This Shredded BBQ Chicken recipe is a timeless favorite, bringing together bold flavors, tender meat, and a rich, smoky aroma.
Shredded barbecue chicken is a versatile dish that can be used in many ways. No need to pull out your slow cooker, this simple recipe is ready in 30 minutes making it a great weeknight dinner or those extra busy days. It's also an easy meal prep option since the leftovers store well and can be repurposed in multiple dishes throughout the week. Whether you enjoy it in as chicken sandwiches, taco, or paired with classic sides, this barbecue chicken is bound to become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients
To make this mouthwatering shredded barbecue chicken, you'll need the following ingredients:
Boneless skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs - Use your favorite chicken pieces of choice for this recipe. Chicken thighs have more flavor and don't dry out as much as chicken breasts.
Olive Oil - Keeps the chicken from sticking to the pan when searing. You can substitute any neutral vegetable oil.
Barbecue sauce - Use your favorite store bought brand or homemade bbq sauce for maximum flavor.
Chicken broth - Helps keep the chicken moist while cooking.
Apple Cider Vinegar - Adds a brightness and lifts up the other flavors
Onions - Add a mild sweetness and a bit of texture as they soften during cooking. They also release natural sugars, which complement the barbecue sauce and balance the tangy and smoky flavors.
Fresh Garlic - Provides a rich, aromatic pungency that deepens the overall taste. Fresh garlic has a more vibrant and slightly spicy kick compared to garlic powder, making the dish more robust and flavorful.
Dry Rub Ingredients
Brown sugar - Enhances the sauce with a subtle sweetness.
Smoked paprika - Infuses a hint of smokiness.
Paprika - Adds a mild sweetness and vibrant red color to the chicken rub without introducing much heat or smokiness.
Garlic powder - Boosts the savory flavors.
Onion powder - Adds depth to the seasoning.
Salt - Brings out the flavors of the dish.
Black pepper - Provides a touch of warmth and spice.
Optional Additions - Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, cayenne pepper (for some heat)
Instructions
Start by mixing the rub ingredients in a small bowl and smear it all over the chicken. Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and sear them for about 5-8 minutes per side until golden brown cooking them fully with an internal temperature of 165 F. (Using a meat thermometer is my favorite way to ensure I don't over cook my meat!) Remove from the pan and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and chopped garlic and cook until soft, making sure not to burn the garlic. Pour the barbecue sauce, chicken broth and apple cider vinegar over the onions and garlic. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
Carefully shred your chicken using two forks, a standing mixer, or my favorite meat shredder. Return the pulled chicken to the skillet, stirring it into the sauce. Allow it to simmer for an additional 5 minutes to absorb the flavors. Serve and enjoy!
Storage and Meal Prep Tips
- Store leftover shredded barbecue chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freeze portions in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months. Reheat in a skillet or microwave with a splash of broth to keep it moist.
- Make a big batch and use it throughout the week for quick, flavorful meals.
This juicy, flavorful shredded barbecue chicken can be served in different ways, from sandwiches to rice bowls or even a lettuce wrap. Read on for delicious serving ideas!
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Shredded BBQ Chicken
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
This shredded barbecue chicken recipe is incredibly simple to make yet packed with robust flavor. It's also a fantastic meal prep option since the leftovers store well and can be repurposed in multiple dishes throughout the week.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or 1 lb chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, chopped
Rub
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Start by mixing together the rub ingredients and smear the rub all over the chicken. Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the seasoned chicken breasts and sear them for about 5-8 minutes per side until golden brown cooking them fully with an internal temperature of 165 F. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and chopped garlic and cook until soft, making sure not to burn the garlic.
- Pour 1/2 cup barbecue sauce, 1/2 cup chicken broth and 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar over the onions and garlic. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Carefully shred your chicken using two forks, a standing mixer, or my favorite meat shredder.
- Return the shredded chicken to the skillet, stirring it into the sauce.
- Allow it to simmer for an additional 5 minutes to absorb the flavors. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
Refrigeration: Store leftover shredded barbecue chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Freeze portions in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months. Reheat in a skillet or microwave with a splash of broth to keep it moist.
Meal Prep: Make a big batch and use it throughout the week for quick, flavorful meals.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One Pot
- Cuisine: American
The Perfect Side Dishes for Barbecue Chicken
Every great barbecue meal is even better with the right sides. Here are some classic side dished for barbecue chicken:
Broccoli Crunch Salad
Broccoli Crunch Salad is the best for a picnic side, barbecue side, or grill out side dish. The simple salad is basically a Cole slaw with bacon, cheese, and yummy pecans.
Quick Cheese Grits
Quick Cheese Grits are a delicious side dish recipe. This easy recipe is great for breakfast or dinner!
Pimento Cheese Biscuits
Take two classic southern staples and combine them into one delicious treat. These pimento cheese biscuits are filled with cheesy, peppery goodness.
Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes
Whether you're whipping these up for a Sunday dinner or getting ahead of your holiday meal or any special occasions, these tips will guarantee the best mashed potatoes every time.
Classic House Salad
When it comes to classic side dishes, the house salad holds a special place on the dining table. It's versatile, easy to prepare, and the perfect complement to any main course. This house salad recipe is adaptable, so feel free to get creative with your ingredients.
Roasted Purple Sweet Potatoes
Purple sweet potatoes are delicious and nutritious and can be eaten on their own or tossed into a salad or grain bowl. Note they are not as sweet as the traditional sweet potatoes we are used to.
Easy Broccoli Cheese Rice
The easy cheesy broccoli cheese rice makes a perfect one pot side dish.
Easy Mac and Cheese
30 Minute Skillet Mac and Cheese is a fast side dish recipe or dinner recipe. This cheesy macaroni comes together in a flash, and it tastes better than the box. I love it! It's one of my favorite comfort food recipes.
Roasted Broccoli and Carrots
Need an easy, nutritious and delicious side dish? Roasted broccoli and carrots are the perfect addition to any meal.
Classic Southern Cornbread
Classic Southern Cornbread is a staple recipe every home cook needs!
Here are more easy side dish ideas:
- Grilled Vegetables: Bell peppers, zucchini, and asparagus add a healthy, smoky touch.
- Potato Salad: A cool, creamy potato salad balances the bold barbecue sauce.
- Coleslaw: Crunchy and tangy, coleslaw adds a refreshing contrast to the savory chicken.
- Baked Beans: Sweet, smoky, and hearty beans round out the meal beautifully.
- Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn brings natural sweetness to the dish.
Use Up Leftover BBQ Chicken
If you have extra shredded barbecue chicken, don't let it go to waste! Here are a few ways to enjoy it beyond sandwiches:
- BBQ Chicken Quesadillas: Fill tortillas with shredded chicken, cheese, and sautéed onions, then grill until crispy.
- BBQ Chicken Pizza: Spread barbecue sauce over pizza dough, add shredded chicken, red onions, and cheese, then bake.
- BBQ Chicken Nachos: Layer tortilla chips with chicken, cheese, jalapeños, and bake until melted.
- BBQ Chicken Stuffed Peppers: Fill bell peppers with a mix of shredded chicken, rice, and cheese, then bake until tender.
- BBQ Chicken Salad: Toss shredded chicken with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, corn, black beans, and ranch dressing for a fresh, flavorful salad.
Shredded barbecue chicken is the ultimate easy and delicious dish that can be used in so many ways. Whether you're serving it as a sandwich, taco, or pizza topping, this versatile recipe will quickly become a family favorite. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, it's perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or feeding a hungry crowd. Give it a try and enjoy the irresistible smoky, sweet, and tangy goodness!
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