BJ’s Barbacoa Chicken Recipe

When you think of BJ’s time-honored Barbacoa Chicken, it’s the rich flavors and tender texture that come to mind!

I’ve spent plenty of time perfecting this recipe at home, ensuring it’s as tasty as the restaurant version.

You’ll want to marinade the chicken for at least a few hours to soak in all the delicious spices.

Using a slow cooker is a fantastic option for this dish, making the chicken so tender and easy to pull apart.

How to Make BJ’s Barbacoa Chicken Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 lbs Chicken Thighs
• 1 tbsp Olive Oil
• 1/4 cup Lime Juice
• 2 tsp Ground Cumin
• 2 tsp Smoked Paprika
• 1/2 tsp Ground Cinnamon
• 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 1/2 cup Chicken Broth
• 1 tsp Salt
• 1 tsp Black Pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Brown the chicken thighs for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown.

Step 2:

Transfer the chicken to a slow cooker.

Add lime juice, garlic, cumin, paprika, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper.

Step 3:

Pour the chicken broth into the slow cooker.

Make sure the chicken is fully covered by the liquid and seasonings.

Step 4:

Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours or until the chicken is tender and easy to shred.

Do not overcook, as this can make the chicken tough.

Step 5:

Remove the chicken from the slow cooker.

Shred the chicken using two forks, and then return it to the cooker to soak up the juices.

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

Choosing the Right Chicken:

Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for the best flavor and moisture level in your dish.

Boneless thighs are a good alternative if you prefer less fatty meat.

Spice Adjustment:

Feel free to adjust the level of spice by altering the amount of paprika and cumin to taste.

If you like a hint of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Liquid Balance:

Ensure there’s enough liquid in the cooker to keep the chicken moist throughout the cooking process.

Add more chicken broth if necessary.

Yielding Tender Chicken:

For extra tender chicken, let it rest in the slow cooker juices for twenty minutes after shredding.

This helps absorb more flavor and makes it moist.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve the barbacoa chicken with warm tortillas, rice, or on a salad for a refreshing twist.

Garnish with fresh cilantro or avocado slices for a burst of flavor.

What to Serve with BJ’s Barbacoa Chicken Recipe

Mexican Rice

When it comes to pairing sides, Mexican rice is a fantastic choice to serve alongside BJ’s Barbacoa Chicken.

It’s a flavorful combination of rice, tomatoes, and spices.

You can easily whip this up by sautéing onions until soft, then adding rice, diced tomatoes, and broth for a savory side.

Elote (Mexican Street Corn)

Elote brings a vibrant flair to your meal and complements the rich flavors of barbacoa chicken beautifully.

Grilled corn on the cob slathered with a creamy blend of mayonnaise, lime juice, and sprinkled with cheese is irresistible.

It’s a great way to enjoy street food flavors at home!

Fresh Cabbage Slaw

For a refreshing twist, try serving fresh cabbage slaw with your barbacoa chicken.

The crisp cabbage, tossed with lime juice and cilantro, adds a light and tangy contrast.

It’s easy to prepare and brings an enjoyable crunch to your plate.

Charred Zucchini Slices

Adding charred zucchini slices is an unexpected yet wonderful option.

Simply grill or pan sear zucchini slices until they are tender and slightly charred.

Their mild flavor pairs well with the robust seasoning of barbacoa chicken.

Spicy Avocado Salad

Try a spicy avocado salad for a unique and welcome side dish.

Mix sliced avocados, cherry tomatoes, jalapeños, and lime for an exciting and creamy complement.

This adds a burst of flavor and creaminess to accompany your meal perfectly.

Variations and Substitutions

Using Different Proteins

You can switch things up by substituting chicken with beef or pork for a richer flavor.

This changes the taste profile and gives you different texture options to explore.

Spice Adjustments

Feel free to tailor the heat by adding more chilies or reducing them if you prefer something milder.

Adding smoked paprika or cumin can provide additional depth to the seasoning.

Vegan Alternative

For a plant-based version, try using jackfruit or firm tofu to replicate the texture.

You can use the same marinade for these alternatives, ensuring you maintain that vibrant flavor.

Liquid Choices

Cooking the barbacoa with vegetable broth instead of chicken broth alters the flavor and makes it suitable for vegetarians.

This substitution doesn’t compromise the rich, savory notes essential to the dish.

Slow Cooker vs. Instant Pot

The slow cooker method allows flavors to meld together over several hours, while the Instant Pot speeds up the process without losing flavor.

Both methods yield incredibly tender results!

How to Store Leftover Barbacoa Chicken

Make sure your leftover barbacoa chicken is cooled down before storing it in the refrigerator, as this helps preserve the flavor and texture.

Keep it in an airtight container to prevent any unwanted odors from creeping into your dish.

Set your fridge to about 40°F (4°C) to keep everything fresh and tasty!

Airtight Containers

Use a plastic or glass container with a secure lid for the best results.

This prevents moisture loss and keeps that delicious aroma locked inside.

Always label the container with the date so you won’t lose track of when you stored it.

Separate Sauce and Meat

If you’ve got sauce with your barbacoa chicken, store it separately when possible.

This helps maintain each element’s unique flavors and avoids soaking the chicken too much.

Keep each in individual airtight containers to keep things simple and organized.

Freezer Options

For extended storage, feel free to place your barbacoa chicken in the freezer.

Use freezer bags or a freezer-safe container to avoid freezer burn.

Don’t forget to remove as much air as possible from the bag to maintain texture upon thawing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Browning of the Meat

When preparing BJ’s barbacoa chicken, one pitfall can be not browning the meat well enough.

Without adequate browning, the chicken may lack depth in flavor and texture.

Make sure to give it time to develop that beautiful brown crust!

Cooking Time and Temperature

Avoid the mistake of rushing the cooking process by using too high a temperature.

Barbacoa requires slow cooking to achieve that tender, melt-in-your-mouth consistency you crave.

Prepare for a patient cooking process and resist the urge to hurry!

Using Enough Marinade

Forgetting the importance of using sufficient marinade can lead to dry, flavorless chicken.

Marinating enhances the flavors and gives that juicy outcome you’re aiming for.

Ensure the chicken is fully coated and allow time for the marinade to work its magic!