BBQ Shredded Chicken

Introduction

BBQ Shredded Chicken is the ultimate blend of smoky, tangy, and sweet—a comfort food favorite that’s as versatile as it is irresistible. Serve it on toasted buns, over rice, or alongside crispy slaw, and you’ll have a meal that’s always a hit, whether it’s family dinner or your next backyard party.

With minimal prep and hands-off cooking, this recipe delivers maximum flavor with little effort, making it an ideal solution for busy weeknights or feeding a hungry crowd with ease.

Why BBQ Shredded Chicken is a Crowd-Pleaser

What sets BBQ shredded chicken apart is the superb tenderness of slow-cooked chicken, paired with layers of sweet, smoky barbecue sauce that soak deep into the meat. Each bite packs a punch of down-home flavor, guaranteed to please even the pickiest eater.

Plus, it’s endlessly customizable—pile it high on fresh bread, stuff it in tacos, spoon over salads, or wrap inside burritos.

Streamlined Shredding for Perfect Texture

Shredding chicken doesn’t have to be messy or time-consuming. After cooking, simply transfer your chicken breasts to a board and use a dedicated Chicken Shredder Tool Twist for Kitchen, Elegant Black for fast, even shredding. This ensures fluffy, restaurant-style shreds every time, and saves your hands from fatigue.

If you’re preparing additional veggies for sandwiches or sides, a Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper makes quick work of onions, peppers, or slaw mix. Your meal comes together faster, and every bite gets a blend of flavors and textures.

Cooking and Flavor Techniques

Achieve fall-apart chicken with your preferred cooking method—slow cooker, stove, or pressure cooker. For hands-free convenience, the Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, 6 Quart turns boneless chicken breasts into melt-in-your-mouth shreds in no time.

Once shredded, toss the chicken with your favorite barbecue sauce directly in the cooking pot to keep every piece moist and deeply flavorful. For even more savory depth, add a splash of vinegar and a pinch of smoked paprika to the sauce.

To keep cleanup easy, line your sheet pans or prepping surfaces with Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll, 45 Square Feet. This creates a nonstick layer that speeds clean-up and keeps your workspace tidy.

Ideas for Serving and Storing BBQ Shredded Chicken

Serve BBQ shredded chicken on freshly toasted buns with pickles and slaw for a classic sandwich. For lighter fare, spoon over salads and pack your meal in a Bentgo Salad Container – 54 oz Bowl, Khaki Green for convenient lunches.

Leftovers store well in airtight containers—just reheat and enjoy the next day for quick, protein-packed meals.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields enough BBQ shredded chicken for about 6 generous sandwiches or main-dish servings. Each serving contains approximately 280–350 calories, depending on the barbecue sauce and any added toppings. Lean, packed with protein, and full of bold flavors, it’s a nutritious option for family dinners or meal prep.

BBQ Shredded Chicken Wrap-Up

BBQ shredded chicken is a must-have recipe for any cook—its robust flavors and crowd-pleasing versatility make it a go-to for gatherings, picnics, or weeknight suppers. With quick-prep tools and minimal cleanup, it’s as convenient as it is delicious.

Instructions

1. Place chicken breasts in your slow cooker, pressure cooker, or heavy-bottomed pot. Add chicken broth, vinegar, barbecue sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat the chicken evenly.
2. If using an Instant Pot, cook on high pressure for 10–12 minutes, then perform a quick release. For a slow cooker, cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours. On the stovetop, simmer gently (covered) for 35–40 minutes or until the chicken is very tender.
3. Transfer cooked chicken to a cutting board lined with a sheet of Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll, 45 Square Feet for easy shredding. Use two forks or a Chicken Shredder Tool Twist for Kitchen, Elegant Black to shred chicken thoroughly.
4. Return shredded chicken to the pot and mix well to absorb all the sauce and juices. If desired, add more barbecue sauce to taste.
5. Chop veggies for toppings or sides using a Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper for efficiency and uniformity.
6. Serve BBQ shredded chicken warm on buns, in tortillas, or over salads. Store any leftovers in a Bentgo Salad Container – 54 oz Bowl, Khaki Green in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30–40 minutes (pressure cooker or stovetop); 6–7 hours (slow cooker)

Total Time: 40–50 minutes (or up to 7 hours slow cooker method)