The Most Tender Pulled BBQ Chicken Recipe Ever Made

Juicy pulled bbq chicken promises a mouthwatering adventure that’ll make your taste buds dance with excitement.

Succulent meat melts effortlessly between soft buns, creating a sandwich packed with bold flavors.

Home cooks love how simple ingredients combine into something magical.

Smoky seasonings blend perfectly with tender shredded chicken, ensuring every bite bursts with deliciousness.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with this crowd-pleasing recipe.

Kitchen novices and seasoned chefs alike can nail this delectable dish without stress.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe for future feast-worthy moments that bring everyone around the table.

Why Pulled BBQ Chicken Is Juicy And Full Of Flavor

• Craft Homemade BBQ Magic: Transform simple ingredients into a mouthwatering pulled chicken dish that rivals restaurant-quality meals with minimal kitchen skills.
• Speed Through Cooking: Prepare a delicious dinner in under an hour with straightforward steps and minimal prep work, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
• Customize Your Flavor Punch: Easily adjust spices and seasonings to match your taste preferences, making this recipe incredibly versatile for different palates and dietary needs.
• One-Pot Wonder Meal: Minimize cleanup with a single pot cooking method that saves time and reduces dish-washing hassle, giving you more moments to enjoy your delicious meal.

Everything That Goes In Pulled BBQ Chicken

• Chicken: The main protein that will be tender and flavorful after slow cooking in the barbecue sauce.

• Ketchup, Apple Cider Vinegar: Provides the tangy and sweet base for the sauce.
• Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a rich, caramelized flavor.
• Smoked Paprika, Cumin: Contributes deep, smoky undertones to the chicken.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the sauce.

How To Cook Pulled BBQ Chicken Right

Step 1: Whip Up The Barbecue Sauce

• Ketchup
• Apple cider vinegar
• Brown sugar
• Smoked paprika
• Cumin
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mix these ingredients thoroughly in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot until they blend into a smooth, tangy sauce.

Step 2: Introduce Chicken To The Sauce

Drop the chicken into the sauce, making sure every piece gets a delicious coating.

Place the pot over medium heat and let it start simmering uncovered.

Step 3: Slow Simmer The Chicken

Gently stir the chicken, then lower the heat to medium-low.

Cover the pot partially, leaving a small 1-inch gap for steam to escape. Let the chicken simmer quietly for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the meat to become tender.

Step 4: Check Chicken Tenderness

Peek under the lid and test the chicken’s softness. If the meat doesn’t easily pull apart, continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes to ensure maximum tenderness.

Step 5: Shred The Chicken

Grab two forks and start pulling the chicken apart directly in the pot. Alternatively, transfer to a separate bowl if you prefer.

Shred the meat until it reaches your desired texture.

Step 6: Thicken The Sauce

Crank the heat to high and stir the chicken constantly.

Cook for 5-10 minutes until the sauce becomes rich and clingy, completely coating the shredded chicken.

Step 7: Final Touch And Serve

Remove the pot from heat, do a quick taste test, and adjust seasonings if needed.

Serve the pulled BBQ chicken hot and watch everyone dig in with excitement.

Pro Tips For Pulled BBQ Chicken

• Choose bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for maximum flavor and juiciness during slow cooking.
• Monitor liquid levels carefully to prevent sauce from burning or sticking to the bottom of the pot.
• Let chicken rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to allow flavors to meld and meat to absorb sauce.
• Swap apple cider vinegar with white wine vinegar or rice vinegar for a different tangy profile.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, reheating gently to maintain moisture.

Different Ways To Serve Pulled BBQ Chicken

• Spicy Southwest Pulled Chicken: Replace smoked paprika with chipotle powder, add diced green chilies, and mix in fresh cilantro for a zesty Mexican-inspired flavor profile.
• Asian Honey Pulled Chicken: Swap brown sugar for honey, incorporate soy sauce, ginger, and garlic. Finish with sesame seeds and green onions for an East Asian touch.
• Carolina Mustard Pulled Chicken: Create a tangy sauce using yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, and a hint of brown sugar. Mix in cayenne pepper for authentic Carolina barbecue style.
• Caribbean Jerk Pulled Chicken: Use jerk seasoning instead of cumin, add orange juice to the sauce, and incorporate allspice and thyme for a vibrant island-inspired version.

What To Pair With Pulled BBQ Chicken

• Savor Complementary Flavors: Pair pulled BBQ chicken with cool, creamy coleslaw to balance the tangy sauce and add refreshing crunch.
• Create Textural Harmony: Serve alongside crispy cornbread or buttery garlic toast to soak up the rich BBQ sauce and provide satisfying bite.
• Enhance Beverage Experience: Complement the smoky, sweet chicken with a cold amber ale or zesty hard cider that cuts through the richness and refreshes the palate.
• Perfect Plating Companion: Add quick pickled red onions or quick cucumber pickles to introduce bright acidity that lifts the entire dish and provides a zingy contrast.

How To Store Pulled BBQ Chicken With Ease

• Refrigerate: Store pulled BBQ chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, ensuring it's completely cooled before sealing.
• Freeze: Pack chicken in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air, and freeze for up to 3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Microwave Reheat: Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few tablespoons of water or extra sauce, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.
• Stovetop Reheat: Warm chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or sauce to prevent drying. Stir occasionally until heated through and sauce is bubbling.

Pulled BBQ Chicken FAQs

• What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are ideal. They cook evenly and absorb the barbecue sauce flavors perfectly.

• Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes, place all ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until chicken shreds easily.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe has a mild flavor profile. If you want heat, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the barbecue sauce while cooking.

• How long can I keep the pulled chicken?

The pulled chicken stays fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container.

Pulled BBQ Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 45–50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Pulled BBQ chicken delivers a mouthwatering southern comfort feast with tender, juicy meat drenched in rich, smoky sauce. Hearty and satisfying, this crowd-pleasing dish will make you the star of any gathering.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, halved

Sauce Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) ketchup
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) brown sugar

Spices and Seasonings:

• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Create a robust barbecue sauce by vigorously blending ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper in a large Dutch oven.
2. Immerse the chicken in the sauce, ensuring complete coverage, and place the pot over medium heat until the mixture begins to bubble gently.
3. Stir the chicken, then lower the heat to medium-low, partially covering with a lid to allow steam circulation. Simmer for approximately 20 minutes.
4. Evaluate the chicken’s tenderness by attempting to pull apart with a fork. If resistance is felt, continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes.
5. Carefully shred the chicken using two forks, either directly in the pot or on a separate cutting board.
6. Elevate the heat to high and stir continuously for 5-10 minutes, concentrating the sauce until it clings tenaciously to the shredded meat.
7. Remove from heat, taste and fine-tune seasoning as needed, then serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for consistent tenderness and easy shredding.
• Choose a smoky barbecue sauce or adjust spices for personalized flavor profiles.
• Maintain low and slow cooking to prevent chicken from becoming tough or dry.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days, reheating gently to preserve moisture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 365
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 590 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 43 g
• Cholesterol: 135 mg