Dinner

Skillet Pulled BBQ Chicken Recipe

ByBen Miller December 16, 2025December 16, 2025

Introduction

This Skillet Pulled BBQ Chicken is a simple and flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Tender chicken breasts are seasoned with a smoky spice mix, slow-cooked in a tangy barbecue sauce, and then shredded for an irresistible meal.

A sandwich with three layers visible, on a white marbled surface; the bottom layer is a soft, golden brown bun, the middle layer is shredded and saucy brown pulled chicken, topped with a few round, yellow-green pickle slices and thin white onion strips. The top layer is a matching golden brown bun slightly tilted, showing the filling inside, all resting on a metal tray with some extra onion slices nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 tablespoon Brown Sugar
1/2 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder
1/4 teaspoon Salt
1/4 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
1/4 teaspoon Dry Mustard
1 pound Chicken Breast
1/2 cup Low-Sodium Chicken Stock
1/2 cup Barbecue Sauce

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C).
Step 2: In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and dry mustard to make the spice mix.
Step 3: Reserve 1 teaspoon of the spice mix. Use the remaining mix to generously coat the chicken breasts. Place the seasoned chicken in an ovenproof skillet and set aside.
Step 4: In a separate bowl, mix the reserved teaspoon of spice mix with chicken stock and barbecue sauce to create the sauce.
Step 5: Pour the sauce over the chicken in the skillet, making sure the chicken is well coated.
Step 6: Nestle the chicken into the sauce, cover the skillet with a lid or foil, and bake in the oven for 15 minutes. Then remove the cover and bake for another 15 minutes uncovered.
Step 7: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes.
Step 8: Use two forks to shred the chicken. Let it sit in the sauce for 5 to 10 minutes to absorb more flavor. Serve on toasted buns or enjoy as is.

Tips & Variations

For extra smoky flavor, try adding a dash of liquid smoke to the sauce.
Use bone-in chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier meat.
Try swapping the barbecue sauce for a spicy or sweet variety to customize the taste.
Serve with coleslaw or pickles for classic BBQ sides.

Storage

Store leftover pulled BBQ chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken stock or water to keep it moist.

How to Serve

A sandwich with a soft, lightly browned top bun sits on a baking tray lined with parchment paper over a white marbled surface. Inside the sandwich, there is a layer of shredded, saucy chicken with a glossy texture. On top of the chicken, there are three round, pale green pickle slices arranged side by side, and a few thin rings of white onion layer over the pickles. To the side on the baking tray, there are some loose white onion rings and pickle slices. In the background, a terracotta-colored dish is partially visible. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work well and tend to be more tender and juicy. Adjust cooking time as needed since thighs may take slightly longer to cook through.

How do I make this recipe spicier?

You can add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the spice mix or barbecue sauce for added heat. Start with small amounts and adjust to your preferred spice level.