Honey Garlic BBQ Smoked Pulled Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a flavorful twist on traditional pulled chicken, enhanced by layers of smoke and a luscious honey garlic BBQ glaze. The smoking process adds depth, while the honey and garlic deliver a perfect balance of sweetness and boldness. It’s easy to make in large batches, freezer-friendly, and incredibly versatile. Whether you’re using it for sandwiches, wraps, or bowls, it’s guaranteed to please.

Ingredients

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

boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
olive oil
salt
black pepper
garlic powder
smoked paprika
BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
honey
minced garlic
apple cider vinegar
optional: red pepper flakes or hot sauce (for heat)

Directions

1. Preheat your smoker to 250°F (120°C) using wood chips like hickory, applewood, or mesquite.
2. Rub the chicken with olive oil, then season all sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
3. Place the chicken directly on the smoker grates and smoke for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
4. While the chicken smokes, prepare the sauce: In a small saucepan, combine BBQ sauce, honey, minced garlic, and apple cider vinegar. Simmer over low heat for 10–15 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. Once the chicken is done, remove it from the smoker and let it rest for 10 minutes.
6. Shred the chicken using two forks or meat claws.
7. Toss the pulled chicken in the warm honey garlic BBQ sauce until fully coated.
8. Serve immediately on buns, in tacos, or over rice.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6–8 people.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 3 hours
Total time: 3 hours 15 minutes

Variations

• Spicy version: Add hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the sauce for extra heat.
• Make it sandwich-ready: Serve on toasted buns with coleslaw for a classic BBQ sandwich.
• Use different cuts: Chicken thighs are juicier and more flavorful, but breasts work well too.
• Crockpot alternative: Skip the smoker and cook the chicken in a slow cooker, then finish with the honey garlic BBQ sauce.
• Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free BBQ sauce and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Asian twist: Add a splash of soy sauce and sesame oil to the honey garlic sauce for a subtle fusion flavor.
• Add herbs: Stir in chopped fresh parsley or cilantro after tossing in the sauce.
• Maple swap: Substitute honey with maple syrup for a slightly different sweetness.
• Caramelized garlic: Roast the garlic before adding it to the sauce for a deeper flavor.
• Smoked jalapeños: Add sliced smoked jalapeños for a smoky heat element.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover pulled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, place it in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or extra sauce and warm until hot. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. For longer storage, freeze in airtight bags or containers for up to 3 months.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought BBQ sauce for this recipe?

Yes, a good quality store-bought BBQ sauce works well. Just add honey and garlic to elevate the flavor.

Do I need a smoker to make this recipe?

While smoking gives the best flavor, you can bake or slow-cook the chicken and still get great results with the sauce.

What’s the best wood for smoking chicken?

Applewood, hickory, and mesquite are popular choices. Applewood gives a mild, sweet smoke that pairs perfectly with honey garlic sauce.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can make and shred the chicken a day ahead, store it with the sauce, and reheat before serving.

How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?

Don’t overcook it—use a meat thermometer and pull it off the smoker at 165°F. Thighs are more forgiving and stay juicy longer.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Absolutely. Freeze the pulled chicken in portions and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Can I use bone-in chicken?

Yes, but it will take longer to smoke and require removing the bones before shredding.

What sides go well with honey garlic pulled chicken?

Coleslaw, cornbread, baked beans, mac and cheese, or grilled vegetables make great pairings.

Can I cook this in the oven?

Yes. Bake at 300°F (150°C) for about 2 hours, covered, then finish uncovered for 30 minutes for a slightly crispy edge.

Can I use this sauce on other meats?

Definitely. The honey garlic BBQ sauce works well on ribs, pork, meatballs, or even grilled tofu.

Conclusion

Honey Garlic BBQ Smoked Pulled Chicken is the perfect marriage of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors. Whether you serve it on a sandwich, taco, or plate it over rice, this dish delivers big on taste and comfort. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, it’s a go-to recipe for backyard barbecues, game day spreads, or weeknight meals that feel like a weekend treat.

Honey Garlic BBQ Smoked Pulled Chicken

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Honey Garlic BBQ Smoked Pulled Chicken is a flavorful dish featuring slow-smoked chicken shredded and tossed in a sweet and tangy honey garlic BBQ sauce. It’s perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or bowls, and great for cookouts or meal prep.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours
• Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6–8 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Smoking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

• 3–4 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 cup BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/4 cup honey
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• Optional: 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce

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Instructions

1. Preheat your smoker to 250°F (120°C) using preferred wood chips (e.g., hickory, applewood, or mesquite).
2. Rub chicken with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
3. Place chicken directly on smoker grates and smoke for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
4. While chicken is smoking, combine BBQ sauce, honey, minced garlic, and apple cider vinegar in a saucepan. Simmer on low for 10–15 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. Remove chicken from smoker and let rest for 10 minutes.
6. Shred chicken with two forks or meat claws.
7. Toss shredded chicken in warm honey garlic BBQ sauce until well coated.
8. Serve hot on buns, in tacos, over rice, or as desired.

Notes

• Use chicken thighs for a juicier result.
• Add hot sauce or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
• Freeze leftovers in portions for easy future meals.
• Oven or slow cooker can be used as alternatives to a smoker.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 370
• Sugar: 14g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 40g
• Cholesterol: 110mg