Craving a smoky, tender, and flavor-packed dish that’s easy to make? This BBQ Pulled Chicken recipe is the perfect solution! Whether you’re making sandwiches, tacos, or a protein-packed salad, this dish is sure to be a hit. Ready in under an hour, it’s a fuss-free meal that delivers bold barbecue goodness every time.
Ingredients and Preparation Steps
To make this mouthwatering BBQ pulled chicken, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients:
What You’ll Need
- 3 lbs bone-in chicken breast halves (skin on for added flavor)
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
- 2 tbsp avocado oil (or your preferred cooking oil)
- ½ cup barbecue sauce (adjust to your preference)
Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pat the chicken dry with paper towels, then generously season both sides with salt and black pepper.
Step 2: Sear for Maximum Flavor
Heat the avocado oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Place the chicken skin-side down and sear for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes to lock in the juices.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Cover the skillet and transfer it to the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest under foil for 10 minutes—the residual heat will bring it to 165°F (74°C).
Step 4: Shred and Sauce
Discard the skin and bones, then shred the chicken using two forks. Mix in your desired amount of BBQ sauce and toss until every bite is coated in smoky-sweet goodness.
The Best Time to Savor Your Juicy BBQ Pulled Chicken
This tender BBQ pulled chicken is perfect for so many occasions! Whether you’re hosting a backyard cookout, meal prepping for the week, or just craving a quick and hearty dinner, this recipe has got you covered.
- Game Day Favorite: Serve it in sliders for an easy crowd-pleaser.
- Weeknight Winner: Enjoy it over rice or in a wrap for a no-fuss dinner.
- Summer BBQ Staple: Pair it with grilled veggies and corn on the cob for a delicious outdoor feast.
Want to try more amazing comfort food? Check out our Baked Ziti with Sausage recipe for another hearty and satisfying meal.
Frequently Asked Questions About BBQ Pulled Chicken
Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
Yes! While bone-in chicken adds extra flavor, boneless chicken breasts or thighs work just as well. Just reduce the baking time to about 20-25 minutes.
What’s the best BBQ sauce to use?
It depends on your preference! Go for a smoky sauce if you love deep, rich flavors, or choose a sweeter sauce if you enjoy a touch of honey or brown sugar.
How do I store leftovers?
Store the pulled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Sear the chicken first (optional), then cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Shred and mix with BBQ sauce before serving.
For more BBQ inspiration, check out this BBQ Pulled Chicken guide on AllRecipes!
Pro Tips for Perfect BBQ Pulled Chicken
Want to take your BBQ pulled chicken to the next level? Follow these expert tips for the best results:
- Choose the Right Cut: Bone-in chicken breasts add more flavor and stay juicy, but boneless thighs also work well for a richer taste.
- Don’t Skip the Sear: Searing the chicken before baking locks in moisture and enhances the smoky flavor.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: For perfectly cooked chicken, ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) after resting.
- Shred While Warm: Chicken is easiest to shred when it’s still warm—use two forks or a stand mixer for quick shredding.
- Adjust the Sauce to Your Liking: If you prefer a tangier kick, add a splash of apple cider vinegar or mustard to your BBQ sauce.
- Make It Spicy: Mix in cayenne pepper or hot sauce for an extra kick.
- Let It Sit: After mixing with BBQ sauce, let the chicken rest for a few minutes to absorb the flavors fully.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Have leftovers? Here’s how to store and reheat your BBQ pulled chicken while keeping it juicy and flavorful:
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Place in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating on the Stove: Warm in a pan over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or extra BBQ sauce to prevent drying out.
- Reheating in the Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between to ensure even warming.
- Oven Method: Cover with foil and reheat at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes.
Perfect Pairings for BBQ Pulled Chicken
This BBQ pulled chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of sides and dishes. Here are some tasty pairing ideas:
- Classic Coleslaw: The creamy, crunchy texture balances the smoky-sweet chicken perfectly.
- Cornbread: Soft and slightly sweet, cornbread makes an irresistible side.
- Grilled Vegetables: Zucchini, bell peppers, and corn on the cob bring out the smoky flavors.
- Mac and Cheese: Creamy mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food pairing.
- Sweet Potato Fries: A healthier alternative with a sweet-savory contrast.
- BBQ Pulled Chicken Tacos: Load up soft tortillas with the chicken, slaw, and avocado for a delicious twist.
- Rice or Quinoa: A great base for a wholesome BBQ bowl.
Looking for another delicious dish to try? Check out our Brown Stew Fish recipe for a flavorful Caribbean-inspired meal!
Now that you’ve got this delicious BBQ pulled chicken ready to go, how will you enjoy it? Whether you’re making sandwiches, tacos, or pairing it with classic sides, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Want to get creative? Try using leftovers to make BBQ pulled chicken pizza, stuffing it into baked potatoes, or even layering it in a BBQ chicken grilled cheese!
We’d love to hear from you! Have you tried this recipe? Let us know in the comments how you served your BBQ pulled chicken. Got a special twist or secret ingredient? Share your tips with the community!
Don’t forget to save this recipe and share it with friends who love a good BBQ dish. Tag us on social media using #TastyThinks so we can see your delicious creations!
Looking for more BBQ inspiration? Check out this BBQ Pulled Chicken recipe on AllRecipes for even more tips and variations!
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Happy cooking!
Print
BBQ Pulled Chicken
- Total Time: 55 mins
- Yield: 10
Description
This easy BBQ pulled chicken is tender, juicy, and packed with smoky-sweet flavors! Perfect for sandwiches, tacos, salads, or even on its own—customize the BBQ sauce level to your liking! Ready in under an hour, it’s a must-try for your next meal.
Ingredients
– 3 lbs bone-in chicken breast halves, skin on
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– 2 tbsp avocado oil
– ½ cup barbecue sauce (or as much as you like!)
Instructions
1. First, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Next, pat the chicken dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
3. Heat oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken, skin-side down, for 2-3 minutes, then flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
4. After that, cover the skillet and bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
5. Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest under foil for 10 minutes. The residual heat will bring it to 165°F (74°C).
6. Finally, discard the skin and bones, shred the chicken with two forks, and mix in your desired amount of BBQ sauce.
Notes
For extra smoky flavor, use a smoked BBQ sauce or add a dash of smoked paprika while seasoning the chicken!
- Category: Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Calories: 278
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Protein: 28g
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