Easy Oven-Baked BBQ Pulled Chicken Breast Recipe
Looking for a bbq pulled chicken breast recipe without a crock pot? This delicious stovetop-to-oven method delivers tender, saucy pulled chicken in under an hour! Perfect for weeknight dinners, game day gatherings, or anytime you’re craving that sweet and tangy barbecue flavor.
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Why This BBQ Pulled Chicken Breast Recipe Works
This recipe uses bone-in chicken breasts for maximum flavor while maintaining the lean profile of white meat. The two-step cooking process (stovetop searing followed by oven-baking) ensures the chicken stays juicy while becoming fork-tender. Unlike slow cooker methods that can take hours, this oven-baked approach delivers perfectly pulled chicken in under an hour!
Ingredients You’ll Need for BBQ Pulled Chicken
- 3 pounds bone-in chicken breast halves, with skin
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups barbecue sauce (plus extra for serving)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional, for added sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon liquid smoke (optional, for deeper smoky flavor)
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven
- Tongs for handling the chicken
- Two forks for shredding
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board
Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Pulled Chicken
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken breasts skin-side down and sear for 3-4 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy.
- Flip the chicken and sear the other side for another 2-3 minutes.
- Pour chicken broth around (not over) the chicken breasts.
- Cover the skillet with a lid or aluminum foil and transfer to the preheated oven.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from oven and transfer chicken to a cutting board. Let rest for 5 minutes.
- Discard skin and bones, then use two forks to shred the chicken.
- Return shredded chicken to the skillet with the cooking juices.
- Add barbecue sauce, brown sugar, and liquid smoke (if using). Mix well to combine.
- Place back on stovetop over medium heat and simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the chicken.
Pro Tips for the Best BBQ Pulled Chicken
- Keep the skin on during cooking – It adds flavor and moisture, then you’ll remove it before shredding.
- Don’t skip the searing step – This creates a flavor base that makes all the difference.
- Let the chicken rest before shredding to keep it juicy.
- Customize your sauce level – Add more or less BBQ sauce depending on how saucy you like your pulled chicken.
- Reserve some cooking liquid – If your chicken seems dry after shredding, add a little of the cooking liquid back in.
Nutritional Information
Per serving:
- Calories: 278 kcal
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sodium: 226mg
- Cholesterol: 87mg
Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions
This bbq pulled chicken breast recipe is perfect for meal prep! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavor actually improves as it sits, making the leftovers even better. You can also freeze portions for up to 3 months – just thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of water or extra BBQ sauce.
Serving Suggestions for BBQ Pulled Chicken
This versatile pulled chicken can be enjoyed in so many ways:
- Classic sandwich on brioche or potato buns
- Stuffed in baked potatoes with cheese and sour cream
- Wrapped in soft tortillas with coleslaw
- Added to mac and cheese for a hearty main dish
- Piled on nachos with melted cheese
- Served over rice for a complete meal
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use boneless chicken breasts instead?
Yes! Boneless breasts will work, but reduce the cooking time by about 5-7 minutes. Bone-in provides more flavor, but boneless is still delicious.
What if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet?
Sear the chicken in your regular skillet, then transfer to a baking dish for the oven step. Add the cooking juices to the baking dish as well.
Can I make this spicy?
Absolutely! Add cayenne pepper to your seasoning mix or use a spicy barbecue sauce. You can also stir in some hot sauce at the end.
How can I make this healthier?
Use skinless chicken breasts (though you’ll lose some flavor) and a low-sugar barbecue sauce.
This bbq pulled chicken breast recipe without a crock pot is a game-changer for busy weeknights when you want homemade comfort food without the long wait. The stovetop-to-oven method creates tender, flavorful chicken that’s perfect for sandwiches, salads, or served alongside your favorite sides!
Recipe adapted from: AllRecipes BBQ Pulled Chicken
Easy Oven-Baked BBQ Pulled Chicken Breast Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken breasts skin-side down and sear for 3-4 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy.
- Flip the chicken and sear the other side for another 2-3 minutes.
- Pour chicken broth around (not over) the chicken breasts.
- Cover the skillet with a lid or aluminum foil and transfer to the preheated oven.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from oven and transfer chicken to a cutting board. Let rest for 5 minutes.
- Discard skin and bones, then use two forks to shred the chicken.
- Return shredded chicken to the skillet with the cooking juices.
- Add barbecue sauce, brown sugar, and liquid smoke (if using). Mix well to combine.
- Place back on stovetop over medium heat and simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the chicken.