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Easy 30-Minute BBQ Pulled Chicken Recipe Perfect for Quick Dinners

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A quick and easy BBQ pulled chicken recipe ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights and casual gatherings. Tender, smoky, and saucy chicken thighs shredded and coated in a tangy BBQ sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce (240 ml)
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (30 ml)
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Optional: ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup (240 ml) BBQ sauce, 2 tablespoons (30 ml) apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon onion powder. Whisk until smooth and set aside.
  2. Pat dry 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper and sprinkle ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes if using.
  3. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Once shimmering, add chicken thighs in a single layer. Cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until golden crust forms.
  4. Flip chicken and cook for another 4 minutes until browned and mostly cooked through. Add extra minute if chicken is thick.
  5. Pour BBQ sauce mixture over chicken. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover pan, and simmer gently for 10 minutes to absorb flavors and finish cooking.
  6. Remove chicken from pan and shred into bite-sized pieces using two forks or fingers.
  7. Return shredded chicken to pan, stir to coat with sauce, and cook uncovered for 2-3 minutes to thicken sauce slightly. Serve warm.

Notes

Pat chicken dry before seasoning to get a better sear. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure proper browning. Simmer gently with lid on to keep chicken moist. Adjust seasoning after cooking as BBQ sauce sweetness can vary. Use chicken thighs for juiciness; breasts can dry out faster. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: BBQ pulled chicken, quick dinner, easy chicken recipe, pulled chicken, weeknight meal, BBQ sauce, chicken thighs

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