Easy Barbecue Pulled Chicken Thighs
Barbecued pulled meat is a favorite during summer grilling season, but what can you do when you don’t have access to a grill? Fear not, succulent pulled meat sandwiches are never out of reach with just a couple of simple ingredients. Smoked paprika and smoked salt stand in for the smoke of an outdoor grill. Using a classic braising technique yields reliably tender meat without having to spend hours tending the coals.
This recipe is inspired by my Dad’s famous barbecued chicken thighs that finally converted me to the dark side (of poultry 🍗🤣). You can use your favorite barbecue sauce in this recipe to tailor it to your individual taste. My favorite is a regional brand known as “The Original Dinosaur Bar-B-Que Sensuous Slathering Sauce” (not sponsored). Not too sweet and full of flavorful natural ingredients, it’s the perfect compliment to rich dark chicken thighs. This particular brand of sauce is also relatively thin and perfect for braising. By contrast, if you are using a thicker, sweeter barbecue sauce (such as Sweet Baby Ray’s or KC Masterpiece) you will want to thin it with ½ cup of water so that the sauce does not burn during the long cooking time.
Regardless of the sauce you use, this recipe will allow you to enjoy the taste of summer barbecue all year round, no grill required!
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 425° F.
In a small bowl combine smoked paprika, smoked salt and pepper and crush together with the back of a spoon to combine and break up the salt crystals.
Pat chicken dry, sprinkle chicken thighs on both sides with seasoning mix.
Heat a large 12 inch skillet on medium high heat. Add 1 Tbsp olive oil to the preheated pan.
Place seasoned chicken thighs in a single layer in a heated skillet. Sauté chicken thighs for 7-10 minutes on the first side until nicely browned. Flip chicken thighs and continue to sauté for an additional 7 minutes on the second side.
Use tongs to loosen chicken thighs from pan to make sure they are not sticking.
Pour barbecue sauce over chicken thighs and gently shake pan to ensure sauce is evenly distributed all around and underneath chicken thighs.
Cover skillet with a tight fitting lid and transfer to the center of your preheated oven. Bake chicken for 45 minutes or until chicken thighs pull apart easily when poked with a fork.
Remove the cooked chicken from the oven and carefully use two forks to pull the chicken apart and shred it to desired consistency. Stir chicken so that all of the sauce is evenly incorporated and coating the chicken pieces. Taste for seasoning and add salt if necessary.
Serve hot on soft lightly toasted buns with extra sauce and dill or sweet pickles on the side if desired.
(Serves 6-8)
Ingredients:
2 lbs Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs
1 Tbsp Olive Oil
1 ½ tsp Smoked Paprika
1 Tbsp Flakey Smoked Sea Salt
½ tsp Fine Ground Black Pepper
1 ½ cups of your favorite BBQ Sauce* (see note above)
Barbecued pulled meat is a favorite during summer grilling season, but what can you do when you don’t have access to a grill? Fear not, succulent pulled meat sandwiches are never out of reach with just a couple of simple ingredients. Smoked paprika and smoked salt stand in for the smoke of an outdoor grill. Using a classic braising technique yields reliably tender meat without having to spend hours tending the coals.
This recipe is inspired by my Dad’s famous barbecued chicken thighs that finally converted me to the dark side (of poultry 🍗🤣). You can use your favorite barbecue sauce in this recipe to tailor it to your individual taste. My favorite is a regional brand known as “The Original Dinosaur Bar-B-Que Sensuous Slathering Sauce” (not sponsored). Not too sweet and full of flavorful natural ingredients, it’s the perfect compliment to rich dark chicken thighs. This particular brand of sauce is also relatively thin and perfect for braising. By contrast, if you are using a thicker, sweeter barbecue sauce (such as Sweet Baby Ray’s or KC Masterpiece) you will want to thin it with ½ cup of water so that the sauce does not burn during the long cooking time.
Regardless of the sauce you use, this recipe will allow you to enjoy the taste of summer barbecue all year round, no grill required!
Recommended Recipes or Posts
Cole Slaw with Yogurt Dressing
Traditional Gullah Geechee Potato Salad