Honey BBQ Pulled Chicken Recipe

This Honey BBQ Pulled Chicken is the kind of recipe you make once and immediately add to your regular dinner rotation! Imagine juicy, tender shredded chicken slow-baked in a rich, smoky-sweet sauce that clings to every bite—it’s a crowd-pleaser and a personal favorite whenever I need comfort food that absolutely never fails.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of simple but essential ingredients to create this unforgettable Honey BBQ Pulled Chicken. Each packs its own punch of flavor, texture, or saucy magic and comes together to make this dish truly irresistible.

• Chicken breast (1kg): Boneless, skinless chicken breast is perfect for pulling and soaks up every bit of the honey BBQ sauce.
• Crushed tomatoes (1 can, 400g): Lays the tangy, slightly sweet tomato base for a luscious sauce.
• BBQ sauce (1/4 cup): Adds classic smoky barbecue depth—choose your favorite brand for extra personality!
• Honey (2 Tbsp): Brings gorgeous sweetness and a glossy finish that complements the barbecue’s tang.
• Crushed garlic (1 tsp): Gives the sauce a pop of savoriness and subtle warmth in every mouthful.
• Smoked hickory or chipotle sauce (1 Tbsp, optional): Dial up the smoky notes or add a mild heat—optional, but so delicious!
• Salt (1/2 tsp): Enhances and balances all those rich flavors.
• Cornflour (2 Tbsp): Thickens the sauce so it hugs every bit of juicy shredded chicken.
• Water (50ml): Whisks smoothly with cornflour to prevent lumps in your sauce.
• To Serve: Wraps or burger buns, sliced veggies, grated cheese, mayo or aioli for assembling the ultimate pulled chicken sandwiches or wraps, but let your cravings guide you!

Variations

One of my favorite things about Honey BBQ Pulled Chicken is how easily you can riff on the basics. There’s tons of room for swapping in new flavors, adding heat, or making it suit any dietary need—so get creative and make it your own!

• Chicken Thighs Instead: For extra juiciness and flavor, swap chicken breasts for boneless, skinless thighs—they’re almost impossible to overcook.
• Spicy Kick: Add a finely chopped chipotle in adobo or a teaspoon of hot sauce to bring smoky heat to your pulled chicken.
• Low-Sugar Version: Use your favorite sugar-free BBQ sauce and honey substitute for a lighter twist.
• Make It Dairy-Free: Serve with vegan mayo or skip the cheese for a dairy-free, ultra-flavorful wrap or bowl.

How to Make Honey BBQ Pulled Chicken

Step 1: Build the Saucy Base

Start by mixing together the crushed tomatoes, BBQ sauce, honey, garlic, your smoked hickory or chipotle sauce (if using), and salt in a large, oven-proof dish. Give everything a good stir so the flavors mingle—this will bathe the chicken in sweet, smoky goodness as it bakes!

Step 2: Add and Coat the Chicken

Nestle the chicken breasts into the saucy mixture, turning them over so they’re evenly coated. You want every bit of chicken blanketed in those irresistible flavors. Cover the dish tightly with a lid or foil—this helps keep all the juices in while baking.

Step 3: Bake It Slow and Low

Slide the dish into your preheated oven at 180°C (fanbake) and let it cook, covered, for 40 minutes. This gives the chicken a head start on tenderness and lets the sauce develop real depth.

Step 4: Finish Baking Uncovered

Take off the lid or foil, flip your chicken over, and bake uncovered for another 40 minutes. This lets the sauce reduce a bit and the chicken pick up even more flavor while getting beautifully cooked through and ultra-tender.

Step 5: Thicken Up the Sauce

Carefully remove your dish from the oven. Set aside the chicken on a cutting board, then whisk together cornflour and water in a small bowl until smooth. Stir this mixture into your sauce, then pop the dish (sauce only) back into the now-hotter oven (turn it up to 200°C) so the sauce quickly thickens to the perfect consistency.

Step 6: Shred & Infuse with Sauce

Use two forks to shred the chicken while your sauce thickens. Once everything’s beautifully pulled, return the chicken to the dish, mix to coat with sauce, and bake uncovered for another 10 minutes (or longer if you want even more flavor). The chicken will soak up every last bit of that sweet, sticky BBQ sauce—it’s irresistible!

Step 7: Serve It Up

Generously heap your Honey BBQ Pulled Chicken into warm wraps or soft burger buns, add crunchy veggies, cheese, and a big dollop of mayo. Or, try it atop baked potatoes or even pizza for a fun twist—there’s no wrong way to enjoy it!

How to Serve Honey BBQ Pulled Chicken

Garnishes

I love finishing this Honey BBQ Pulled Chicken with a sprinkle of fresh chives, finely sliced spring onions, or even a handful of pickled red onions for zing. You can never go wrong with a little fresh coriander or a dusting of smoked paprika right before serving—simple touches that make your plate pop!

Side Dishes

This pulled chicken is incredible alongside classic sides like crunchy coleslaw and homemade potato wedges. Try serving with corn on the cob, a crisp leafy salad, or baked sweet potato fries for a colorful, family-friendly feast that everyone will love.

Creative Ways to Present

If sandwiches and wraps are feeling a little been-there-done-that, try piling Honey BBQ Pulled Chicken onto roasted sweet potato halves, loaded nachos, or even spooning it atop a crispy pizza base. Leftovers also make delicious taco or quesadilla fillings—let your taste buds and imagination lead the way!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Honey BBQ Pulled Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors just get better, and it’s so handy to have on hand for quick wraps, salads, or baked potato toppers throughout the week.

Freezing

This recipe is a freezer’s best friend! Portion cooled pulled chicken into containers or freezer bags—be sure to include lots of that luscious sauce—then freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight for best results.

Reheating

Gently reheat your pulled chicken in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, to avoid drying it out. It’s just as saucy and satisfying the second (or third!) time around.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving big flavors with minimal fuss, Honey BBQ Pulled Chicken is about to become your new go-to! I hope you’ll give it a try—this is the kind of recipe that brings people together, sparks conversation, and always disappears fast. Let me know how you serve yours—I can’t wait to hear how it turns out in your kitchen!

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