If you’re craving something finger-licking good, versatile, and downright comforting, this Shredded BBQ Chicken Recipe is going to be your new best friend. Imagine tender chicken breasts slow-cooked to perfection, smothered in a luscious mix of smoky, sweet, and tangy barbecue flavors. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this dish hits every note with a rich, satisfying taste and a wonderful texture that practically melts in your mouth. It’s incredibly simple to prepare but full of depth thanks to the perfect blend of spices and that iconic Sweet Baby Ray’s Hickory & Brown Sugar barbecue sauce that brings everything together beautifully.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this Shredded BBQ Chicken Recipe a winner. Each component plays a special role, whether it’s adding sweetness, tang, or that irresistible smoky kick.
- Chicken breasts: The star of the show, providing juicy and tender meat perfect for shredding.
- Sweet Baby Ray’s Hickory & Brown Sugar Barbecue Sauce (18 oz bottle): This sauce delivers the perfect balance of sweet and smoky flavors, doing half the work for you.
- Light brown sugar (â…“ cup): Adds extra sweetness and helps create a sticky, caramelized finish.
- Apple cider vinegar (2 tbsp): Brings a bright, tangy punch that cuts through the richness.
- Olive oil (1 tbsp): Helps keep the chicken tender and moist during the slow cooking process.
- Garlic powder (1 tsp): Infuses a subtle, savory depth.
- Onion powder (1 tsp): Adds aromatic warmth and rounds out the flavor profile.
- Smoked paprika (¼ tsp): Introduces a gentle smoky undertone.
- Chipotle chili powder (¼ tsp): Gives a mild kick with a hint of smoky heat.
- Ground white pepper (¼ tsp): Enhances the savoriness without overpowering the other spices.
How to Make Shredded BBQ Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the BBQ Sauce Mixture
First things first, turn your slow cooker or stovetop heat down to low to make sure everything simmers gently. In a bowl, combine the barbecue sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, and all the spices. Whisk these ingredients together well to blend their vibrant flavors into a harmonious sauce that will coat the chicken beautifully.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts in your slow cooker or a deep skillet, then pour the barbecue sauce mixture over them. Using a spoon, be sure to thoroughly stir and coat each piece of chicken, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. This part not only guarantees that smokiness and sweetness reach every inch but also helps the meat stay moist and tender.
Step 3: Slow Cook Until Tender
Let the chicken cook on low heat for about seven hours. This slow and easy process is what transforms the meat into the perfect texture for shredding. The flavors get to mingle, deepen, and intensify, making every forkful wonderfully rich and satisfying.
Step 4: Shred and Mix
When the cooking time is up, remove the chicken breasts and use two forks to shred them finely. Return the shredded chicken to the sauce in the cooker or skillet and stir well, coating all the strands with that delicious, sticky barbecue sauce. This is where the magic happens, turning simple chicken into a dish that’s bursting with zest and heartwarming comfort.
How to Serve Shredded BBQ Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can make your shredded BBQ chicken pop visually and flavor-wise. Try topping it with chopped green onions, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, or even some crunchy sliced radishes for a nice contrast. A little drizzle of extra barbecue sauce or a dollop of creamy ranch or coleslaw on the side also adds a wonderful creaminess to balance the tangy meat.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with classic Southern sides like creamy coleslaw, buttery cornbread, or grilled corn on the cob. If you want something lighter, a crisp garden salad or roasted vegetables complement the rich flavors. For a carb-packed kick, serve it on a soft bun as sliders, or with fluffy mashed potatoes that soak up every drop of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Don’t be afraid to get a bit creative! Use your shredded BBQ chicken in tacos with fresh salsa and avocado, layer it over nachos with melted cheese and jalapeños, or stuff it into baked potatoes for a hearty meal. Even mixing it into a casserole or using it as a topping on homemade pizzas is a fantastic idea. This Shredded BBQ Chicken Recipe is your ticket to endless delicious possibilities.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store leftover shredded BBQ chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to four days, making it ideal for quick lunches or easy dinners throughout the week.
Freezing
This recipe freezes exceptionally well. Portion the shredded chicken into freezer-safe bags or containers, squeezing out excess air to prevent freezer burn. It can be kept in the freezer for up to three months, ready to thaw and enjoy at your convenience.
Reheating
Reheat your leftover shredded BBQ chicken gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave. Adding a splash of water or extra barbecue sauce helps keep it moist. Stir occasionally to warm evenly without drying out the meat, and you’ll have a tasty meal ready in minutes.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs have a bit more fat, which can make your shredded BBQ chicken even juicier and more flavorful. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if needed.
What if I don’t have a slow cooker?
No worries! You can make this recipe in a covered skillet or Dutch oven on the stovetop over low heat, cooking until the chicken is tender and easy to shred, which may take around 1.5 to 2 hours.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a mild kick from the chipotle chili powder, but it’s not overly spicy. You can adjust the amount or omit it if you prefer a milder flavor.
Can I use a different barbecue sauce?
Definitely! While Sweet Baby Ray’s Hickory & Brown Sugar is perfect for this recipe, feel free to use your favorite barbecue sauce to suit your taste preferences.
What are some other ways to use the leftovers?
Leftover shredded BBQ chicken is fantastic in sandwiches, wraps, salads, quesadillas, or even stirred into mac and cheese for a smoky twist. It’s truly versatile!
Final Thoughts
This Shredded BBQ Chicken Recipe is one of those comforting dishes that’s easy to make and loved by everyone at the table. It’s a brilliant weeknight dinner, a perfect party crowd-pleaser, and a fantastic meal prep option. Once you try it, you’ll understand why this flavorful, tender chicken becomes a staple in your kitchen. So go ahead, give it a shot, and watch how it quickly becomes a favorite meal to share with your friends and family.
Print
Shredded BBQ Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 hours
- Total Time: 7 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Shredded BBQ Chicken recipe features tender chicken breasts slow-cooked to perfection in a flavorful mixture of Sweet Baby Ray’s Hickory & Brown Sugar Barbecue Sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and a blend of spices. The result is juicy, shreddable chicken perfect for sandwiches, tacos, salads, or your favorite BBQ dishes.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 3 chicken breasts
BBQ Sauce Mixture
- 1 18 oz bottle Sweet Baby Ray’s Hickory & Brown Sugar Barbecue Sauce
- â…“ cup light brown sugar
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp chipotle chili powder
- ¼ tsp ground white pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce mixture: In a bowl or slow cooker insert, whisk together the barbecue sauce, light brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, chipotle chili powder, and ground white pepper until fully combined.
- Coat the chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker or pot and use a spoon to thoroughly coat all the chicken pieces with the barbecue sauce mixture. Stir gently to ensure the chicken is well coated.
- Cook the chicken low and slow: Turn the heat to low and cover the slow cooker or pot. Cook the chicken for approximately 7 hours, until it is tender and easily shredded with a fork.
- Shred and serve: Remove the cooked chicken from the cooker, shred it using two forks, and mix it back into the sauce for extra flavor. Serve hot as desired.
Notes
- Using a slow cooker or crockpot on low heat will yield the most tender shredded chicken.
- If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can cook the chicken on the stovetop in a covered pot on the lowest heat setting for about the same time, adding a little water if needed to prevent sticking.
- This shredded BBQ chicken can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- For extra heat, increase the chipotle chili powder to ½ teaspoon or add crushed red pepper flakes.
- Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce can be substituted with any preferred smoky brown sugar barbecue sauce.
