Description

This Oven Pulled Chicken is juicy, tender, and bursting with flavor — all made right in the oven without a slow cooker or smoker. It’s coated in a smoky, tangy spice rub and baked in a savory BBQ sauce until perfectly shreddable. Perfect for sandwiches, tacos, bowls, or meal prep, it’s a versatile and comforting favorite.

Ingredients

2.5 to 3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts

1 tbsp olive oil

1 medium onion, finely chopped (optional)

3 cloves garlic, minced (optional)

Dry Rub (optional but recommended):

1 tsp paprika

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp onion powder

1/2 tsp chili powder

1/2 tsp cumin

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

1 tbsp brown sugar (optional)

For Baking Liquid:

3/4 cup chicken broth

3/4 cup BBQ sauce (or more to taste)

1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (optional, for tang)

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C).
Season Chicken: Mix all dry rub ingredients in a bowl. Rub chicken with olive oil, then coat evenly with the spice mix.
Optional Step: For added flavor, sauté chopped onion and garlic in olive oil in an oven-safe pot or Dutch oven until softened. Add the seasoned chicken to the pot.
Add Sauce: Pour in chicken broth, BBQ sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Cover tightly with a lid or foil.
Bake: Bake for 1 to 1 hour 15 minutes, until the chicken is fork-tender and easily shredded.
Shred: Remove the chicken from the pot and shred with two forks. Mix it back into the pan with the juices and sauce.
Optional Crisping: For caramelized edges, spread shredded chicken on a baking sheet and broil 3–5 minutes until lightly browned.
Serve: Serve warm on buns, tacos, over rice, or with roasted vegetables.

Notes

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs stay juicier, but breasts also work well.

Add liquid smoke or use smoked paprika for a deeper BBQ flavor.

Adjust heat level with cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or chipotle powder.

Try substituting BBQ sauce with salsa or buffalo sauce for variation.

Mix shredded chicken with pan juices before serving to keep it moist.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (about 6 oz)
Calories: 285
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 710mg
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 2.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 11g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 35g
Cholesterol: 115mg