Barbecue pulled chicken comes together quickly on the stove without sacrificing any flavor or tenderness.

Simply Recipes / Tara Omidvar

Many summer barbecue recipes are anything but weeknight friendly.

They might require an overnight marinade, heating up the grill, or to be cooked low and slow.

Bowl of Pulled Chicken With a Spoon Next to a Plate With a Toasted Bun and Spinach and a Light Green Table Napkin

Simply Recipes / Tara Omidvar

Tips for Shredding Barbecue Chicken

The most difficult thing about this recipe (seriously!)

is shredding the chicken.

If youve ever shredded chicken before, you know how tedious it can be.

Close-up of Pulled Chicken

Simply Recipes / Tara Omidvar

The main reason we decided to do this was to avoid making any unnecessary messes.

Instant Pot Friendly?

We dont recommend adapting this recipe for an Instant Pot.

Tongs Holding a Bit of Pulled Chicken and in the Bowl Below It, More Pulled Chicken

Simply Recipes / Tara Omidvar

The high amount of sugar and ketchup will likely trigger a burn warning in many Instant Pot models.

Add chicken to the barbecue sauce and use tongs to toss the chicken in the sauce until coated.

Place the pot over medium heat and let cook, uncovered, until the sauce is simmering.

BBQ Spices in a Dutch Oven With a Whisk for Pulled Chicken Recipe

Simply Recipes / Tara Omidvar

Let cook for 20 minutes.

Uncover the pot and toss the chicken again.

If you squeeze a piece with the tongs, it should just about fall apart.

Pulled Chicken BBQ Sauce in a Dutch Oven After Whisked Together

Simply Recipes / Tara Omidvar

If it doesnt, cook uncovered for another 5 minutes before testing again.

Once its very tender, use two forks to carefully shred the chicken directly in the pot.

It should be thick enough to coat the chicken, not so liquidy that it drips off the chicken.

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thigh Added to Dutch Oven on Top of BBQ Sauce

Simply Recipes / Tara Omidvar

Remove from the heat, season to taste with salt and pepper, and serve as desired.

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thigh Mixed With the BBQ Sauce in the Dutch Oven

Simply Recipes / Tara Omidvar

Dutch Oven With Cooked Chicken Thighs for Pulled Chicken Recipe

Simply Recipes / Tara Omidvar

Piece of Chicken Thigh Lifted Using a Pair of Tongs From Dutch Oven With Other Cooked Pieces for Stove-top Pulled Chicken Recipe

Simply Recipes / Tara Omidvar

Fork Used to Shred Chicken Pieces in the Dutch Oven

Simply Recipes / Tara Omidvar

Pulled Chicken With Sauce in the Dutch Oven

Simply Recipes / Tara Omidvar

Bowl of Pulled Chicken With a Spoon and a Light Green Table Napkin

Simply Recipes / Tara Omidvar