Description
BBQ Pulled Chicken is a tender and smoky dish full of rich, tangy flavors that is simple to prepare at home. Perfect for quick dinners or gatherings, it features perfectly seasoned chicken combined with a flavorful BBQ sauce made from everyday ingredients. Enjoy a versatile, family-friendly meal that’s both healthy and delicious.
Ingredients
																
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			Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
BBQ Sauce
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, diced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste (natural)
- 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 tsp natural gelling agent
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
Optional
- 2 slices smoked turkey slices
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Rinse and pat dry the chicken breasts to ensure even cooking and better sauce absorption. Season them lightly with garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika to build initial layers of flavor.
- Cook the Smoked Turkey Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the diced smoked turkey bacon until it becomes crispy, adding a smoky aroma and texture to the dish.
- Make the BBQ Sauce: To the skillet with turkey bacon, stir in tomato paste (natural), apple cider vinegar (natural), brown sugar, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, and natural gelling agent. Allow the mixture to simmer gently until it thickens and becomes fragrant.
- Combine and Simmer the Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet, coating them well with the sauce. Cover and simmer on low heat, letting the chicken cook through and fully absorb the smoky BBQ flavors.
- Shred and Serve: Remove the cooked chicken breasts and shred finely using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the sauce and toss well to combine. Add the optional smoked turkey slices here for extra smokiness if desired, then serve.
Notes
- Choose fresh, high-quality chicken breasts for the best taste and texture.
- Cook slowly on low heat to ensure tender, juicy pulled chicken with deep flavor.
- Adjust the balance of sweetness and acidity by modifying the brown sugar and apple cider vinegar amounts.
- Do not skip the smoked turkey bacon as it adds essential smoky depth to the recipe.
- Use the natural gelling agent sparingly to achieve perfect sauce consistency without affecting texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
Keywords: BBQ Pulled Chicken, smoked chicken, pulled chicken recipe, BBQ sauce, smoky chicken, family dinner, easy BBQ chicken
