Description
This BBQ Pulled Chicken recipe is a quick and flavorful comfort food perfect for any occasion. Tender and juicy boneless chicken breasts are seasoned with a blend of garlic, onion, and smoked paprika, then cooked on the stovetop and smothered in your favorite barbecue sauce. Served on buns, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that comes together in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasonings
- 2 lbs boneless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Sauce and Cooking
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Serving
- Buns for serving
Instructions
- Heat the skillet: Warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat to prepare for cooking the chicken.
- Season the chicken: Add the boneless chicken breasts to the skillet, then sprinkle evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to season thoroughly.
- Cook the chicken: Sauté the chicken breasts for about 5-7 minutes on each side, ensuring they are fully cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Shred the chicken: Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces.
- Combine with barbecue sauce: Return the shredded chicken to the skillet and pour 1 cup of barbecue sauce over it. Stir well to coat all the chicken evenly in the sauce and let it warm through for 2-3 minutes.
- Serve: Spoon the BBQ pulled chicken onto buns and serve immediately while hot, perfect for sandwiches or sliders.
Notes
- For extra smoky flavor, use smoked barbecue sauce or add a splash of liquid smoke.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the seasoning mix.
- This pulled chicken can also be served on salads or tacos for a versatile meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Ensure the chicken is fully cooked before shredding to avoid any food safety issues.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
