Tasteful & adaptable, pulled chicken is a great dish for any kind of gathering. This option is well-liked for cookouts, family get-togethers, and picnics. Shredded chicken is cooked in small pieces after being cooked gently until it is tender. This produces a juicy and flavorful meat that works well in salads, tacos, and sandwiches.
Because it is easy to make in large quantities and freeze for later use, pulled chicken is another fantastic option for meal prepping. Pulled chicken will be a hit whether you are cooking for a large group of people or just want to make something easy and delicious for yourself. A few basic ingredients are required to make pulled chicken. Of course, chicken is the primary ingredient. For this recipe, you can use skinless, boneless chicken breasts or thighs.
Some basic seasonings, like salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder, are required in addition to the chicken. Additives such as chili powder, cumin, and paprika can also be used to enhance the flavor. You’ll need some kind of liquid, like chicken broth, water, or even barbecue sauce, to offer flavor & moisture to the chicken while it cooks. Last but not least, you’ll need some optional serving items like lettuce, tortillas, or buns for wraps, along with any extra toppings or sauces you like.
Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and any additional seasonings to taste before making pulled chicken. Next, put the chicken in a big pot on the stove or in a slow cooker. Using chicken broth, water, or barbecue sauce, add enough liquid to cover the chicken.
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken breast | 2 lbs |
| Barbecue sauce | 1 cup |
| Chicken broth | 1/2 cup |
| Garlic powder | 1 tsp |
| Onion powder | 1 tsp |
| Salt | 1/2 tsp |
| Black pepper | 1/2 tsp |
| Whole wheat buns | 6 |
Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours if you’re using a slow cooker. If using a stovetop pot, bring the liquid to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer the chicken for 30 to 40 minutes, or until it is fork-tender. Following cooking, take the chicken out of the pot or slow cooker and shred it into small pieces with two forks.
For added taste, toss the shredded chicken with more barbecue sauce if you used it as the cooking liquid. For a lighter option, serve the pulled chicken over a salad or on buns for sandwiches, tacos, or wraps. Add your preferred pickles, onions, cheese, coleslaw, or other toppings and condiments to personalize the dish. Because it is made with lean protein and can be flavored with wholesome ingredients, pulled chicken is already a fairly healthful dish. There are a few tricks, though, to make pulled chicken even healthier.
To start, if you want to cut down on fat, think about using boneless, skinless chicken breasts rather than thighs. To reduce the amount of sugar and salt added, you can also make your own barbecue sauce or use a low-sodium version that you buy from the store. For additional nutrients & fiber, you can also serve the pulled chicken on whole grain tortillas or buns. For added vitamins and minerals, top your pulled chicken sandwiches or wraps with an abundance of fresh veggies like avocado, tomatoes, and lettuce. There are many different ways to serve pulled chicken because of its extreme versatility.
Serving it as a classic pulled chicken sandwich on buns is a well-liked option. It can also be served inside tortillas for wraps or tacos with pulled chicken. Serve a salad with your preferred dressing & toppings alongside the pulled chicken for a lighter option. An additional inventive suggestion would be to top baked or sweet potatoes with the pulled chicken.
It can also be used as the stuffing for stuffed zucchini or peppers. When it comes to plating pulled chicken, the options are endless. Because pulled chicken is so versatile in meal preparation and has a high protein content, it has several health benefits.
For the body to build and repair tissues, lean protein, like that found in chicken, is an excellent resource. Another way that protein can support weight management is by keeping you feeling full & content after a meal. Whole grains and vegetables are two more nutritious additions to pulled chicken that can be made to order for a well-rounded dinner. Pulled chicken can be a part of a balanced and healthful diet if it is made with lean chicken cuts and little additional fats or sugars during cooking. To keep things tasty and interesting, you can experiment with innumerable pulled chicken variations.
To alter the dish’s flavor profile, for instance, try experimenting with different spices and seasonings. For a different twist, try adding ingredients like curry powder, chipotle peppers, or smoked paprika. Using various broths or sauces, like buffalo or teriyaki, will also allow you to alter the cooking liquid. A delightful addition to the pulled chicken dish is to toss it with various sauces, like sriracha or honey mustard, once it has been shredded. For extra texture and flavor, you can also add chopped onions, bell peppers, or pineapple to the pulled chicken.
There are countless ways to customize your own take on pulled chicken.
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