Name: Honey Garlic BBQ Smoked Pulled Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1/2 cup honey; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade); 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar; 1 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a game-changer for BBQ lovers. The chicken is slow-smoked to perfection, resulting in juicy, flavorful meat that pulls apart effortlessly. The homemade honey garlic BBQ sauce strikes a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy notes. Whether you’re hosting a backyard cookout, meal prepping for the week, or just craving something smoky and satisfying, this recipe hits the spot. Plus, it’s versatile enough for any meal and can be made ahead for convenience.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Chicken thighs or breasts (boneless, skinless)
Olive oil
Salt
Black pepper
Smoked paprika
Garlic powder
Onion powder

For the Honey Garlic BBQ Sauce:

Honey
Garlic, minced
BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
Apple cider vinegar
Soy sauce
Worcestershire sauce

Directions

Preheat your smoker to 250°F.
Rub the chicken with olive oil, then season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Place the chicken directly on the smoker grates and smoke for about 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
While the chicken smokes, prepare the sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, minced garlic, BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer for 10–15 minutes until thickened slightly.
Once the chicken is done, remove it from the smoker and let it rest for 10 minutes.
Shred the chicken using two forks or meat claws.
Toss the pulled chicken with the honey garlic BBQ sauce until well coated.
Serve hot on buns, in tacos, over rice, or with your favorite sides.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves approximately 6 people.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 3 hours
Total time: 3 hours 15 minutes

Variations

Spicy Kick: Add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the sauce for extra heat.
Slow Cooker Version: Cook the seasoned chicken in a slow cooker on low for 6–8 hours, then shred and toss with the sauce.
Oven Method: Bake the seasoned chicken at 300°F for 2.5 hours, then shred and mix with the sauce.
Asian-Inspired: Add a splash of sesame oil and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
Pineapple Twist: Stir crushed pineapple into the sauce for a tropical flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Let the pulled chicken cool completely before storing.
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
To freeze, place in a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 2 months.
Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to keep it moist.

FAQs

What type of chicken is best for pulled chicken?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are ideal because they stay moist and flavorful, but chicken breasts also work well.

Can I use store-bought BBQ sauce?

Yes, use your favorite BBQ sauce as the base, then mix in the other honey garlic ingredients to elevate the flavor.

Do I need a smoker for this recipe?

A smoker gives the best flavor, but you can also use an oven or slow cooker if you don’t have one.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, this recipe is great for meal prep and can be made 1–2 days in advance.

What wood chips are best for smoking chicken?

Apple, hickory, or cherry wood chips work great and add a mild sweetness to the smoked chicken.

Can I make the sauce spicier?

Absolutely. Add hot sauce, cayenne pepper, or crushed red pepper to the sauce for more heat.

How can I use leftover pulled chicken?

Use it in sandwiches, wraps, quesadillas, salads, tacos, or even on top of baked potatoes.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free soy sauce and ensuring the BBQ sauce is gluten-free.

What sides go well with honey garlic BBQ pulled chicken?

Coleslaw, cornbread, mac and cheese, baked beans, potato salad, or grilled vegetables all pair well with this dish.

Conclusion

Honey Garlic BBQ Smoked Pulled Chicken is a flavorful, satisfying dish that delivers on every level. From the smoky tenderness of the chicken to the sticky-sweet and garlicky BBQ sauce, every bite is packed with bold, comforting flavor. It’s easy to make, stores well, and is perfect for gatherings, weekly meals, or anytime you’re craving a hearty BBQ dish. Once you try it, it’s bound to become a regular on your menu.

Honey Garlic BBQ Smoked Pulled Chicken

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Honey Garlic BBQ Smoked Pulled Chicken is a tender, smoky, and flavor-packed dish made by smoking seasoned chicken and tossing it in a homemade honey garlic BBQ sauce. Perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or served as a main dish.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Smoking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Instructions

Preheat your smoker to 250°F (120°C).
Rub the chicken with olive oil, then season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Place the chicken directly on the smoker grates and smoke for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
While the chicken is smoking, prepare the sauce: combine honey, minced garlic, BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce in a saucepan over medium heat. Simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
Remove the chicken from the smoker and let it rest for 10 minutes.
Shred the chicken using two forks or meat claws.
Toss the shredded chicken with the honey garlic BBQ sauce until evenly coated.
Serve hot on buns, in tacos, over rice, or with your favorite side dishes.

Notes

Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce for a spicier version.
To make in a slow cooker, cook seasoned chicken on low for 6–8 hours before shredding and adding sauce.
Bake in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 2.5 hours if you don’t have a smoker.
Use apple, cherry, or hickory wood chips for a mild, sweet smoke flavor.
Use gluten-free BBQ sauce and soy sauce to make this recipe gluten-free.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 410
Sugar: 18g
Sodium: 780mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 35g
Cholesterol: 95mg