Mission BBQ Pulled Chicken Recipe

Pulled chicken that’s juicy, tender, and packed with smoky barbecue sauce is one of those meals that sticks with you (it does me!).

This Mission BBQ version really gets that balance of sweet and tangy, and the chicken practically falls apart when it’s done. Yum’ilicious!

So go with boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts. Thighs stay incredibly tender and shred beautifully without drying out.

For the sauce, start with your favorite smoky barbecue sauce as a base, then customize it with apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and a splash of Worcestershire for depth.

And for that slow-smoked flavor, I like to add a bit of smoked paprika to the seasoning mix. Easy!

How to Make Mission BBQ Pulled Chicken

Ingredients

• 2 lbs Chicken Breast
• 1 cup Barbecue Sauce
• 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 1 tsp Chili Powder
• 1 cup Tomato Puree
• 1 tbsp Lemon Juice
• 2 tbsp Olive Oil
• 1 small Onion (chopped)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Mix the barbecue sauce, garlic, chili powder, tomato puree, lemon juice, and half of the chopped onion in a bowl.

Let the chicken marinate in this mixture for at least an hour in the refrigerator.

Step 2:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Meanwhile, heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat.

Add the marinated chicken, skin-side down, for about 2-3 minutes until lightly browned.

Step 3:

Turn the chicken over and brown the other side for another 2-3 minutes.

Add remaining marinade into the skillet.

Step 4:

Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake the chicken for 30 minutes.

Ensure the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 5:

Remove the chicken from the oven and allow it to cool slightly.

Use two forks to shred the chicken.

Mix back into its juices and serve hot.

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

Use a Meat Thermometer

Using a meat thermometer makes it easy to verify that the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F, ensuring it’s perfectly cooked.

Allow for Rest Time

Letting the cooked chicken rest for a few minutes allows the juices to redistribute, which makes for a moister and more flavorful dish.

Try Different Marinades

Feel free to experiment by adding other spices like smoked paprika or cumin to your marinade for a personalized twist on the flavor.

Shred Chicken While Warm

Shredding the chicken when it’s still warm is much easier and prevents mess compared to shredding when it is cold.

Double Up the Recipe

If you’re cooking for a larger group or want leftovers, simply double the ingredients while maintaining the cooking times. Enjoy!

What to Serve with Mission BBQ Pulled Chicken

Classic Coleslaw

Coleslaw is a classic side that pairs perfectly with the smoky and savory flavors of pulled chicken.

The crunchy texture and tangy dressing bring a refreshing contrast to the meal.

You can easily make it by mixing cabbage, carrots, and a bit of vinegar-based dressing.

Cornbread

Cornbread is another traditional side that goes well with BBQ dishes like pulled chicken.

Its crumbly texture complements the juiciness of the chicken and adds a bit of sweetness to each bite.

You can make it even more delicious by drizzling honey on top before serving.

Grilled Asparagus

If you’re in the mood for something green, grilled asparagus is a fantastic option.

The slightly charred taste brings a smoky flavor that complements the pulled chicken beautifully.

Lightly season the asparagus with olive oil, salt, and pepper before grilling.

Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Roasted sweet potatoes offer a sweet and savory balance to your meal.

They are easy to prepare and can be seasoned with spices like cinnamon or paprika.

The creamy interior goes well with the rich barbecue sauce.

Mango Salsa

For a unique twist, try serving your pulled chicken with mango salsa.

The sweetness of mango combined with the spicy kick from jalapeños can make your dish exciting and flavorful.

A bit of lime juice ties it all together!

Couscous Salad

Couscous salad is another unconventional, yet tasty, option you might enjoy.

Toss cooked couscous with diced vegetables like bell peppers and cucumbers for added crunch.

A light vinaigrette dressing will bring it all together nicely.

Variations and Substitutions

Spice Level

You can adjust the spice level of the pulled chicken by altering the amount of chili powder.

If you prefer a milder taste, reduce the chili or replace it with paprika.

Add some cayenne pepper if you want an extra kick!

Sauce Options

There are plenty of options for the barbecue sauce!

Try using a honey-based sauce if you like a bit of sweetness.

Feel free to explore different flavors like smoky or tangy based on your preference.

Cooking Methods

While baking works great, you can also use a slow cooker for this dish.

Just mix the ingredients and let it cook on low for 6-8 hours.

You’ll love how tender the chicken turns out!

Meat Choices

Pulled pork can be a tasty alternative to chicken if you want something different.

For a leaner option, consider using turkey instead.

Experiment with these variations to see what works best for you.

How to Store Leftover Mission BBQ Pulled Chicken

Use Airtight Containers

You want to keep your pulled chicken fresh for as long as possible!

One effective way is to store it in airtight containers.

Make sure to let the chicken cool completely before transferring it to containers to maintain its quality.

Freezing for Longer Storage

If you plan to store it for a longer period, freezing is an excellent option.

Divide your chicken into meal-sized portions and place each portion in a freezer bag.

Remove as much air as possible before sealing the bags to prevent freezer burn!

Refrigerating for Short-Term Storage

For short-term storage, you can refrigerate your leftovers.

Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator if you plan to use it within 3-4 days.

This method is ideal when you’re planning on using it soon in recipes or meals.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the Chicken

You definitely don’t want to dry out your chicken!

To keep it juicy, make sure to bake it for the right amount of time.

When using a slow cooker, 8-10 hours on low or 4-6 hours on high is perfect.

Shredding Technique

Shredding the chicken evenly is essential for texture.

Use two forks to gently pull apart the chicken, making it easy to eat.

If the pieces are too large, they may lose the sauce, and no one wants that!

Insufficient Marination

It’s essential to marinate your chicken long enough to soak up all those flavors.

Aim for at least an hour in the marinade to work its magic.

Skipping this step could lead to a less flavorful dish, and we don’t want that.