, 2014 at 5:33 am

    I really like the lifestyle posts as well as the recipes. I think it would be great to know a bit more about what you’re cooking now since you’re short on time (and hands!), even if it’s not super food-bloggy. It’s really useful to have some quick, no fuss recipe ideas on hand!

    • Bethany
      September 2, 2014 at 8:07 am

      I was thinking this too — you might be uninspired in the kitchen (aren’t we all sometimes??) BUT you are presumably feeding yourselves somehow… so what are you eating?? It would be super helpful to me (also a first time mom!) to know how you are approaching meals now that you are short on time/hands as Victoria says. Even if you are finding yourself mostly “assembling” food rather than fully cooking meals — all ideas are helpful when you are in the new mom fog, or just not feeling like putting in a lot of effort for a few weeks!

  • Betsy
    August 28, 2014 at 5:36 am

    More recipes!!! Love your recipes … Need more in my life!

    Your baby is adorable.

  • Lisa
    August 28, 2014 at 5:43 am

    I think it is FABULOUS you are putting your baby and family FIRST!! I cannot stress this enough….in the years to come that will be what matters…this blog won’t mean anything to you when the kids are grown up; their memories will! I think it is so great that you are embracing this huge change in your life instead of trying to act like you are the same person just with a baby! Kudos to you and the support you get from Adam!

    I love your old recipes and reminders are good! I don’t have the time to sift thru all the old recipes so this is great for me 🙂 As far as reader content? I would like to see how you guys maintain your healthy lifestyle and still eat comfort food lol I’m trying to find a balance like your 80/20 so suggestions for what you eat when its just you and the baby would be so helpful. 🙂 Love the blog!

  • Linda
    August 28, 2014 at 6:01 am

    I have been reading your blog and many others for years. The blogs that I have stayed engaged with over a long time are a mix of lifestyle, recipes, favorite things, etc. It allows the reader to get to know you. There are so many blogs that it isn’t enough to just post new recipes. I do love your recipes and make many of them. Enjoy every minute with your little guy.

  • Alison
    August 28, 2014 at 6:21 am

    Please don’t feel you need to apologize for not posting more recipes. You’re enjoying motherhood! That’s wonderful. And last time I checked, I wasn’t paying you to post recipes, so I don’t really think I have much say in what you do with your blog.:) I was going to go back to work three months after my son was born. On Monday I took him to kindergarten. I never went back to work, and it was great. So I’ve been on maternity leave for five years. Three months is nothing.:) And whether you believe it or not, you’ll be taking him to kindergarten before you know it. You’re doing a great job enjoying him and loving him!

  • Colleen
    August 28, 2014 at 6:58 am

    Thank you for this recipe! It’s new to me since I didn’t start reading until your book came out, and we actually found two huge bottles of Sweet Baby Rays in our pantry last night (wha?? who bought this?) so I am going to short cut and put this in the crock pot. I will take a blog entry from you anytime – any content – so just keep going with the flow!

  • Hannah Elizabeth
    August 28, 2014 at 7:22 am

    I wholeheartedly agree with your approach, Jenna!! Whatever you love to write about, bring it on! I love all your posts! And not to worry if you don’t post hardly any or no recipes at all, or if your posts are far apart…living your life right now and soaking up every moment is more important and we totally understand that.

    Oh, and BTW, I love that your recipe says to shred with your hands…you know all those recipes say shred with two forks, but I can never do that and always end up using my hands anyway. So I thought it was pretty funny that there was someone else out there who was doing it too (and was talking about it! :P).

  • Nancy
    August 28, 2014 at 7:49 am

    Ah, don’t can those pickles, lacto ferment them instead and get those awesome probiotics in the food!

  • Bernadette
    August 28, 2014 at 7:53 am

    Hi Jenna!
    I started reading your blog years ago (before you moved to CA) because I absolutely loved your recipes and your writing style. I understand that life is constantly changing, but I have to say, I really miss all your recipe posts. I don’t have kids and don’t plan to, so all of the baby posts have not been my favorite. To me, it seems like you’re cutting out your original readers who come here to read about food.
    Thanks for hearing our feedback!

    • Anna
      August 28, 2014 at 5:37 pm

      Well said!

      • Melissa
        August 30, 2014 at 9:31 am

        I also agree. I’m down with a cute baby post here and there, but as a long time reader, I come here for the recipes. So many of your foods are in our daily recipe rotation; I would be so bummed if you discontinued that aspect of the blog. On another note, I missed this recipe when it was originally posted, so I appreciate you updating it. In the crock pot as we speak! Thanks Jenna for teaching me how to be a better at home cook 🙂

  • Christina
    August 28, 2014 at 8:14 am

    I don’t follow many blogs, but I’ve been following yours for years. I found it through another blog I used to read and loved it for the recipes and exercise tips. However, after following a blog for a while, you start to feel like you know the person writing it – kind of bizarre, but the way of our transparent world. As a result, I’ve enjoyed seeing how your life has evolved and that sweet little baby face of Grayson’s would brighten anyone’s day. I’ve gotten some amazing recipes from you over the years, but I enjoy the other posts as well. We all change and evolve. As life changes, so do our interests. Be true to you and your blog will maintain the authentic, genuine vibe that drew us to it in the first place. If you start forcing yourself to blog about things that no longer move you, we’ll all feel it.

  • Jordan
    August 28, 2014 at 8:18 am

    Love, love, love everything you have been doing. You are the first blog I started following religiously and I love that you are open and honest in every facet of your life – not just food.

    Keep doing what you are doing! As a young person who hasn’t yet started a family yet, it is inspiring and informative to read about all of the adventures you have been on.

    Cheers to you and your beautiful family!

  • Laurel
    August 28, 2014 at 8:27 am

    I think that is pretty good excuse for the lack of recipes up here. 😉

    Your first slowing down posting recipes happened for a bit when you were in your first trimester. You hadn’t announced here yet, but I just *KNEW* that you were pregnant. Call it mama’s intuition. Actually, just experience in my own life. {I used to food blog regularly too but when morning sickness and supreme tiredness hit, it was all I could do to get out of bed every morning. I hardly wanted to cook or eat anything, let alone TALK about it.} Now that I am a mom of two myself, I find it difficult to find time to develop recipes and write about them. I’ve kind of switched over to the ‘family’ blogging style myself. I enjoy your posts about your family as much as your food posts. Post recipes when you can, post about your lovely family when you have time. They come first now. That’s how it should be. 🙂

    Thanks for sharing all your creativity and inspiration in and out of the kitchen over the years, Jenna!

  • Erin
    August 28, 2014 at 8:47 am

    I love all your posts. I found your blog right before Grayson was born, so have been drawn to those pregnancy/baby posts…particularly since I’m 27 weeks pregnant now. I really appreciate the honesty about how life has changed, what’s really hard, etc. I also like your writing style. I havne’t tried any recipes, but this one today looks amazing! I say keep posting on what you like, what inspires you, etc….just keep posting!

  • Rachel
    August 28, 2014 at 9:09 am

    I love all of your recipes, old and new! This is a good reminder of great past recipes that I’ve forgotten about. As a side note, my boyfriend and I have been making your spinach feta turkey burgers at least once a month ever since you posted the recipe, and we go through them so fast – we make a double batch and freeze them, and will usually eat them with a side of veggies or frozen sweet potato fries, or put one on a salad – I don’t think I’ve ever eaten them with a bun either, they’re so flavorful on their own and topped with lots of sriarcha! It’s seriously one of our favorite meals, so thank you for that and for all of the recipes you’ve shared over the years!

  • Colleen
    August 28, 2014 at 9:13 am

    If it makes you feel any better, my daughter is 5 months old, and I still have almost no desire to cook or be creative in the kitchen. I used to LOVE to cook before she was born and try new things. Lately, between working and wanting to spend every moment I’m not working playing with her, cooking, or at least creative cooking, is really the last thing I want to do. I’d enjoy reposts of your old mommy-friendly recipes (i.e. crockpot or very minimal effort or something you can make on the weekend and it will last several days) and just posts of your day-to-day life like you’ve been doing. Good for you for embracing this season!

  • marina
    August 28, 2014 at 9:28 am

    Awesome recipe. Always nice to be reminded of a simple and delicious go-to. I find that when I have a baby I almost don’t know how it is that I ever found time to do any kind of inspirational cooking. I rely more on basics, and feel almost uninterested in the kitchen. But then, it just passes. And the kitchen makes its way back to me … especially as your baby becomes old enough to eat solids and will rely on you to make the food :). Anyway, the blog is great. Just do you and we will keep reading!

    • jen
      September 1, 2014 at 3:18 am

      Ditto this. And it only got worse when I had my second. He’s 1 now and I’m still struggling to do much cooking because I want to spend all of my time with them before they grow up and go off to school. I’ve become all about figuring out how I can get real, inexpensive, healthy food on the table in as little time as possible.

  • Kath
    August 28, 2014 at 9:36 am

    Giiiirrlll…it took me a long, long time to get any desire to cook back. Way longer than anticipated! Mazen is 2…and I’m excited about cooking again! Ha!

    Love the recipe throwback idea…new pictures…some baby G thrown in 🙂 I think blogs are best when bloggers are writing about what they want to write about, so whatever you’re in the mood for is what I want to read!

  • Laura@SneakersandSpatulas
    August 28, 2014 at 9:40 am

    I have been reading your blog for years! Way back when you were in Florida in culinary school and running a ton! I do miss the day to day posts of what you did, workouts, etc. from back in the beginning before you switched to mostly recipes. Would love to hear about the stroller strides class and the exercises you do there! Maybe a house tour?

  • Emily @ Life on Food
    August 28, 2014 at 9:55 am

    It is so acceptable to repost after 4 years!! I am tagging this for a nice Fall Sunday!

  • Casey
    August 28, 2014 at 10:34 am

    Hi Jenna!

    I love the lifestyle/baby/day in the life posts. Keep them coming! 🙂

  • Laura W
    August 28, 2014 at 10:56 am

    I love what you’ve been writing on the blog lately. Keep it up! I’m a new mom too and it makes me feel not quite so alone when I can relate to what you’re going through.

  • Lauren G
    August 28, 2014 at 12:39 pm

    I am a long time reader since your Publix baking days. I really love any sort of update. The lifestyle ones are fun and love hearing more about your little man. I also love your recipes. I made the Kale and sausage soup last week and my husband gobbled it up. Thanks so much for taking the time to update the blog, really love reading your updates.

  • Amy Osborne
    August 28, 2014 at 1:07 pm

    I love the baby and mom life updates! Keep em coming please. More on cloth diapering would be great too:)

  • Megan
    August 28, 2014 at 1:25 pm

    Ooh, I had totally forgotten about this recipe– having an unseasonably chilly week (no complaints here at 6 months pregnant!) and put it in the crockpot for dinner tonight. I like to add an onion at the beginning of cooking and some sliced mushrooms for the last hour… and serve with provolone and pickles (pickles are a necessity) on a bun. Thanks for reposting this one!

  • Sarah
    August 28, 2014 at 6:08 pm

    Maybe it’s a new mom thing (I have a 7mo old) but I have loved canning as well!!! I’ve only made a few varieties of jam and pickles. Lots and lots of pickles. I’d love to see some things you’ve canned. In the cookboo you’re using is it ALL water bath or some pressure? I’m looking for an all water bath canning book.

  • Mira
    August 28, 2014 at 9:34 pm

    Pulled chicken tastes wonderful. This recipe is very creative and I’m trying it soon!

  • Ali
    August 28, 2014 at 9:58 pm

    I made this tonight and got the two thumbs up from my hubby. I did it in the skillet – just cooked the chicken in the sauce and it was great. I hadn’t seen this recipe before so I’m glad you reposted!

    Also, I like a mix of posts – life, food. Mixing it up keeps it interesting! Unlike someone above I also love Stitch Fix posts!

  • Lora
    August 29, 2014 at 3:57 am

    I am a 49 year old mom. My oldest is 23, my youngest almost 16. As a new mom I clearly remember feeling totally overwhelmed and therefore completely understand and get what you are experiencing now. I love your blog and happily accept anything you have to offer!! Enjoy so much hearing about your boy, the recipes, products you’re enjoying- but especially the book reviews! Your readers will be here – do not feel any pressure from us!!

  • Stephanie
    August 29, 2014 at 6:06 am

    I love all your posts! I would love to hear more about how the moms on call method works!

  • Gara
    August 29, 2014 at 7:05 am

    You know, I have a crockpot in which I can brown and saute things and then just switch to slowcook! It pretty much saved my life post-baby. I know its just one more pan, but it makes a difference when you know you only have a 15 minute window to cook! Think about it if that crockpot you have peters out!

  • Rachel
    August 29, 2014 at 9:17 am

    Long as I get to keep seeing pictures of Grayson (those pudgy cheeks!), I think it’s great that you’re balancing between food posts and lifestyle posts – your blog wouldn’t be as wonderful as it is if you didn’t focus on the here and now of your life.

    Which of your canning recipes are you digging the most right now?

  • Sarah
    August 29, 2014 at 10:45 am

    Hi Jenna

    I don’t have a slow cooker. Is there another way to make this recipe? It looks great!

  • Grandma Honey
    August 29, 2014 at 12:12 pm

    I enjoy real life the best which I think you do here. LOVE seeing Grayson grow and LOVE hearing your take on things and how wonderfully he has changed your life. LOVE seeing what you eat now and LOVE seeing comeback recipes. Just keep doing what you’re doing.

  • Julie
    August 29, 2014 at 12:52 pm

    Honestly, I prefer posts lately to your prior format. I’ve been a reader since you lived in Florida (2008?) and when the format switched from “eating, living and exercising” to just “eating”, you kinda lost me. I’d still “check in” every so often, but I didn’t necessarily read every post. Your blog has always been a reflection of where you are in your life and I think it’s really cool that it has evolved over time as you grow as a person. I’m sure that this blog is going to be great, no matter where you chose to take it. Your demographic will always shift a little if you change your subject, but there’s no point in writing about something you don’t feel passionately for. Enjoy these long and short days with your little one.

    (BTW, if you want to write about post-baby fitness, I’d love to hear about it! I just had a baby too and I can totally relate to not being that into food any more- surprising because I LOVE to eat. My favorite thing has been getting outside and being active with Baby Girl. The jogging stroller is our new best friend.)

  • Lisa
    August 29, 2014 at 4:48 pm

    I enjoy your blog and was thrilled when you announced your pregnancy, as I was also pregnant at the time. My little guy was born in March. I also work from home full-time as a freelancer, so I really appreciate your posts on the work-baby balance from that perspective.

    I’m going to begin introducing solid foods to my son in about a month (he’ll be six months old), and I’d love to read your thoughts on the matter when you get to that stage with Grayson. Maybe some recipes for homemade baby food, too? Thanks!

  • Louise
    August 29, 2014 at 5:19 pm

    Grayson may look like his father, but he’s got Jenna’s eyes : )

  • Sarah
    August 30, 2014 at 6:12 am

    YUM. This recipe looks delicious. I, for one, don’t care if it’s a repeat recipe. I applaud you for embracing the season you’re in & living in the season of being the best mom to your son that you can. I know it’s hard, but it’s also a sweet time, and you’re doing a good job.
    Love,
    a fellow mom of littles

  • Anne
    August 30, 2014 at 7:22 am

    Enjoy your baby with no culpability. I prefer personaly the “food” aspect of the blog. What I really don’t like are the references about religion, god…

  • Kate @ ¡Hola! Jalapeño
    August 30, 2014 at 8:24 am

    This is perfect for the upcoming busy school nights! I love these kinds of easy recipes that my whole family will be excited about!

  • Jaynie Smith
    August 30, 2014 at 10:09 am

    I love how your blog is transitioning into a mix of baby, life, travel, God!, fitness and food. I read your blog more now than when it was more “food” posts!

  • Denise @ Creative Kitchen
    August 30, 2014 at 1:11 pm

    Jenna,

    Congrats on your sweet baby boy! I’ve been reading since 2009, and I love anything you decide to share with your readers. 😉 I have been loving reading about your new adventures as a first time mommy. As a mom of 3 girls (6, 11 and 15)…it brings back so many precious memories! So absolutely I understand that family comes first….and don’t feel guilty if the blog takes a shift in priority. I’ve had to do that many times over the past 5 years, and I’m always happiest when I keep my priorities in proper order.

    When time allows, I also love reading about your eating habits & fitness habits and day to day life.

  • Rachel
    August 30, 2014 at 3:24 pm

    This is one of my favorite recipes of yours – I make it all the time. I tried it once skipping the browning step and it was not as good – so important!

    I have a six-year-old, and I remember when she was a baby how challenging it was to do anything else except parent. Gone were the days of spending three hours making Indian food. I’d second the suggestion of posting some of your older recipes that you still make all the time, especially for those of us who come to your blog for the amazing recipes you post.

    As a full-time working parent, I’d love to also see how you manage parenting and feeding your family, as he grows — I am always looking for good recipes that are quick to make, or can be made ahead of time – so many freezer recipes taste gross or bland to me, but I bet you’d figure out a way to do them and have them be amazing. 🙂

  • Cyndi
    August 30, 2014 at 6:31 pm

    Umm … take time to kiss those sweet little baby cheeks. Look at them! Your baby is beautiful.

    Thank you for all of your recipes. They are marvelous.

    Turn your attention to that sweet little thing and husband next to you! Take a little time to yourself – you will not regret it.

  • Lauren C
    September 1, 2014 at 6:20 am

    Someone above commented that you give a very generous window into your life – so well said. I’ve read your blog for a while now and the negative feedback you’ve had so often (no matter what the post was about), so I’m surprised to hear you directly ask us what we want! So, here goes… I can’t remember how I found your blog, but I enjoyed browsing through your recipes and decided to follow for a while and try out your recipes. Then I saw a link posted one day to She Reads Truth, checked it out, and becoming a part of that community has truly changed my life. So thanks for that! I completely support you in embracing where you are in life. I think it’s essential for us all to do that, no matter who we are or where we are in our lives. I think your boy is adorable and I admire your honest comments about new motherhood. But… my kids are my dogs and so I don’t relate to your motherhood/baby posts. Does that mean I’m going to bash your blog? Of course not. If that is where you feel led to take YOUR blog, that’s great and I hope you are successful and happy with it. I’ll keep reading from time to time because I like your voice. Personally, I really like your recipes, your posts on travel (loved your honeymoon posts and camping/Lake Tahoe), your photographs (Insta-lately), and “what I’m reading” posts. Those posts are more in line with my life and my interests and I’ve found great ideas for travel, books, and cooking by reading these posts. Having said that, life evolves (I’m sure you have little to no time to read right now!) and we all answer your “What do you want to see here” question based on our own life situations. I can only imagine how full your heart must be with your new family of your own, and I’m sure you are trying to approach your life and your choices through the lens of what is best for your family and yourself. Best of luck to you and I know God will lead you down well lit paths with sure footing, to His glory 🙂

    • KPH in LH
      September 2, 2014 at 11:33 am

      well said, Lauren C! My kids are grown, but I love to read whatever you post, Jenna! Recipes, baby news, books, travel, etc … I’m along for whatever ride you’re on 🙂

  • Pam
    September 2, 2014 at 7:05 am

    Good for you to honor yourself and take this time with baby Grayson, you will soon miss the diaper changings and feedings so embrace and soak in all in momma.
    I enjoy everything you post and totally understand they are less frequent than before.
    Wishing you all the best!!
    xoxo, Pam {long, long time reader}

  • ARPL
    September 2, 2014 at 9:12 am

    Made this for a casual dinner with friend on the weekend. Had to sub balsalmic/rice vinegar for the apple cider. Turned out swell. Topped them with lettuce, onion and garlic aioli. Thanks for taking the time to repost this. I enjoy reading about your adventures.

  • Christina
    September 2, 2014 at 9:47 am

    I like the variety in your posts. As someone who wants to be a mom someday it is really amazing to get information on what the introduction to motherhood and the first few years with your 1st child is like. If you are not already a Mom I find that you don’t get that transition/day-t0-day information rather small snippets of information.

    I am interested to see how your make ahead freezer meals have done for you with the newborn and also how you have adjusted your meals and/or what types of meals you have been making since your son was born.

    I am glad that you are accepting your motherhood experience for what it is and adjusting your life and how you run your blog to suit your needs at this time.

    Thanks again for all of your posts and sharing your experiences in motherhood and in the kitchen!

  • Laura
    September 2, 2014 at 10:32 am

    Another long time reader here! So many of your recipes are staples in our house. Heck, your “Old Fashioned Sugar Cookies” recipe is even a Christmas tradition! I love the mix of baby posts (I have an almost two year old… not sure how he got so old so fast!) and food posts, and join in with others who have said they wouldn’t mind seeing “old” recipes. If you’re taking requests for what recipe is up next :-), I vote for your turkey chili recipe. It’s our go-to chili recipe, but the current version is challenging to follow because the ingredient list is interspersed throughout all the photos. http://www.eatliverun.com/homestyle-turkey-chili/

  • Emily @ Tips on Healthy Living
    September 2, 2014 at 12:16 pm

    Love this recipe…and the cute baby pic 😉

  • Annie
    September 2, 2014 at 2:11 pm

    Love your mommy stuff – would love to see more about breastfeeding, cloth diapering, etc….especially with my #2 arriving early December!

  • Sanjivini
    September 2, 2014 at 4:33 pm

    Love the honesty in your post! thanks for sharing the recipe as well.

  • Sanjivini
    September 2, 2014 at 4:34 pm

    Love the honesty in your post. Thanks for the lovely recipe as well!

  • Shelly
    September 3, 2014 at 8:58 am

    This is in the crockpot right now, and my high schooler is so excited for dinner! And that’s what is great about your blog-it works for everyone who chooses to read it 🙂 It has been so fun to watch you adjust to mommyhood. It’s one constant curve ball, but I wouldn’t change a thing!

  • Elizabeth
    September 5, 2014 at 10:06 am

    I have a baby girl 2 weeks younger than Grayson and LOVE your mama updates!! I’d be interested in what you’re managing to put together for dinners right now; love your fashion and “in my bag” type posts; basically just love peeking into your life! We’re all voyeurs 🙂

  • Carrie
    September 6, 2014 at 11:28 am

    I made this recipe the other night, and it was very tasty. Thanks for sharing the recipe!

  • Suzan Wilson
    September 6, 2014 at 2:14 pm

    Love this recipe…however I substitute great, beautiful pork for the chicken. Chicken is so versatile, and like good ground beef, if you have chicken you’re always guaranteed an awesome meal. But I like to do it a bit different…thus I use pork for this. And it’s AWESOME! All the same ingredients….just pork instead 🙂

  • Lisa M.
    September 7, 2014 at 6:50 am

    Definitely trying this recipe. I would love to try your pickles! They look delicious… Maybe a pickle recipe post and canning post?

  • India
    September 7, 2014 at 1:29 pm

    I love posts like this – honest and real. I love the baby posts, even though I don’t have a baby (yet), I look forward to looking back at your blog for tips & they help prepare me now too. I don’t mind the recipe re-posts because I became a follower after 2013. So, 2010 recipe is a new recipe to me. Thank you, thank you!

  • Amanda
    September 8, 2014 at 8:27 am

    Long time reader and first time poster just stopping by to say, WOW. We made this for dinner last night and it was a WINNER. Both my husband and 15 year old step son (both of them delightfully adventurous eaters with lots of recipe tasting experience) declared this the best BBQ they’ve ever eaten ever. I had to concur. Thanks so much for re-posting this!

    Also, thanks for letting us in on the intimate details of your life. I always love your recipes but I really, really love getting a glimpse into your day to day life, especially now that it includes that cute little munchkin!

  • Kelly
    September 13, 2014 at 8:25 am

    Made this for dinner last night and it was a HUGE hit with my family of 4. Everyone asked me to make this again and we had no left overs. Definite keeper. And, not only was it delicious, the house smelled good and it was so easy to make. Thanks for sharing this.

  • The REWM:Foodstuffs: Hot ham and cheese sandwiches - The REWM
    September 29, 2014 at 6:14 am

    […] happy I discovered King’s Hawaiian makes hamburger buns. I also used them last week with this pulled chicken and they were just so good! I’ll definitely be buying them going […]

  • Jennifer
    October 27, 2014 at 11:14 am

    Sorry if you’ve answered this question, but could this be left in the crockpot longer? I leave my house at 7 and don’t get back till 4, would the longer time be too drying? Could this be made in the oven for a shorter time?

  • Shelly
    December 23, 2015 at 5:20 am

    This is a weekly staple at our house. Last night I made it for a gathering of friends, hoping to have leftovers this week, and there are very few leftovers-everyone happily gobbled it up!

    I’ve used boneless chicken breasts, boneless chicken breasts and thighs, and a pork roast. They all turn out wonderfully!! Thank you Jenna!!

  • Travis
    July 4, 2018 at 9:00 pm

    I’ve got to try this recipe. It looks delightful!