Smoky BBQ Chicken Burgers

by

Introduction

Smoky BBQ Chicken Burgers are a mouthwatering and satisfying dish that combines the smokiness of BBQ chicken with the indulgence of a juicy burger. This flavorful meal features tender, shredded chicken coated in tangy BBQ sauce, piled high on a soft bun, and topped with all your favorite fixings. Whether you’re hosting a summer cookout, looking for an easy dinner, or craving something hearty, these burgers deliver both comfort and flavor in every bite. The perfect mix of juicy, tender chicken and savory BBQ makes this dish a guaranteed hit!

I remember the first time I made these for a casual family lunch. The kitchen was filled with the rich aroma of BBQ, and everyone was eager to dig in. What’s great about Pulled BBQ Chicken Burgers is how customizable they are—you can load them up with all sorts of toppings like crispy onions, pickles, coleslaw, or even extra cheese. And if you want to add an extra burst of flavor, a drizzle of your favorite BBQ sauce is always a winner!

These burgers are surprisingly easy to make, too. With just a few ingredients and a bit of patience for shredding the chicken, you’ll have a delicious, hearty meal ready in no time. Whether you’re looking to impress at a BBQ or simply enjoy a satisfying weeknight dinner, these pulled BBQ chicken burgers are sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

Perfect for:

  • Summer cookouts
  • Weekend lunch
  • Casual gatherings
  • BBQ lovers
  • Outdoor parties

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Smoky BBQ Chicken Burgers will become a favorite in your recipe rotation:

  • Tender Shredded Chicken: The slow-cooked chicken is juicy and tender, absorbing the delicious BBQ sauce for maximum flavor.
  • Smoky and Tangy BBQ Sauce: The BBQ sauce is perfectly balanced—smoky, sweet, and tangy—creating a flavorful glaze for the chicken.
  • Customizable Toppings: Whether you like pickles, coleslaw, onions, or cheese, these burgers are easy to customize with your favorite toppings.
  • Perfectly Juicy and Mess-Free: The pulled chicken stays juicy and tender without being overly greasy, and it doesn’t fall apart like a traditional beef burger.
  • Simple and Quick: This recipe is simple to make, and you can even prepare the chicken in a slow cooker or Instant Pot for convenience.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Total Time: 45 minutes (or longer if using slow cooker)
  • Preparation Time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes (or 6-8 hours in slow cooker)
  • Servings: 4 servings
  • Calories per serving: Approximately 450-500 calories
  • Key Nutrients: Protein: 35g, Carbs: 45g, Fat: 15g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Smoky BBQ Chicken Burgers:

For the Pulled Chicken:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)

For the Burgers:

  • 4 burger buns (brioche or whole wheat)
  • Optional toppings:
    • Coleslaw (for crunch and creaminess)
    • Pickles
    • Red onion slices
    • Cheddar cheese (optional)
    • Lettuce or arugula

Ingredient Highlights

  • Chicken Breasts or Thighs: Chicken breasts are lean and easy to shred, while thighs provide extra moisture and flavor.
  • BBQ Sauce: Choose your favorite BBQ sauce, or make a homemade version with brown sugar, vinegar, and spices for a custom flavor.
  • Burger Buns: Brioche buns add a soft, slightly sweet touch, while whole wheat provides a healthier, heartier option.
  • Toppings: Customize the burgers with your favorite toppings to add texture and flavor contrast, like creamy coleslaw or tangy pickles.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Smoky BBQ Chicken Burgers:

Prepare the Pulled Chicken:

  1. Season the Chicken: Rub the chicken breasts or thighs with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  2. Cook the Chicken:
    • Stovetop Method: Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until fully cooked (165°F internal temperature).
    • Slow Cooker Method: Place the seasoned chicken in a slow cooker, cover with BBQ sauce, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
    • Instant Pot Method: Place the chicken in the Instant Pot with BBQ sauce, set to manual high pressure for 10 minutes, and allow a natural release.
  3. Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pan or cooker and shred it using two forks or a hand mixer. Return the shredded chicken to the cooking juices to absorb the flavors.

Assemble the Burgers:

  1. Toast the Buns: Lightly toast the burger buns in a skillet or on a grill for 1-2 minutes, until golden brown.
  2. Assemble the Burger: Spoon a generous portion of pulled BBQ chicken onto the bottom half of each toasted bun. Top with optional ingredients like coleslaw, pickles, red onion, and cheese.
  3. Serve: Place the top bun on the burger and serve with your favorite side dishes like fries or chips.

How to Serve Smoky BBQ Chicken Burgers

  • With Fries or Chips: Serve alongside crispy fries, sweet potato fries, or chips for a comforting meal.
  • As a BBQ Feast: Serve with grilled corn, baked beans, and a fresh salad for the perfect summer BBQ spread.
  • For Game Day: Serve as a part of a casual, crowd-pleasing spread, alongside dips and finger foods.
  • On a Salad: Serve the pulled BBQ chicken on a bed of greens for a lighter, healthy option.
  • With Cornbread: For a Southern-style meal, serve with a slice of homemade cornbread or cornbread muffins.

Additional Tips for Smoky BBQ Chicken Burgers

  1. Use Bone-In Chicken for Extra Flavor
    Bone-in chicken adds richness, making the meat more tender and flavorful.
  2. Make Your Own BBQ Sauce
    A homemade BBQ sauce using ketchup, brown sugar, and spices can elevate the dish.
  3. Try Different Buns
    Experiment with brioche, whole-wheat, or even lettuce wraps for variety.
  4. Add a Sweet Element
    Grilled pineapple or apple slaw can balance the savory BBQ chicken with sweetness.
  5. Grill the Chicken for Extra Flavor
    Grilling adds smoky depth to the chicken before shredding and mixing with BBQ sauce.
  6. Shred Chicken Quickly
    Use two forks or a stand mixer for fast, easy shredding.
  7. Make a Large Batch for Leftovers
    Double the recipe and store extra pulled chicken in the fridge or freezer for later meals.

Recipe Variations

  1. Pulled BBQ Chicken Sliders
  2. Spicy BBQ Chicken Burgers (add jalapeños and hot sauce)
  3. BBQ Chicken Burger with Avocado
  4. Pulled BBQ Chicken Lettuce Wraps (for a low-carb option)
  5. BBQ Chicken Burger with Bacon
  6. Mango BBQ Chicken Burgers (add mango salsa for a tropical twist)
  7. Cheesy BBQ Chicken Burgers (add melted cheese on top)
  8. Vegetarian Pulled BBQ “Chicken” Burger (using jackfruit as a substitute)
  9. Smoked Pulled BBQ Chicken Burgers (use smoked chicken for extra flavor)
  10. BBQ Chicken Burger with Pineapple (grill pineapple rings and add them as a topping)

Freezing and Storage

  • Freezing: Store the pulled chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat before serving.
  • Storage: Keep leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Special Equipment

  • Slow cooker (for convenience)
  • Instant Pot (for quick cooking)
  • Skillet or grill for toasting buns
  • Forks or hand mixer to shred the chicken

FAQ Section

  1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
    Yes! Thighs are more flavorful and moist, perfect for shredding.
  2. Can I use store-bought BBQ sauce?
    Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite store-bought sauce, or enhance it with spices like cayenne or smoked paprika.
  3. Can I make this ahead of time?
    Yes! The pulled chicken can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 4 days, or frozen for up to 3 months.
  4. Can I make this without a slow cooker or Instant Pot?
    Yes! You can cook the chicken on the stovetop by simmering it in BBQ sauce until tender, then shredding.
  5. How do I make it spicier?
    Add jalapeños, chili powder, or use a spicy BBQ sauce for extra heat.
  6. What sides go well with Pulled BBQ Chicken Burgers?
    Try coleslaw, potato salad, grilled corn, or crispy fries for the perfect pairing.

Conclusion

Enjoy the perfect balance of smoky, tangy, and savory flavors with these Smoky BBQ Chicken Burgers. Tender, juicy chicken is smothered in rich, flavorful BBQ sauce, piled high on a soft bun, and topped with your favorite fixings. Whether you’re hosting a BBQ, cooking a quick weeknight meal, or feeding a crowd, these burgers offer a delicious and easy-to-make option that everyone will love!

These burgers are not only packed with flavor but also incredibly simple to prepare, making them ideal for any occasion. The smoky BBQ and tender chicken make for a satisfying meal that’s perfect for summer gatherings or cozy dinners.

I’d love to see how your Smoky BBQ Chicken Burgers turn out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your tasty creations. Enjoy!

Leave a Comment