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Recipes With Pulled Chicken

By Ashley

January 19, 2025

3 min read

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Recipes With Pulled Chicken

Pulled chicken is a versatile and delicious ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing dish for a party, recipes with pulled chicken offer endless possibilities. This post will guide you through the basics of making pulled chicken, as well as provide some creative and tasty recipes to try at home.

Table of Contents

What is Pulled Chicken?

Pulled chicken is a type of cooked chicken that is shredded or “pulled” into thin strips. It is typically slow-cooked or braised until it becomes tender and easily shreddable. The cooking process allows the chicken to absorb flavors from the marinade, sauce, or seasonings used, resulting in a rich and flavorful dish. Pulled chicken can be made using various cooking methods, including slow cooking, braising, or even using a pressure cooker or Instant Pot.

Basic Pulled Chicken Recipe

Before diving into the creative recipes, let’s start with a basic pulled chicken recipe that you can customize to your liking.

Ingredients

2 lbs (900g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
1 cup (240ml) barbecue sauce
¹⁄₂ cup (120ml) chicken broth
¹⁄₄ cup (60ml) apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons (30ml) Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon (15ml) brown sugar
1 tablespoon (15ml) smoked paprika
1 teaspoon (5ml) garlic powder
1 teaspoon (5ml) onion powder
1 teaspoon (5ml) salt
¹⁄₂ teaspoon (2.5ml) black pepper

Instructions

In a slow cooker, combine the chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
Add the chicken breasts or thighs to the slow cooker, making sure they are submerged in the liquid.
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shreddable.
Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and mix it with the cooking liquid.
Add the barbecue sauce to the slow cooker and stir well to combine. Cook for an additional 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Serve the pulled chicken on buns, with coleslaw, or as a topping for salads.

🍗 Note: You can adjust the seasonings and sauces to suit your taste preferences. For a spicier pulled chicken, add some cayenne pepper or hot sauce.

Creative Recipes With Pulled Chicken

Now that you have a basic pulled chicken recipe, let’s explore some creative and delicious recipes with pulled chicken that you can try at home.

Pulled Chicken Tacos

Tacos are a fun and versatile way to enjoy pulled chicken. Here’s a simple recipe for pulled chicken tacos that the whole family will love.

Ingredients

2 cups shredded pulled chicken
8 small tortillas
1 cup shredded lettuce
1 cup diced tomatoes
¹⁄₂ cup crumbled feta cheese
¹⁄₄ cup chopped fresh cilantro
¹⁄₄ cup sour cream
1 lime, cut into wedges
Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side.
Divide the shredded pulled chicken evenly among the tortillas.
Top each taco with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped cilantro.
Drizzle with sour cream and squeeze fresh lime juice over the top.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve immediately and enjoy!

Pulled Chicken Pizza

Pizza night just got a whole lot better with this delicious pulled chicken pizza recipe. The combination of tangy barbecue sauce, tender pulled chicken, and melted cheese is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

Ingredients

1 pre-made pizza crust
¹⁄₂ cup barbecue sauce
2 cups shredded pulled chicken
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
¹⁄₂ cup diced red onion
¹⁄₂ cup diced bell pepper
¹⁄₄ cup chopped fresh cilantro

Instructions

Preheat your oven according to the pizza crust package instructions.
Spread the barbecue sauce evenly over the pizza crust.
Top the sauce with shredded pulled chicken, shredded mozzarella cheese, diced red onion, and diced bell pepper.
Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove the pizza from the oven and sprinkle with chopped fresh cilantro.
Slice and serve immediately.

Pulled Chicken Salad

For a lighter option, try this pulled chicken salad recipe. It’s packed with flavor and perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

2 cups shredded pulled chicken
4 cups mixed greens
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
¹⁄₂ cup shredded carrots
¹⁄₂ cup crumbled feta cheese
¹⁄₄ cup chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, shredded carrots, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped fresh parsley.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
Top the salad with shredded pulled chicken and serve immediately.

Pulled Chicken Stuffed Bell Peppers

These pulled chicken stuffed bell peppers are a hearty and delicious meal that’s perfect for a family dinner. The combination of tender pulled chicken, flavorful rice, and melted cheese is sure to please.

Ingredients

4 large bell peppers, any color, halved lengthwise and seeds removed
2 cups cooked rice
2 cups shredded pulled chicken
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
¹⁄₂ cup diced onion
¹⁄₂ cup diced tomatoes
¹⁄₄ cup chopped fresh parsley
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, shredded pulled chicken, shredded cheddar cheese, diced onion, diced tomatoes, chopped fresh parsley, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
Place the bell pepper halves in a baking dish and spoon the chicken mixture into each pepper half, pressing down gently to compact the filling.
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the peppers are tender.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve hot and enjoy!

Pulled Chicken Chili

This pulled chicken chili recipe is a hearty and comforting dish that’s perfect for a cold day. The combination of tender pulled chicken, beans, and spices creates a flavorful and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

2 cups shredded pulled chicken
1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1 onion, diced
1 bell pepper, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon salt
¹⁄₂ teaspoon black pepper
¹⁄₂ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
2 cups chicken broth

Instructions

In a large pot, combine the diced onion, diced bell pepper, and minced garlic. Cook over medium heat until softened, about 5 minutes.
Add the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir well to combine.
Add the shredded pulled chicken, kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth to the pot. Stir well to combine.
Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the flavors have melded together.
Serve hot with your favorite chili toppings, such as shredded cheese, chopped onions, or sour cream.

Pulled Chicken Nachos

These pulled chicken nachos are a crowd-pleasing appetizer or snack that’s perfect for game day or movie night. The combination of crispy tortilla chips, tender pulled chicken, and melted cheese is sure to be a hit with everyone.

Ingredients

1 large bag tortilla chips
2 cups shredded pulled chicken
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
¹⁄₂ cup diced tomatoes
¹⁄₂ cup diced red onion
¹⁄₄ cup chopped fresh cilantro
¹⁄₄ cup sour cream
¹⁄₄ cup guacamole
1 lime, cut into wedges

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Spread the tortilla chips evenly on a large baking sheet.
Top the chips with shredded pulled chicken and shredded cheddar cheese.
Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove the nachos from the oven and top with diced tomatoes, diced red onion, and chopped fresh cilantro.
Serve with sour cream, guacamole, and lime wedges on the side.

Pulled Chicken Sliders

These pulled chicken sliders are a fun and delicious way to enjoy pulled chicken. They’re perfect for a party or a quick weeknight meal.

Ingredients

2 cups shredded pulled chicken
¹⁄₂ cup barbecue sauce
¹⁄₄ cup mayonnaise
¹⁄₄ cup chopped fresh cilantro
¹⁄₄ cup diced red onion
¹⁄₄ cup diced pickles
8 slider buns
Coleslaw, for serving

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine the shredded pulled chicken, barbecue sauce, mayonnaise, chopped fresh cilantro, diced red onion, and diced pickles. Mix well to combine.
Toast the slider buns in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side.
Divide the pulled chicken mixture evenly among the slider buns.
Serve with coleslaw on the side.

Pulled Chicken Quesadillas

These pulled chicken quesadillas are a quick and easy meal that’s perfect for a busy weeknight. The combination of tender pulled chicken, melted cheese, and crispy tortilla is sure to please.

Ingredients

2 cups shredded pulled chicken
2 large tortillas
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
¹⁄₂ cup diced bell pepper
¹⁄₂ cup diced onion
¹⁄₄ cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Add the diced bell pepper and diced onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
Add the shredded pulled chicken to the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until heated through.
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over one half of each tortilla.
Divide the chicken mixture evenly among the tortillas, placing it on top of the cheese.
Fold the tortillas in half to enclose the filling.
Cook the quesadillas in the skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is crispy.
Remove the quesadillas from the skillet and let them cool for a few minutes before slicing.
Serve with chopped fresh cilantro and your favorite dipping sauce.

Pulled Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

These pulled chicken stuffed sweet potatoes are a delicious and healthy meal that’s perfect for a family dinner. The combination of tender pulled chicken, sweet potato, and flavorful toppings creates a satisfying and nutritious dish.

Ingredients

4 large sweet potatoes
2 cups shredded pulled chicken
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
¹⁄₂ cup diced red onion
¹⁄₂ cup diced bell pepper
¹⁄₄ cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Poke the sweet potatoes with a fork several times and place them on a baking sheet.
Bake for 45-60 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender.
While the sweet potatoes are baking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the diced red onion and diced bell pepper to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
Add the shredded pulled chicken to the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until heated through.
Cut a slit in the top of each sweet potato and stuff it with the chicken mixture.
Top each sweet potato with shredded cheddar cheese and chopped fresh cilantro.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve hot and enjoy!

Pulled Chicken Mac and Cheese

This pulled chicken mac and cheese recipe is a comforting and delicious meal that’s perfect for a family dinner. The combination of tender pulled chicken, creamy cheese sauce, and pasta creates a satisfying and flavorful dish.