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BBQ Pulled Chicken Recipe

BBQ Pulled Chicken Recipe made with juicy grilled chicken thighs and homemade root beer BBQ sauce.
Perfect for pulled chicken sandwiches with coleslaw.
Easy, family-friendly, and ready in about 45 minutes.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American

Ingredients
  

Pulled Chicken

  • 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt

Root Beer BBQ Sauce

  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • ½ large yellow onion diced
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
  • ½ cup root beer
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons molasses

For Serving

  • 8 sandwich rolls or hamburger buns
  • Coleslaw optional

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your grill to 400°F (204°C).
  • In a small bowl, mix paprika, garlic powder, cumin, and kosher salt.
  • Drizzle olive oil over the chicken thighs and season both sides generously with the spice mixture.
  • Grill the chicken over direct heat with the lid closed, turning once or twice until fully cooked and the juices run clear (about 12–16 minutes depending on thickness).
  • Remove the chicken and let it rest for several minutes before shredding with two forks.
  • Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
  • Add diced onion and cook until soft and translucent.
  • Stir in chili powder, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper.
  • Pour in the root beer and stir well.
  • Add ketchup, lemon juice, and molasses, then stir until smooth.
  • Bring the sauce to a gentle boil, reduce the heat, and simmer for about 15 minutes until thickened.
  • Add the shredded chicken to the sauce and stir until every piece is well coated. This BBQ Pulled Chicken Recipe develops even more flavor after a few minutes of simmering together.
  • Toast the buns if desired and fill each with the shredded BBQ chicken. Top with coleslaw and serve warm.

Notes

  • Substitute chicken breasts if preferred, but avoid overcooking.
  • Brioche buns add extra richness.
  • Serve with potato salad, baked beans, corn on the cob, fries, or a fresh green salad.
  • Leftover shredded BBQ chicken makes excellent wraps, baked potatoes, pizzas, or nachos.