Tender, juicy, and packed with smoky-sweet flavor, Easy Stovetop BBQ Pulled Chicken is the perfect comfort food you can make any night of the week. This quick and flavorful recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, with no need to fire up the grill or turn on the oven. The chicken simmers gently in a rich, tangy barbecue sauce until perfectly tender, then gets shredded and tossed back into the sauce for maximum flavor in every bite.
Perfect for sandwiches, wraps, sliders, or even spooned over fluffy rice, this versatile dish is a true crowd-pleaser. The stovetop method not only keeps cleanup minimal but also locks in every bit of that smoky, barbecue goodness.
Fun fact — while pulled pork is the classic barbecue staple in the U.S., pulled chicken has grown in popularity for its lighter texture and quicker cooking time, making it a go-to for busy home cooks.
Recipe Yield: 6 servings
INGREDIENTS
1 ½ lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 cup barbecue sauce
½ cup chicken broth
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
¼ tsp ground black pepper
¼ tsp chili powder (optional for heat)
Salt to taste
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Prepare the chicken: Pat chicken breasts dry and season lightly with salt.
2. Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and sear for 3–4 minutes per side until lightly golden.
3. Make the sauce: In a bowl, whisk together barbecue sauce, chicken broth, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, and chili powder if using.
4. Simmer and cook: Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the skillet. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 20–25 minutes until chicken is cooked through and tender.
5. Shred the chicken: Transfer chicken to a cutting board and shred using two forks.
6. Combine and thicken: Return shredded chicken to the skillet, stir to coat in sauce, and cook uncovered for 3–5 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
7. Serve and enjoy: Serve hot on toasted buns, in wraps, or over rice for a hearty meal.
Helpful Tips to Perfect This Recipe
- Use the right cut: Boneless skinless chicken thighs can be used for a juicier, richer flavor.
- Low and slow: Simmering on low heat ensures the chicken stays moist while absorbing all the barbecue flavors.
- Customize the sauce: Try adding a splash of hot sauce or a teaspoon of mustard for extra tang.
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