Pulled chicken is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. It’s a favorite for meals, gatherings, and even quick dinners. My goal is to share 11 of the best pulled chicken recipes that are easy to make and sure to impress.

From smoky barbecued styles to savory herb-infused variations, there are countless ways to prepare this delicious protein. Each recipe brings its own unique flavors and techniques, making it simple to find the perfect fit for any occasion.

Table of Contents

1. Chipotle Pulled Chicken

a white plate holds two servings of pulled chicken, coated in a dark sauce and garnished with cilantro. the chicken is shredded and arranged loosely, and the sauce adds a glossy sheen. the plate sits on a dark surface, and the chicken appears to be tender and flavorful. the image is shot from above

Chipotle Pulled Chicken is a flavorful dish made from cooked and shredded chicken. It is known for its smoky, spicy taste, often from chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. This dish is popular for its versatility in tacos, burritos, or salads.

Making Chipotle Pulled Chicken is fairly easy. I enjoy preparing it at home because it requires simple ingredients and steps.

To make this recipe, I follow these steps:

Start with 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts.

Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and 2 tablespoons of chipotle powder or 1-2 chopped chipotle peppers in adobo.
Add the seasoned chicken to a slow cooker with 1 cup of chicken broth.
Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender.

Shred the chicken with two forks and mix it back with the cooking juices.

This recipe is easy to customize. I can add other spices or ingredients to suit my taste. Plus, it can be stored in the fridge for several days.

2. Honey BBQ Pulled Chicken

a white plate holds a serving of pulled chicken, coated in a dark, glossy sauce. another plate with pulled chicken is blurred in the background. a glass jar filled with sauce is visible in the top left corner. the chicken is shredded and arranged loosely, and the sauce adds a rich, flavorful element

Honey BBQ Pulled Chicken is a delicious dish that combines tender chicken with a sweet and tangy barbecue sauce. It’s simple to make and perfect for any meal.

I find it easy to prepare. You can make it in a slow cooker or on the stovetop. The ingredients are common and straightforward.

To make Honey BBQ Pulled Chicken, I follow these steps:

Start with two pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts.

In a bowl, mix one cup of BBQ sauce with half a cup of honey.
Place the chicken in the slow cooker or a large pot.
Pour the honey BBQ sauce over the chicken.

Cook in the slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours or on the stovetop over medium heat for about 30-40 minutes.
Shred the chicken using two forks and mix it with the sauce.

Serve it on buns, in tacos, or over rice. This recipe is great for family dinners, parties, or meal prep. It’s tasty and satisfying.

3. Buffalo Pulled Chicken Tacos

three tacos filled with pulled chicken, shredded cabbage, and a creamy orange sauce sit on a wooden plate. the chicken is shredded and coated in the sauce, and the cabbage adds a fresh crunch. a small bowl with shredded cheese is visible in the background. the tacos appear to be flavorful and well-filled

Buffalo pulled chicken tacos are a tasty twist on traditional tacos. They combine shredded chicken with the bold flavor of buffalo sauce. This dish is simple to prepare and full of flavor.

To make buffalo pulled chicken tacos, I start with a few key ingredients: chicken breasts, buffalo sauce, and taco shells. The cooking process is straightforward and quick.

First, I season the chicken with salt and pepper.

Next, I cook the chicken in a slow cooker on low for 6 hours or on high for about 3 hours.
Once the chicken is tender, I shred it with two forks and mix it with my favorite buffalo sauce.

After preparing the chicken, I heat my taco shells. Then, I fill them with the buffalo shredded chicken.

I like to top mine with coleslaw, cheese, and diced green onions for extra crunch and flavor. These tacos are perfect for a quick meal or a fun gathering with friends. They offer a delicious balance of spicy and savory in each bite. Enjoy!

4. Crockpot Pulled Chicken

a white plate holds a pulled chicken sandwich with lettuce, red onion, and tomato. the chicken is coated in a dark sauce, and the sandwich is open-faced, with the top bun resting beside the filling. parsley sprigs are scattered around the plate, and other sandwiches are blurred in the background

Crockpot pulled chicken is a simple and tasty dish that I often make. It involves slow-cooking chicken until it’s tender and easy to shred. The result is juicy chicken that can be used in many meals.

To make this dish, I only need a few ingredients: chicken breasts, barbecue sauce, and some seasonings. The best part is that it’s very easy to prepare. I just add everything to the Crockpot and let it do the work.

Here’s how I make it:

Place 2-3 chicken breasts in the Crockpot.
Pour 1 cup of barbecue sauce over the chicken.

Add any desired seasonings, like garlic powder or onion powder.
Cover and cook on low for about 6 hours or until the chicken shreds easily.

Once it’s done, I shred the chicken with two forks. The result is perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or even salads.

5. Asian Style Pulled Chicken

a gray plate holds a serving of pulled chicken, coated in a dark sauce and sprinkled with sesame seeds and green onions, atop a bed of white rice. the chicken is shredded and arranged loosely, and the sauce adds a glossy sheen. the plate sits on a light surface with a gray cloth

Asian Style Pulled Chicken is a delicious way to enjoy tender, shredded chicken with bold flavors. This dish combines traditional Asian ingredients, such as soy sauce and ginger, to create a savory kick.

Making this dish is quite easy. I usually start with boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, which are juicy and flavorful. Cooking it in a slow cooker is my preferred method, but you can also use a stove.

Here are the quick steps:

Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, mix 1/4 cup of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar, 2 tablespoons of honey, and 1 tablespoon of grated ginger.
Add Chicken: Place 2 pounds of chicken into the slow cooker and pour the marinade over it.
Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours. The chicken should be tender and easy to shred with two forks.

Serve: I like to serve the pulled chicken on rice or in a bao bun, topped with green onions and sesame seeds for added texture.

This Asian Style Pulled Chicken is perfect for meal prep or gatherings with friends and family.

6. Pulled Chicken Enchiladas

a white plate holds three chicken enchiladas, topped with a red sauce and melted cheese. the enchiladas are rolled and arranged loosely, and the cheese adds a creamy texture. the plate sits on a dark surface, and the enchiladas appear to be flavorful and well-filled. the image is shot from a low angle

Pulled chicken enchiladas are a delicious Mexican dish made with shredded chicken wrapped in tortillas. I love how versatile this recipe can be, allowing for various fillings and toppings.

Making pulled chicken enchiladas is simple and quick. First, I cook chicken breasts in a slow cooker with some spices until tender. This usually takes about 4-6 hours on low heat.

After shredding the chicken, I prepare corn or flour tortillas. Next, I fill each tortilla with a portion of the pulled chicken and some cheese. I roll them up and place them seam-side down in a baking dish.

For the sauce, I often use a red or green enchilada sauce. I pour it over the rolled tortillas and top with more cheese. I bake the dish in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

These enchiladas are great for family dinners or gatherings. They are easy to customize, whether I want to add beans, corn, or herbs. Enjoying my pulled chicken enchiladas is always a treat!

7. Pulled Chicken Pizza

a wooden plate holds a sliced pizza with a light crust, topped with pulled chicken, red sauce, mozzarella, red peppers, and onions. the pizza is arranged on the plate, and the toppings are evenly distributed. the plate sits on a dark wooden surface, and the pizza appears to be flavorful and well-made

Pulled chicken pizza is a tasty way to enjoy the flavors of barbecued chicken on a pizza. It features shredded, cooked chicken mixed with sauce and placed on a pizza crust, topped with cheese and other ingredients.

I find this recipe easy to make, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering. The steps are simple and straightforward.

Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C).
Prepare your pizza dough on a baking sheet or pizza stone.
In a bowl, mix shredded cooked chicken with barbecue sauce.

Spread the chicken mixture evenly over the dough.
Add your favorite toppings, like cheese, onions, or peppers.
Bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling.

Let it cool for a few minutes, then slice and enjoy.

This pulled chicken pizza combines convenience with flavor, making it a great option for any meal.

8. Bourbon Pulled Chicken Sliders

several pulled chicken sliders are arranged on a wooden board, each with a glossy bun, pulled chicken, dark sauce, coleslaw, and pickle slices. the sliders are arranged loosely, and the sauce adds a rich, flavorful element. the board sits on a light surface, and the sliders appear to be appetizing

Bourbon pulled chicken sliders are delicious sandwiches made with shredded chicken cooked in a bourbon-infused sauce. The sweet and savory flavor makes them a favorite for gatherings.

These sliders are easy to prepare. I typically use boneless chicken breasts or thighs. Cooking them in a slow cooker makes the meat tender and flavorful.

To make these sliders, follow these steps:

Gather Ingredients: You’ll need 2 pounds of chicken, 1 cup of bourbon, 1 cup of barbecue sauce, 1 onion, and slider buns.

Prepare Chicken: Place the chicken in a slow cooker. Add chopped onion, bourbon, and barbecue sauce on top.
Cook: Set the slow cooker to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Shred Chicken: After cooking, shred the chicken with two forks and mix it with the sauce.

Assemble Sliders: Serve the pulled chicken on slider buns. You can add pickles or coleslaw for extra flavor.

These sliders are ideal for parties or a casual meal. Enjoy them with friends and family!

9. Pulled Chicken with Avocado Sauce

a gray plate holds a serving of pulled chicken atop a bed of white rice, topped with a dollop of green sauce. the chicken is shredded and arranged loosely, and the sauce adds a vibrant color and creamy texture. the plate sits on a wooden surface, and the chicken appears to be tender and flavorful

Pulled Chicken with Avocado Sauce is a flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with a creamy, tangy sauce. This recipe is simple and quick to make, ideal for busy weeknights.

To prepare, I start by cooking about 2 pounds of chicken. I can use a slow cooker, pressure cooker, or bake it in the oven until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Once cooked, I shred the chicken using two forks. In a separate bowl, I mix 1 ripe avocado, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. I blend these ingredients until smooth.

Next, I fold the avocado sauce into the shredded chicken. This adds a rich flavor and creamy texture that complements the chicken perfectly.

For added taste, I can include spices like garlic powder or cumin. This dish works great in tacos, sandwiches, or served over rice.

In less than 30 minutes, I can have a delicious meal ready to enjoy. Pulled Chicken with Avocado Sauce is a great way to satisfy my cravings while keeping it healthy.

10. Pulled Chicken Lettuce Wraps

two lettuce wraps filled with pulled chicken, avocado slices, and diced tomatoes sit on a white plate. the chicken is coated in a red sauce, and the lettuce wraps are arranged loosely. a small bowl with diced vegetables is visible in the background. the plate sits on a wooden surface

Pulled chicken lettuce wraps are a light and healthy option. They are made by shredding cooked chicken and wrapping it in fresh lettuce leaves. This dish is not only tasty but also low in carbs.

Making these wraps is quite easy. I enjoy preparing them on busy days since they take less time. You can have your meal ready in about 30 minutes.

Here’s how I make them:

Cook chicken breasts in a slow cooker with spices for 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high.

Shred the chicken using two forks.
Mix the shredded chicken with your choice of sauce, such as BBQ or teriyaki.
Rinse and separate large lettuce leaves, like romaine or butter lettuce.

Spoon the pulled chicken mixture into each lettuce leaf and add toppings like diced tomatoes or avocado.

These pulled chicken lettuce wraps are versatile. I love serving them with a side of fresh veggies or a light dipping sauce. Enjoying them is both satisfying and nutritious.

11. Cheddar Ranch Pulled Chicken

a white plate holds a mound of shredded chicken, topped with shredded cheddar cheese, a creamy white sauce, and chopped chives. the chicken is shredded and arranged loosely, and the toppings add a vibrant color and creamy texture. the plate sits on a light surface, and the chicken appears to be tender and flavorful

Cheddar Ranch Pulled Chicken is a delicious dish that combines shredded chicken with creamy ranch flavors and melted cheese. It’s a comforting meal that’s full of taste.

This recipe is easy to make and takes about 30 minutes. I find it perfect for a quick dinner or a tasty lunch.

Here’s how I prepare it:

Cook the Chicken: Start by cooking 2 pounds of chicken breasts in a slow cooker for about 4 hours on low heat until tender.

Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken and shred it using two forks.
Mix the Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the shredded chicken with 1 packet of ranch seasoning and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
Combine: Mix everything together until the chicken is coated in ranch and cheese.

Serve: I serve it on buns, but you can enjoy it on rice or a salad for a lighter option.

This Cheddar Ranch Pulled Chicken is flavorful, satisfying, and great for gatherings.

What Is Pulled Chicken?

Pulled chicken is a popular dish known for its tender texture and rich flavors. It can be adapted to various cuisines and recipes, making it a favorite for many home cooks.

What Makes Pulled Chicken Versatile?

Pulled chicken is celebrated for its versatility. I can use various cooking methods, such as slow cooking, grilling, or pressure cooking. Each method enhances the chicken’s flavor and texture in unique ways.

In addition to cooking techniques, I can pair pulled chicken with a variety of sauces and seasonings. Options like barbecue sauce, spicy salsa, or even Asian-style marinades work well. This flexibility allows me to create dishes ranging from sandwiches to tacos and salads.

Nutritionally, pulled chicken is a lean protein option, making it suitable for various diets, including low-carb and high-protein plans. Even when served alongside different sides, it remains a lighter choice compared to other meat options.

What Are the Key Differences Between Pulled Chicken and Pulled Pork?

While both pulled chicken and pulled pork are delicious, there are important differences. Pulled chicken tends to be leaner and cooks faster than pulled pork. I often find that chicken can be ready in just a few hours, while pork may require longer cooking times.

Flavor profiles also differ. Pulled chicken has a milder taste that can easily absorb various seasonings. In contrast, pulled pork offers a richer, fattier flavor due to its higher fat content. This allows it to stand out with strong spices.

Texture is another contrast. Pulled chicken is typically more delicate and tender, while pulled pork can be chunkier and heartier. This affects how I can incorporate each into meals, influencing everything from sandwiches to casseroles.

11 Best Pulled Chicken Recipes to Elevate Your Meal Prep