Pulled barbecue chicken is a classic summertime favorite for good reason – it’s tasty, easy to make, and goes great with everything from sandwiches to salads. With just a few simple steps, you can have juicy, flavorful pulled chicken ready to enjoy in no time.
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (4-5 pounds)
- 1 cup barbecue sauce, divided
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and trim off any excess fat or skin. This helps the chicken cook evenly.
- In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix well.
- Place the chicken in a sealable plastic bag or container and pour the spice mixture over top, coating the chicken completely. Seal and refrigerate for at least 2-4 hours, or up to overnight. This lets the flavors really penetrate the meat.
Cook the Chicken
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Reserve the marinade.
- Place the chicken on the prepared baking sheet and roast for 1-1.5 hours, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F in the thickest part of the breast and thigh. Baste occasionally with the reserved marinade during cooking.
- Once done, let the chicken rest for 10-15 minutes before handling to allow the juices to reabsorb.
Shred and Sauce the Chicken
- Transfer the chicken to a cutting board. Using two forks, shred the meat, discarding the skin and bones.
- Place the shredded chicken in a large bowl. Add 1/2 cup of the barbecue sauce and toss to coat evenly.
- For juicier pulled chicken, stir in some of the cooking juices from the baking sheet. Add more barbecue sauce if desired.
- Serve the barbecue pulled chicken warm, use it to top salads, stuff it into sandwiches or wraps, or enjoy it on its own! Refrigerate leftovers for 3-4 days.
Tips for Perfect Pulled Chicken
- For even more flavor, marinate the chicken overnight before cooking.
- Use a boneless, skinless chicken if you want to skip the shredding step.
- Pair bold sauce flavors like hickory and brown sugar with chicken.
- Keep some sauce on the side to allow customized saucing.
- Stuff pulled chicken into rolls or tortillas for easy sandwiches.
- Top salads, nachos, baked potatoes, or pizza with shredded chicken.
- Stir leftovers into soups, casseroles, pasta, or rice dishes.
- Freeze extra pulled chicken for quick meals later.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pulled BBQ Chicken
How long does it take to cook pulled chicken in the oven?
It takes 1-1.5 hours to cook a 4-5 pound chicken in the oven at 350°F until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Smaller chickens may cook slightly faster.
What is the best cut of chicken for pulling?
Whole chickens work very well for pulling and shredding. Chicken thighs, drumsticks, or boneless breasts can also be used. Dark meat has more connective tissue so it shreds easily.
Can you use a slow cooker to make pulled chicken?
Yes, slow cookers are great for pulled chicken! Cook the chicken on low for 6-8 hours until fall-apart tender. Shred with forks and stir in sauce.
What wood chips or chunks are best for BBQ chicken?
Fruit woods like apple, cherry, pecan, and hickory provide excellent flavor for pulled BBQ chicken. Mesquite and oak also impart nice smokiness.
How do you keep pulled chicken moist?
Basting and cooking to proper temperature helps keep pulled chicken moist. Adding some of the cooking juices or barbecue sauce after shredding also adds back moisture. Avoid overcooking.
How do you reheat leftover pulled chicken?
Place refrigerated pulled chicken in a skillet with a splash of water or broth over medium heat. Gently reheat, adding more barbecue sauce to moisten. Or reheat in the microwave on Medium power.
Conclusion
With its delicious smoky-sweet flavor, tender and juicy shredded meat texture, and incredible versatility, pulled barbecue chicken is a no-fuss crowd-pleaser. The simple prep and hands-off oven roasting method allow the spices and sauce to infuse maximum flavor. Experiment with different sauce and spice blends to put your own spin on this classic. With this easy recipe, you can enjoy tender, tangy pulled chicken any night of the week – perfect for sandwiches, salads, nachos, pizza, and more!