Pulled chicken is a classic comfort food that is easy to make and so versatile. When you learn how to properly cook pulled chicken you can incorporate it into sandwiches, salads tacos, pastas, and more. This juicy and tender meat is a crowd-pleasing addition to any meal. With a few simple steps, you can have restaurant-quality pulled chicken ready in no time using common ingredients and equipment found in most kitchens.
Choosing the Right Chicken for Pulled Chicken
The first step to perfect pulled chicken is selecting the right type of chicken You want pieces with bones, skin, and connective tissue since these elements help keep the meat tender and add flavor. Chicken thighs or drumsticks are ideal You can also use a whole cut-up chicken. If opting for chicken breasts, take care not to overcook them.
When purchasing your chicken, go for fresh whenever possible for the best texture. However, frozen chicken works as well. Just be sure to thaw it completely before cooking. Organic, free-range, and air-chilled chicken offer excellent quality. But standard chicken from the grocery store will also yield delicious pulled chicken. The key is finding uniformly sized pieces so they cook evenly.
Seasoning Your Chicken
Now that you have your chicken, it’s time to add flavor with seasoning. This builds a flavor foundation before adding sauces later. You can keep the seasoning simple with just salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, and a touch of cayenne pepper.
For more complex flavor, use a barbecue dry rub, taco seasoning, jerk seasoning, or any blend you enjoy. Let the chicken marinate in the seasoning for up to a day before cooking. This allows the seasonings to fully penetrate the meat.
Selecting the Cooking Method
You can use several different cooking methods to make pulled chicken with juicy, fall-apart texture:
Oven: Bake seasoned chicken pieces in a 375°F oven for approximately 25-30 minutes until fully cooked. Allow to rest before pulling.
Slow Cooker: Place chicken in a slow cooker with 1 cup broth per pound of chicken. Cook on low for 4-6 hours.
Pressure Cooker: Use a pressure cooker like the Instant Pot to cook chicken for 14-20 minutes depending on amount until tender.
Stovetop: In a pot, simmer chicken thighs in broth for 20-25 minutes until done.
No matter which cooking method you choose, use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before pulling so juices can redistribute.
Shredding the Pulled Chicken
Once the chicken is cooked through, it’s time to “pull” it into shreds. You have a few shredding options:
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Forks: Use two forks to pull chicken into strands.
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Stand Mixer: Place chicken in a stand mixer on low speed to shred.
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Hand Mixer: Use a hand mixer to break down chicken into smaller pieces.
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By Hand: As chicken cools, grab large chunks and pull apart with your fingers.
Work in batches until all the chicken is shredded into bite-size pieces. Resist over-mixing to prevent the texture from becoming mushy.
Adding Flavor With Sauce
At this point, you have beautifully cooked and shredded chicken ready for flavoring. While the chicken is wonderful on its own, sauces take it to the next level. Stir in your favorite barbecue sauce, buffalo sauce, teriyaki sauce, ranch dressing, or any flavors you enjoy.
For homemade flavors, blend ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and spices. Mix the sauce directly into the pulled chicken so every piece gets evenly coated. Add sauce to taste based on your preferences.
Serving and Storing Pulled Chicken
You can serve pulled chicken in endless ways. Pile it onto buns for classic sandwiches, stuff it in burritos or tacos, add it to nachos or pizza, use it in casseroles or pasta dishes, or enjoy it on its own with sides like coleslaw, beans, or macaroni salad.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze pulled chicken for 2-3 months. When ready to eat again, reheat gently in the oven, slow cooker, or stove to prevent drying out.
With this complete guide, you now have the keys to making tender, juicy pulled chicken at home anytime. Experiment with flavors and serving suggestions. Impress your family and friends with your new culinary skills. Pull up a seat, dig into a tasty pulled chicken meal, and savor the delicious comfort.
Cook on High Pressure
Cover and set to pressure cook on high for 14 minutes. If using frozen chicken breasts, cook on high for 18 minutes. Allow the pressure to release naturally once finished cooking.
After the pressure is released, shred the chicken using two forks, or an electric mixer. This procedure also works well when you add the chicken to the bowl of your stand mixer on low speed.
Liquid will remain at the bottom of the Instant Pot. You can use this as a soup base or as the chicken broth.
In a Slow Cooker
- Add seasoned chicken breasts to the slow cooker submerged in chicken broth.
- Cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours until the chicken is tender.
- Shred using two forks or a mixer.
Easy and JUICY Shredded Chicken (stovetop) | The Recipe Rebel
FAQ
What is the difference between shredded chicken and pulled chicken?
There is no difference between shredded chicken and pulled chicken; both terms can be used interchangeably. Both refer to meat cooked until tender, then “pulled” or “shredded” along the meat’s grain. Shredded and pulled chicken are popular in sandwiches, soups, pizzas, tacos, enchiladas, and casseroles.
Is pulled chicken fully cooked?
In order to ‘pull’ meat, it must be cooked low & slow. This patient approach yields a fully cooked protein that is lean, tender, and extra flavorful.
What sauce to put on shredded chicken?
- Classic Garlic and Herb Marinade. …
- Homemade barbecue sauce. …
- Lemon and chili marinade. …
- Teriyaki sauce. …
- Yogurt and Spice Marinade. …
- Basil Pesto. …
- Mango and chili sauce.
Can you cook pulled chicken at home?
Restaurant-worthy pulled chicken is easier to make at home than you think — prepare it on the grill, in the oven, or with your countertop slow cooker or Instant Pot. No matter what you’re looking for, you’ll find delicious inspiration in this collection of our very best pulled chicken recipes.
What can I do with oven pulled chicken?
Easy BBQ Oven Pulled Chicken is so simple, and you can use it in a ton of other recipes. Like shredded chicken, oven pulled chicken breast makes delicious sandwiches, tortilla wraps, tacos, and more! BBQ Pulled Chicken is packed with flavor and the king of make-ahead recipes.
Can you cook pulled chicken in a slow cooker?
Alabamians know there’s only one way to top a pulled chicken sandwich: a tangy, creamy, mayonnaise-based white BBQ sauce. Cooking the chicken in the slow cooker ensures perfectly tender meat that pulls apart easily. Chef John’s take on pulled chicken is inspired by the Sloppy Joe sandwich, a comfort food favorite.
How do you season pulled chicken?
When it comes to seasoning pulled chicken, the options are nearly limitless. A simple combination of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder works beautifully to enhance the natural flavor of the chicken. You can also experiment with spices like smoked paprika, cumin, or chili powder for additional depth and warmth.
How do I Choose The Perfect pulled chicken?
The key to achieving the perfect pulled chicken lies in the cooking method, seasoning, and the care you take in the cooking process. When it comes to choosing the right chicken, your best bet is using bone-in chicken parts or whole chickens. Here are some popular options:
How do you shred pulled chicken?
Another great way to shred chicken is in the bowl of a stand mixer with the paddle attachment or with a hand mixer. Pour a cup of bbq sauce over the pulled chicken, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve the pulled chicken your preferred way. We love it on fresh bread rolls with coleslaw and dressed arugula/rocket. Can I make this ahead?