Looking for a quick, easy, and budget-friendly meal that your family will love? This BBQ Shredded Chicken is the perfect solution! Made with just a few simple ingredients, it’s a deliciously satisfying dish that comes together in a flash. Ideal for busy moms, you can serve it in a variety of ways or even use leftovers for other meals throughout the week.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Uses minimal ingredients, making it affordable and simple.
- Quick to cook; perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Great for meal prep and can be used in multiple dishes.
- Deliciously sweet and tangy flavor that the whole family will enjoy.
- Leftovers are versatile: use them in sandwiches, tacos, or salads.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup Sweet Baby Rays BBQ Sauce
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
BBQ Shredded Chicken
- Total Time: 495 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A quick, easy, and budget-friendly BBQ Shredded Chicken dish that your family will love, ideal for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup Sweet Baby Rays BBQ Sauce
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare your chicken: Start by placing the 2 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken breasts in your slow cooker.
- Mix the sauce: In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup of Sweet Baby Rays BBQ Sauce, 1/2 cup brown sugar, and 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar. Whisk until well combined.
- Season the chicken: Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of garlic powder, and season with salt and pepper. Toss to coat.
- Cook the chicken: Cover and set the slow cooker to low. Cook for about 6-8 hours.
- Shred the chicken: Once cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker.
- Serve and enjoy: Serve immediately or cool and store for later.
Notes
Leftover BBQ Shredded Chicken can be used in sandwiches, tacos, or salads. It can also be frozen for up to three months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 480 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
How to Make BBQ Shredded Chicken
Prepare Your Chicken: Start by placing the 2 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken breasts in your slow cooker. This recipe is great for using frozen chicken too, as they will thaw while cooking.
Mix the Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup of Sweet Baby Rays BBQ Sauce, 1/2 cup brown sugar, and 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar. Whisk until the ingredients are well combined and the brown sugar is dissolved, creating a sweet and tangy sauce.
Season the Chicken: Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of garlic powder, and season with salt and pepper. Toss everything together, coating the chicken breasts evenly in the sauce mixture.
Cook the Chicken: Cover the slow cooker and set it to low. Let the chicken cook for about 6-8 hours. The longer it cooks, the more tender and flavorful it will become. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken shreds easily with a fork.
Shred the Chicken: Once the cooking time is up, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker. Mix the shredded chicken with the cooking juices to ensure it’s well-coated.
Serve and Enjoy: You can serve your BBQ Shredded Chicken immediately, or let it cool and store it for later. It’s delicious on its own, or you can add it to buns for sandwiches, on top of rice, or in tacos.
How to Serve BBQ Shredded Chicken
This BBQ Shredded Chicken is incredibly versatile! Serve it on toasted buns for a classic BBQ sandwich, pile it onto a baked potato, or put it in soft tortillas for fun tacos. Pair it with a simple coleslaw or corn salad for a complete meal. For a family-style dinner, place the shredded chicken in the center of the table, and let everyone make their own delicious creations!
Tips
- You can substitute chicken thighs for the breasts if you prefer a richer flavor.
- Make it a meal prep staple by doubling the recipe; it freezes well for up to three months.
- Add a splash of hot sauce to the BBQ mix for some extra heat if your family likes it spicy.
- Serve it over lettuce for a low-carb option, or mix in some veggies for an added nutritional boost.
Variations
- BBQ Pulled Turkey: Swap the chicken for turkey breast for a leaner protein.
- Vegetarian Option: Use jackfruit instead of chicken for a plant-based alternative that mimics the texture.
Storage
Leftover BBQ Shredded Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, store the chicken in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm it up in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water to keep it moist if necessary.
Conclusion
Give this BBQ Shredded Chicken a try for an easy weeknight dinner your family will love! With its delicious flavors and versatility, it’s sure to become a staple in your home. Don’t forget to check out more recipes on our site to keep mealtime exciting!
FAQ
Can I make BBQ Shredded Chicken in a pressure cooker?
Yes! You can use a pressure cooker on high for about 15-20 minutes.
What can I do with leftovers?
You can turn leftovers into BBQ chicken quesadillas, salads, or even a pizza topping!
How spicy is this recipe?
This recipe is mild. If you want it spicier, feel free to add cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you choose a gluten-free BBQ sauce, this recipe is gluten-free.
