Kentucky-Style Pulled Chicken with Mustard BBQ Sauce
Shredded smoked chicken coated in a tangy mustard BBQ sauce, served with classic southern sides. This bbq & smoked-inspired chicken ready in about 195 minutes blends kosher salt, black pepper, smoked paprika into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 6, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 3 pounds chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
- 1 tbsp kosher salt
- 1 tbsp black pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 cup yellow mustard
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp hot sauce
- 2 tbsp butter
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Combine 1 tbsp kosher salt, 1 tbsp black pepper, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and 1 tsp garlic powder. Rub this spice blend evenly over 3 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs.
- Step 2: Preheat smoker to 225°F and smoke the chicken thighs for 3 hours until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and skin is crisp.
- Step 3: While the chicken smokes, whisk together 1/2 cup yellow mustard, 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, 2 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, and 1 tsp hot sauce in a bowl to make the mustard BBQ sauce.
- Step 4: Remove chicken from smoker and let cool slightly. Shred the meat, discarding skin and bones, then toss the pulled chicken with 2 tbsp melted butter and the mustard BBQ sauce until well coated and warm. Serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Kentucky-Style Pulled Chicken with Mustard BBQ Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 195 minutes (15 min prep + 180 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Kentucky-Style Pulled Chicken with Mustard BBQ Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Kentucky-Style Pulled Chicken with Mustard BBQ Sauce?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Kentucky-Style Pulled Chicken with Mustard BBQ Sauce for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Kentucky-Style Pulled Chicken with Mustard BBQ Sauce?
BBQ & Smoked chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
