BBQ Smoked Pulled Chicken
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BBQ smoked pulled chicken is a delicious and versatile dish perfect for any barbecue or casual family dinner. This recipe combines the smoky richness of slow-cooked chicken with the bold sweetness of a tangy barbecue sauce, resulting in tender, juicy meat that’s packed with flavor.
The process starts by seasoning the chicken with a flavorful dry rub, then slowly smoking it over low heat until it’s perfectly cooked and infused with that irresistible smoky aroma. I like to use Meat Church seasonings, specifically their Gospel seasoning, for this recipe.
Once the chicken is smoked to perfection, it’s shredded and mixed with your favorite barbecue sauce, creating a savory, tangy mixture perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or even served on its own with a side of coleslaw. The beauty of BBQ smoked pulled chicken lies in its simplicity—using just a few key ingredients and the magic of the smoker, you can create a dish that’s both hearty and satisfying.
Whether you’re hosting a backyard cookout or looking for a make-ahead meal to enjoy throughout the week, this BBQ-smoked pulled chicken will surely be a hit with everyone at the table. I served as a bbq chicken sandwich on a bun the first night. Then, I was able to freeze some of this meat and use it for two other meals.
Ingredients to Make Smoked Pulled BBQ Chicken
- BONELESS SKINLESS CHICKEN BREASTS
- BBQ DRY RUB
- BBQ SAUCE
- CHICKEN BROTH
How to Make BBQ-Smoked Chicken
Begin by generously seasoning the chicken on both sides with your favorite BBQ dry rub. Make sure the rub is evenly distributed to ensure maximum flavor.
Preheat your smoker to 275°F. Once it’s up to temperature, place the seasoned chicken directly on the grill grates. Smoke the chicken for about 60 minutes, allowing it to absorb the rich, smoky flavors.
After the initial smoking time, transfer the chicken to an aluminum foil pan. Pour in your favorite BBQ sauce along with some chicken broth. This step adds moisture and infuses the chicken with even more flavor as it cooks.
Place the pan back in the smoker, uncovered, and continue smoking for another hour or until the internal temperature of the chicken is about 185°F. This temperature ensures the chicken is tender and easy to pull apart.
Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the smoker. Use tongs, forks, or your hands with heat-protective gloves to shred chicken directly in the pan, mixing it thoroughly with the sauce.
Your BBQ-smoked pulled chicken is now ready to serve! This recipe makes enough to serve 12 people. Enjoy it on sandwiches, tacos, or as a main dish with your favorite sides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What wood should I use for smoking the chicken?
Popular wood choices for smoking chicken include hickory, apple, cherry, and pecan. Hickory provides a strong, smoky flavor, while fruit woods like apple and cherry offer a milder, sweeter smoke. Pecan wood falls somewhere in between, giving a slightly nutty flavor.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of about 185°F. This ensures the meat is tender and easy to shred. Use an instant-read thermometer to check the temperature in the thickest part of the chicken to ensure it’s fully cooked.
Can I make this recipe without a smoker?
Yes, you can make this recipe without a smoker by using a grill with a smoker box or by adding wood chips to a gas or charcoal grill. You can also cook the chicken in the oven at 275°F, though you won’t get the same smoky flavor. In that case, consider adding a bit of liquid smoke to the sauce for a hint of smokiness.
How do I store leftover pulled chicken?
Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can make BBQ smoked pulled chicken ahead of time. The flavors often deepen when the chicken sits in the sauce overnight. Simply reheat the pulled chicken before serving, making it a convenient option for meal prep or when entertaining guests.
FOR MORE RECIPES LIKE THIS, TRY:
- BBQ Pulled Pork Tacos
- Slow Cooker Mexican Pulled Pork
- Pulled Chicken Slider Sandwiches
- BBQ Chicken Rice Bowls
BBQ Smoked Pulled Chicken
Real Mom Kitchen
Ingredients
- 3 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 Tbsp dry rub
- ¾ cup bbq sauce
- ¼ cup chicken broth
Instructions
- With the bbq dry rub, then season the chicken on both sides.
- Preheat the smoker to 275 degrees F and place the chicken directly on the grill grate. Cook for about 60 minutes.
- Transfer chicken to an aluminum foil pan, pour in bbq sauce and chicken broth. Smoke uncovered for another hour or until the chicken reach an internal temperature of about 185 degrees F.
- Once the chicken is cooked use tongs, forks, or your hands with heat-protective gloves to shred the chicken and combine it with the sauce.
- Serve as desired. Serves 12.
Nutrition
Recipe adapted from Grilling 24×7.
