This pulled chicken recipe only has 5 ingredients but it’s packed with flavor. Chicken, onion, garlic, brown sugar, and a bottle of your favorite BBQ is all you need for this easy stove-top chicken dish. Serve this delicious pulled chicken on a bun with slaw or plated with your favorite sides. The sky is the limit!
![overhead shot of shredded bbq pulled chicken in a white dutch oven](https://blackpeoplesrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/bbq-pulled-chicken-4-820x1024.png)
Ingredients For Pulled Chicken
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs
- BBQ Sauce
- Onion
- Garlic
- Brown Sugar
- Oil
![collage of ingredients for pulled chicken (stove-top)](https://blackpeoplesrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/bbq-pulled-chicken-1-1024x1024.png)
How To Make Pulled Chicken On The Stove-Top
- In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until soft, approximately 3-5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook an additional minute.
- Add the the BBQ sauce and brown sugar to the pot. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add the chicken.
- Cover with a lid and cook on low heat for 45 minutes to 1 hour.
- Remove the chicken from the pot and shred. Place the chicken back into the pot. Mix until well combined with the sauce.
![](https://blackpeoplesrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/bbq-pulled-chicken-2-1024x1024.png)
What Type Of Chicken To Use
For best results, I suggest you use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. That is what you see here in the pictures. Chicken thighs are more flavorful because they have a higher fat content. Having said that, chicken breasts work well too.
![](https://blackpeoplesrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/bbq-pulled-chicken-3-820x1024.png)
What Type Of BBQ Sauce To Use
When it comes to the choice of BBQ, I suggest you choose wisely. The sauce you use will definitely influence the flavor of the pulled chicken. Use a store-bought sauce or make your own! Sweet, smokey, tangy…the sky is the limit.
![bbq pulled chicken topped with slaw on a bun](https://blackpeoplesrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/bbq-pulled-chicken-1024x1024.jpg)
FAQs & Tips
- Depending on how sweet your BBQ sauce is, you may not need the brown sugar.
- I do not suggest using frozen chicken. Make sure your chicken is fully thawed before cooking.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze your leftovers for up to 3 months.
- Make this ahead of time! Pulled chicken is a recipe that’s even better the next day. If you prepare the chicken in advance, reheat it on the stove-top before serving.
- Serve this stove-top pulled chicken on a bun with coleslaw, as a salad topper, with pasta, or plated with your favorite sides.
Side Dishes
Pulled Chicken (Stove-Top)
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs seasoned with salt and pepper
- 1 1/2 cups BBQ sauce
- 1/3 cup onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (optional)
- 1 tablespoon oil of your choice
Instructions
- In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until soft, approximately 3-5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook an additional minute.
- Add the the BBQ sauce and brown sugar to the pot. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add the chicken.
- Cover with a lid and cook on low heat for 45 minutes to 1 hour.
- Remove the chicken from the pot and shred. Place the chicken back into the pot. Mix until well combined with the sauce.