Gather ingredients: chicken breasts or thighs, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, olive oil (optional), chicken broth or water, BBQ sauce (optional), apple cider vinegar (optional)
Season chicken: rub chicken with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika
Sear (optional): heat oil in a pot or skillet, sear chicken 2–3 minutes per side
Cook: add chicken to a pot; pour in enough broth/water to come halfway up the chicken; bring to a simmer
Simmer: cover and cook 20–30 minutes (until chicken reaches 165°F/74°C)
Shred: remove chicken, shred with two forks, and return shredded chicken to the pot
Reduce sauce (optional): simmer shredded chicken 5–10 minutes to thicken and absorb flavor
Add flavor (optional): stir in BBQ sauce and/or apple cider vinegar to taste; simmer 2–5 minutes
Serve: serve on buns, tortillas, or over rice; top as desired (coleslaw, pickles, extra sauce)