Summer is the perfect time to fire up the grill and enjoy some delicious BBQ chicken. However, plain old grilled chicken can get boring after a while. That's where BBQ pulled chicken comes in! This tasty dish is perfect for summer parties, family gatherings, or just a fun dinner with friends. In this article, we'll be sharing some of our favorite BBQ pulled chicken recipes that are sure to impress your guests.
Recipe #1: Classic BBQ Pulled Chicken
Ingredients: - 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup BBQ sauce - 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar - 1/4 cup brown sugar - 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce - 1 tsp garlic powder - 1 tsp onion powder - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste Instructions: 1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. 2. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. 3. In a small bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. 4. Brush the chicken breasts with the BBQ sauce mixture on both sides. 5. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. 6. Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes. 7. Using two forks, shred the chicken into small pieces. 8. Toss the shredded chicken with the remaining BBQ sauce mixture. 9. Serve the BBQ pulled chicken on buns or as a topping for salad.
Recipe #2: Spicy BBQ Pulled Chicken
Ingredients: - 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 1 cup BBQ sauce - 1/4 cup hot sauce - 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar - 1/4 cup honey - 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce - 1 tsp garlic powder - 1 tsp onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste Instructions: 1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. 2. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper on both sides. 3. In a small bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, honey, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder. 4. Brush the chicken thighs with the BBQ sauce mixture on both sides. 5. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. 6. Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes. 7. Using two forks, shred the chicken into small pieces. 8. Toss the shredded chicken with the remaining BBQ sauce mixture. 9. Serve the spicy BBQ pulled chicken on buns or as a topping for tacos.
Recipe #3: BBQ Pulled Chicken with Coleslaw
Ingredients: - 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup BBQ sauce - 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar - 1/4 cup brown sugar - 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce - 1 tsp garlic powder - 1 tsp onion powder - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/2 head of cabbage, shredded - 1/2 cup mayonnaise - 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar - 1 tbsp honey - 1 tsp Dijon mustard - Salt and pepper to taste Instructions: 1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. 2. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. 3. In a small bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. 4. Brush the chicken breasts with the BBQ sauce mixture on both sides. 5. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. 6. Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes. 7. Using two forks, shred the chicken into small pieces. 8. In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. 9. Add the shredded cabbage to the bowl and toss to coat in the coleslaw dressing. 10. Serve the BBQ pulled chicken on buns with a side of coleslaw.
Tips for Making the Perfect BBQ Pulled Chicken
- Use boneless, skinless chicken for easier shredding. - Season the chicken with salt and pepper before grilling for added flavor. - Cook the chicken until the internal temperature reaches 165°F to ensure it's fully cooked. - Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before shredding to allow the juices to redistribute. - Toss the shredded chicken with the BBQ sauce while it's still warm for better absorption. - Experiment with different BBQ sauces and spices to find your perfect flavor combination.
Conclusion
BBQ pulled chicken is a delicious and easy dish that's perfect for summer gatherings. Whether you prefer classic, spicy, or with coleslaw, these recipes are sure to impress your guests. Follow our tips for making the perfect BBQ pulled chicken and get ready to enjoy a summer full of delicious meals.
