Best 4 Barbecue Pulled Chicken Recipes

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Tantalize your taste buds with the smoky, succulent goodness of our Barbecue Pulled Chicken. This versatile dish is a lip-smacking symphony of flavors, perfect for backyard barbecues, potlucks, or a cozy family dinner. Dive into the juicy, tender chicken, infused with a tantalizing blend of spices and bathed in a rich, smoky barbecue sauce. Experience the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory in every bite.

Indulge in three delectable recipes that cater to your culinary preferences. The Classic Barbecue Pulled Chicken offers a timeless taste that will satisfy any barbecue enthusiast. Craving a kick of heat? The Spicy Barbecue Pulled Chicken will set your taste buds ablaze with its fiery, zesty flavor. And for those seeking a healthier option, the Healthy Barbecue Pulled Chicken is a guilt-free indulgence that doesn't compromise on taste.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

PULLED CHICKEN WITH CHERRY-CHILE BARBECUE SAUCE



Pulled Chicken with Cherry-Chile Barbecue Sauce image

Provided by Dina Cheney

Categories     Slow Cooker     Chicken     Tomato     Cherry     Summer     Family Reunion     Potluck     Chile Pepper

Yield Serves 4 to 6

Number Of Ingredients 16

2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/2 cup coarsely chopped shallots (about 1 large)
1 tablespoon peeled chopped fresh ginger (about one 1 1/2-inch piece)
1 teaspoon minced fresh jalapeño (seeds and membranes removed)
Scant 4 cups dark sweet fresh cherries, pitted and de-stemmed (3 cups afterwards)
Two 14 1/2-ounce cans diced tomatoes, no salt added (you'll only use 1 1/2 cans; save the rest for another use)
1/4 cup blackstrap molasses
1/4 cup cider vinegar
1 tablespoon chipotle chile from a can of chipotle chiles en adobo
3 tablespoons Dijon mustard, divided
1 1/4 teaspoons chile powder, divided
2 teaspoons coarse salt, divided
15 grinds black pepper, divided
2 teaspoons light brown sugar
3 pounds bone-in, skinless chicken thighs, trimmed if necessary (about 8)
4 to 6 warmed burger buns, for serving

Steps:

  • 1. Heat the oil in a large heavy saucepan over medium-high heat. When hot, add the shallots, ginger, and jalapeño and sauté until softened, about 2 minutes. Add the cherries, tomatoes, molasses, vinegar, chipotle, 1 tablespoon mustard, 3/4 teaspoon chile powder, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, and 5 grinds pepper, and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce to a simmer over medium heat, and cook until aromatic and thickened, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and carefully transfer half to a blender; purée until smooth, about 20 seconds. Purée the second half until smooth (you should have about 5 1/4 cups). Set aside.
  • 2. Meanwhile, mix 2 tablespoons mustard, 1/2 teaspoon chile powder, 1/2 teaspoons salt, 10 grinds pepper, and the brown sugar in a large bowl; add the chicken and mix well with your hands. Put the chicken in the bottom of the slow cooker and pour 1 1/2 cups of the barbecue sauce on top (reserve the remainder for serving and extras). Cover and cook on low until the meat is cooked through and tender, 4 to 4 1/2 hours.
  • 3. Use tongs to transfer the chicken to a cutting board and carefully use a fork to separate the meat from the bones, discarding the bones (you should have about 4 cups meat).
  • 4. To serve, stir together 1 cup of the remaining sauce and the shredded meat, and reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. Spoon some meat and sauce onto the bottom half of each bun, cover with the top bun, and serve.

BARBECUE PULLED CHICKEN



Barbecue Pulled Chicken image

Almost nothing beats a barbecue pulled pork sandwich, but this faster and leaner spin, which is made with roasted chicken thighs and breasts and a quick barbecue sauce, is a delicious alternative that only tastes like it took all day to cook. Serve on buns with a vinegary slaw and ranch or buttermilk dressing, if you like. For a smokier flavor, use a combination of sweet and smoked paprika. Like most barbecue recipes, this is even better reheated the next day.

Provided by Lidey Heuck

Categories     dinner, barbecues, poultry, main course

Time 1h

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 17

2 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
2 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts
1 1/2 teaspoons sweet paprika
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin, plus more as needed
1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne
Kosher salt and black pepper
1/4 cup olive oil
3 tablespoons canola oil
1/2 cup minced shallots (from 2 to 3 shallots)
1 (12-ounce) bottle stout beer
1/2 cup cider vinegar
1/3 cup Worcestershire sauce
1/3 cup tomato paste
1/4 packed cup dark brown sugar
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 garlic cloves, finely grated

Steps:

  • Heat the oven to 375 degrees. Pat the chicken thighs and breasts dry and place them on a sheet pan. In a small bowl, combine 1 teaspoon paprika with the 1/2 teaspoon cumin, cayenne, 2 teaspoons salt and 1 teaspoon black pepper. Whisk in the olive oil, then pour over the chicken and toss to coat.
  • Roast the chicken for 35 to 45 minutes, depending on the size of the pieces, until an internal thermometer registers 165 degrees in both the thighs and breasts. Set aside until cool enough to handle, reserving the pan drippings.
  • Meanwhile, heat the canola oil in a medium saucepan over medium. Add the shallots and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, 3 to 5 minutes. Add the beer, vinegar, Worcestershire, tomato paste, brown sugar, honey, mustard, garlic, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper, plus the remaining 1/2 teaspoon paprika and a pinch of cumin; whisk until smooth. Bring to a boil, then turn the heat to medium-low and cook for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until reduced and thickened.
  • Remove the meat from the thighs and breasts, discarding the bones and skin. Tear the meat into bite-size pieces and place in a large bowl. Add a few tablespoons of the reserved drippings and toss to coat.
  • If serving immediately, add the chicken to the sauce, toss and warm through over medium heat. If making in advance, add the sauce to the chicken, toss well, and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in a saucepan set over medium heat before serving, or partly covered in a 350-degree oven for 20 minutes.

PULLED CHICKEN SANDWICHES WITH ROOT BEER BARBECUE SAUCE



Pulled Chicken Sandwiches with Root Beer Barbecue Sauce image

Root beer is the not-so-secret ingredient in this sweet-tangy sauce-the perfect accompaniment to rotissierie chicken.

Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Entree

Time 40m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 14

1/2 cup root beer
1/2 cup ketchup
3 tablespoons cider vinegar
2 tablespoons yellow mustard
1 tablespoon packed brown sugar
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
1 clove garlic, smashed
Dash of red pepper sauce
1 deli rotisserie chicken (unflavored), skin and bones removed, shredded (about 3 cups)
4 kaiser rolls, split
2 cups purchased coleslaw

Steps:

  • In 2-quart saucepan, heat all sauce ingredients to boiling over medium heat, stirring frequently. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Remove garlic clove.
  • Add shredded chicken to sauce and stir until chicken is evenly coated. Heat over low heat, stirring constantly, until chicken is hot.
  • Place about 1 cup chicken mixture on bottom of each roll and top with about 1/2 cup coleslaw and bun top.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 560, Carbohydrate 53 g, Cholesterol 100 mg, Fat 2, Fiber 3 g, Protein 36 g, SaturatedFat 4 1/2 g, ServingSize 1 Sandwich, Sodium 1160 mg, Sugar 22 g, TransFat 1 g

EASY PULLED CHICKEN BARBECUE SANDWICHES



Easy Pulled Chicken Barbecue Sandwiches image

This is not really a recipe, it is more of an idea. BUT, it is easy and you do no cooking at all ! In the USA, Rotisserie Chickens are available at most large supermarkets and at restaurants like Boston Market. If you can't get one you can slow cook boneless chicken breasts until they can be pulled apart. Number of servings depends on the size of the chicken and size of sandwiches.

Provided by John W Wenzelburger

Categories     Lunch/Snacks

Time 20m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 3

1 fully cooked rotisserie chicken
6 large hamburger buns
barbecue sauce (Several kinds)

Steps:

  • Remove the skin and pull the meat off the bones, then pull apart the chunks of meat discarding any hard over cooked parts.
  • The meat should look like pulled pork.
  • If you are not serving within 30 minutes, refrigerate.
  • When ready to serve, put enough meat for one sandwich in a small microwave proof bowl.
  • Make up one bowl for each sandwich you are making.
  • Heat the meat in the microwave until it reaches serving temperature.
  • Heating can be done before putting meat in the bowls if you are making more then a few sandwiches.
  • Serve each person a bowl of meat and a bun.
  • Each person can then pick their own favorite BBQ sauce or mix a (sand) witches brew of different sauces with their meat and then spoon onto their bun.

Tips:

  • Select the Right Chicken: Choose bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts or thighs for optimal flavor and moisture.
  • Enhance Flavor with Seasonings: Create a flavorful rub using a blend of paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Adjust the quantities to suit your taste preferences.
  • Use a Quality Barbecue Sauce: Opt for a flavorful and slightly tangy barbecue sauce to coat the chicken. Choose a reputable brand or make your own sauce for a personalized touch.
  • Slow and Low Cooking: Allow ample time for the chicken to cook slowly over low heat. This will ensure tenderness and prevent drying out.
  • Monitor the Cooking Process: Keep an eye on the chicken during cooking and adjust the heat or cooking time as necessary. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
  • Shred the Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the heat and shred it using two forks. This will create tender and succulent pulled chicken.

Conclusion:

Barbecue pulled chicken is a versatile and flavorful dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether served on a bun as a classic barbecue sandwich, incorporated into tacos, or used as a topping for nachos or salads, this dish is sure to satisfy.

With careful preparation and attention to detail, you can create a delicious and memorable barbecue pulled chicken meal that will impress your family and friends. Experiment with different seasonings and sauces to find your perfect combination and elevate this dish to new heights.

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