Eating shredded bbq chicken is a delicious way to enjoy a classic barbecue flavor. When chicken is cooked low and slow in a sweet, tangy barbecue sauce, the meat becomes incredibly moist, tender and infused with flavor. Shredding the chicken makes it easy to serve in sandwiches, salads, nachos and more. Making shredded bbq chicken at home is simple, and allows you to control the ingredients to create a sauce with the perfect blend of sweetness, acidity and spice. With just a few basic steps, you can make tasty pulled bbq chicken worthy of any cookout or potluck.

Ingredients Needed to Make Shredded BBQ Chicken

Making shredded bbq chicken starts with gathering a few basic ingredients. Here is what you will need:

• Chicken – Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best. Breasts stay slightly more firm after cooking. Thighs become more fall-apart tender.
• BBQ sauce – Sweet tomato-based barbecue sauce adds sticky, bold and tangy flavor. Use your favorite brand or make your own.
• Seasonings – Salt, pepper and spices like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika and chili powder.
• Liquid – Chicken broth, beer, soda or apple cider vinegar add moisture.
• Onion and garlic – Sauteing onion and garlic provides an aromatic flavor base.
• Oil or butter – For browning the chicken and sautéing the aromatics.

Optional mix-ins:

• Chiles – Diced jalapeños or chipotle peppers bring heat.
• Mustard – Yellow mustard boosts tanginess.
• Worcestershire sauce – Adds depth of flavor.
• Brown sugar – For caramelized sweetness.
• Molasses – Deepens the flavor profile.

That’s all you need for amazing home-cooked shredded bbq chicken!

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Shredded BBQ Chicken

Follow these simple steps for juicy, flavor-packed shredded bbq chicken every time:

1. Prepare the Chicken

• Pat bone-in chicken breasts or bone-in thighs dry with paper towels. This helps the chicken brown evenly when searing.
• Generously season both sides of the chicken with salt, pepper and spices like garlic powder, paprika and chili powder.

2. Brown the Chicken

• Heat 1-2 Tbsp oil in a skillet or pot over medium high heat.
• When oil is shimmering hot, add chicken pieces in a single layer, without overcrowding.
• Brown chicken well on both sides, about 3-5 minutes per side.
• Remove chicken and set aside. Pour off all but 1 Tbsp fat from pan.

3. Sauté the Aromatics

• Add 1 small diced onion and 2-3 minced garlic cloves to the pan.
• Sauté until softened and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.

4. Make the BBQ Sauce

• Add 1 cup barbecue sauce and 1⁄4 cup liquid like broth or cider vinegar.
• Whisk together and let simmer for 2-3 minutes.
• Add any other sauce flavorings like mustard, brown sugar, Worcestershire, etc. Taste and adjust sweetness, tanginess and spice as desired.

5. Braise the Chicken

• Return seared chicken pieces to pan and turn to coat in sauce.
• Cover pan and simmer over medium-low heat until chicken is very tender and falling off the bone, about 40-50 minutes.

6. Shred the Chicken

• Transfer chicken pieces to a cutting board to rest briefly.
• When cool enough to handle, use two forks to shred the chicken, discarding skin and bones.
• Add shredded chicken back to the sauce in pan.

7. Finish the Sauce

• Let shredded chicken simmer in sauce for 5-10 minutes to absorb flavors.
• Taste sauce and add more salt, pepper, vinegar or sugar if desired.
• Turn off heat. The bbq chicken is ready to serve!

And that’s it! With these simple steps you can make amazingly delicious shredded bbq chicken with the smoky, sweet flavors of classic American barbecue. Customize the sauce to your taste and enjoy this shredded chicken in all kinds of easy dishes.

Tips for Making Juicy, Flavorful Shredded BBQ Chicken

Here are some helpful tips to ensure your homemade shredded bbq chicken turns out perfectly moist and full of flavor:

• Use bone-in chicken pieces – The bones add moisture, gelatin and flavor as the chicken braises. Discard bones after shredding.
• Pat chicken dry – Drying the chicken allows it to brown well for better flavor.
• Sear chicken first – Browning adds deeper, richer flavor compared to just simmering.
• Simmer low and slow – Low, slow braising breaks down connective tissue for tender, shreddable meat.
• Shred by hand – Using two forks helps break up the chicken into long, juicy strands.
• Finish in the sauce – Letting shredded chicken sit in the sauce helps it fully absorb the flavors.
• Keep sauce on thicker side – Reducing the sauce makes it cling to the chicken better after shredding.
• Customize the sauce – Play around with sauces and spice blends to find your perfect bbq flavor.

How to Use Shredded BBQ Chicken in Recipes

The uses for tender homemade shredded bbq chicken are endless! Here are some delicious ways to enjoy this versatile meat:

• BBQ chicken sandwiches – Pile shredded chicken onto buns with pickles and slaw.
• BBQ chicken pizza – Top dough with cheese, chicken and red onion.
• BBQ chicken salad – Toss chicken with mixed greens, corn, beans and ranch dressing.
• BBQ chicken nachos – Layer chicken over chips with beans, cheese, salsa and guacamole.
• BBQ chicken pasta – Mix chicken with cooked pasta, parsley and Parmesan.
• BBQ chicken tacos – Fill tortillas with chicken, sour cream, cotija cheese and lime.
• BBQ chicken stuffed potatoes – Stuff baked potatoes with chicken, bacon, cheddar and scallions.
• BBQ chicken breakfast burrito – Add chicken, eggs, cheese and avocado to a tortilla.
• BBQ chicken quesadillas – Fill tortillas with chicken, peppers, onions and cheese.

The options are endless! Use shredded bbq chicken as a protein topping for salads, flatbreads, omelets, rice bowls and more.

FAQs About Making Shredded BBQ Chicken

Here are answers to some common questions about preparing deliciously tender shredded bbq chicken at home:

Can I use boneless, skinless chicken?

Yes, you can use boneless, skinless breasts or thighs. The chicken may dry out slightly faster since there are no bones or skin for moisture. Keep a close eye on boneless chicken and pull it as soon as it shreds easily.

What’s the best cut of chicken to use?

Chicken thighs or bone-in breasts work best. Thighs become fall-apart tender but stay juicy. Breasts keep their shape more but can dry out if overcooked. Mixing thigh and breast meat gives a good texture combo.

Do I have to sear the chicken first?

It’s not 100% necessary, but searing helps develop deeper flavor.Skipping this step means the chicken won’t brown but will still shred after braising.

What liquid should I use in the sauce?

Chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, beer, soda, fruit juice all add great flavor. Use about 1⁄4 cup liquid to thin out 1 cup of thick barbecue sauce.

How long should I braise the chicken?

Cook bone-in chicken pieces for 40-60 minutes, until very fork tender and falling off the bone. Boneless pieces take less time, around 20-30 minutes.

How do I shred the chicken smoothly?

Use two forks to pull chicken into long thin strands. Resist over-shredding into mush. Let chicken cool slightly before shredding if very tender.

Can I prepare shredded chicken in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Cook on low heat for 4-6 hours until chicken is shreddable. Then shred with forks and mix with bbq sauce.

Get Creative with Your Own Signature Shredded BBQ Chicken

Once you master the basics, get creative with shredded bbq chicken by:

• Trying different sauce flavors – Mix up your sauce with ingredients like molasses, coffee, herbs and different vinegars.
• Using different proteins – Pork shoulder, beef chuck roast and turkey legs also shred beautifully.
• Adding smoky flavor – Use smoked paprika, bacon, canned chipotles or even smoke it yourself.
• Serving it up – Stuff it in pastries, roll it into meatballs, pile it on nachos – the possibilities are endless!
• Meal prepping – Make a big batch of shredded chicken and portion it out for quick lunches and dinners all week.

The versatility of shredded bbq chicken makes it a great staple recipe to master. With the simple guidance above, you can become a pro at making crave-worthy shredded chicken packed with smoky, sweet and tangy barbecue goodness at home. Get creative with flavors, mix-ins and serving ideas to make this hearty staple your go-to recipe for epic weeknight dinners, game day snacks and sumptuous sandwiches.

In Conclusion

Making delicious shredded bbq chicken at home is easy, fun and incredibly satisfying. With just a few basic ingredients and steps you can enjoy juicy, flavor-infused chicken with the quintessential flavors of barbecue. Browning, braising and shredding chicken transforms an ordinary ingredient into a sensational centerpiece for meals. From weekend cookouts to quick weeknight dinners, shredded bbq chicken is endlessly adaptable. So fire up your oven or slow cooker, get your forks ready for shredding and whip up a batch of incredible homemade shredded bbq chicken today!