Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience with this irresistible Maple BBQ Pulled Chicken recipe! Imagine tender, juicy chicken infused with a perfect balance of sweet maple and tangy barbecue sauce, slow-cooked to perfection and shredded to melt-in-your-mouth deliciousness. Whether you're hosting a weekend barbecue, looking for an easy weeknight meal, or craving a sandwich that will have everyone begging for seconds, this recipe is about to become your new go-to comfort food sensation!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 6 hamburger buns
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Gather 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 1 cup of barbecue sauce, 1/2 cup of maple syrup, 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper to taste. Also, have 6 hamburger buns ready for serving.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the barbecue sauce, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar. Whisk the ingredients together until well blended. This will create a flavorful sauce that will infuse your chicken with sweet and tangy notes.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. This will enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
- Place the seasoned chicken breasts into a slow cooker. Pour the prepared maple BBQ sauce mixture over the chicken, ensuring that each piece is well coated.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to low heat. Allow the chicken to cook for approximately 6 hours. The low and slow cooking method will make the chicken tender and easy to shred.
- After 6 hours, check the chicken for doneness. It should be tender and easily shredded with a fork. If it’s not quite ready, allow it to cook for an additional 30 minutes to an hour, checking periodically.
- Once the chicken is cooked, use two forks to shred the meat directly in the slow cooker, mixing it with the sauce to ensure every bite is flavorful.
- While the chicken is still warm, toast the hamburger buns lightly if desired. This step adds a nice texture and warmth to the final dish.
- To serve, pile a generous portion of the maple BBQ pulled chicken onto the bottom half of each hamburger bun. You can add additional toppings such as coleslaw or pickles if you like.
- Place the top half of the bun over the chicken and serve immediately. Enjoy your delicious Maple BBQ Pulled Chicken sandwiches with your favorite sides!
Tips
- Choose the Right Chicken: Use fresh, high-quality boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the most tender results.
- Low and Slow is the Way to Go: Stick to the 6-hour slow cooking time to ensure the chicken is incredibly tender and easily shreddable.
- Sauce Consistency Matters: Whisk your sauce ingredients thoroughly to create a smooth, well-integrated flavor profile.
- Don't Overcrowd the Slow Cooker: Arrange chicken in a single layer for even cooking and maximum sauce coverage.
- Shredding Technique: Use two forks to pull the chicken apart, mixing it directly in the sauce for maximum flavor absorption.
- Bun Bonus: Lightly toasting the hamburger buns adds a delightful crunch and prevents sogginess.
- Make Ahead Friendly: This recipe is perfect for meal prep - it reheats beautifully and can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
- Customize Your Toppings: Experiment with additional toppings like crispy coleslaw, pickles, or a sprinkle of green onions to make the sandwich your own.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 95mg
