Pulled chicken, that succulent, shredded, and flavor-packed delight, is a culinary chameleon. It’s incredibly versatile, lending itself to a vast array of dishes and flavor profiles. But sometimes, staring at a bowl of perfectly prepared pulled chicken, the question arises: what do I eat with it? The possibilities are truly endless, so let’s embark on a delicious journey through some of the most satisfying and creative pairings.
Classic Comfort: Bread and Buns
Pulled chicken finds a natural home nestled within the soft embrace of bread. From simple sandwiches to gourmet creations, bread provides the perfect canvas for this shredded sensation.
Sandwiches and Sliders: A Pulled Chicken Staple
The classic pulled chicken sandwich is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Use brioche buns for a touch of sweetness, sourdough for a tangy bite, or even Hawaiian rolls for mini sliders that are perfect for parties. Consider toasting the buns lightly to add texture and prevent sogginess. Pile high with your favorite sauce – BBQ, honey mustard, or even a spicy sriracha mayo.
Beyond the sauce, think about adding toppings. Coleslaw provides a creamy crunch that perfectly complements the tender chicken. Pickled onions add a tangy zing, while crispy fried onions provide a satisfying textural contrast. Don’t forget the cheese! Cheddar, Monterey Jack, and even provolone are all excellent choices.
Wraps and Tacos: A Twist on Tradition
Take your pulled chicken game south of the border with wraps and tacos. Warm tortillas, both flour and corn, are fantastic vessels for pulled chicken. Consider adding Mexican crema or sour cream to balance the richness of the chicken.
Think beyond traditional toppings. Mango salsa brings a refreshing sweetness, while roasted corn adds a smoky char. Avocado provides a creamy richness, and a sprinkle of cilantro adds a burst of freshness. Spice it up with jalapeños or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
Side Dish Sensations: Complementing Flavors
The right side dish can elevate your pulled chicken meal from simple to spectacular. Consider the flavors of your pulled chicken when selecting sides. A smoky BBQ pulled chicken will pair well with different sides than a citrus-herb marinated version.
Salads: Fresh and Vibrant
A vibrant salad is a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of pulled chicken. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is always a good choice.
However, you can also create more substantial salads. A black bean and corn salad provides a Southwestern flair. A pasta salad with pesto and sun-dried tomatoes adds a touch of Italian elegance. Consider adding grilled vegetables for a smoky depth of flavor.
Starches: Carbs that Comfort
From creamy mashed potatoes to hearty mac and cheese, starchy sides are always a welcome addition to a pulled chicken meal. Mac and cheese is a classic pairing, especially when made with a sharp cheddar or a blend of cheeses.
Mashed potatoes, whether classic or loaded with bacon and cheese, offer a comforting and familiar flavor. Cornbread provides a slightly sweet and crumbly texture that complements the savory chicken. Rice, both white and brown, is a versatile option that can be seasoned to match the flavor profile of your pulled chicken.
Vegetables: Balancing Act
Adding vegetables to your pulled chicken meal ensures a balanced and nutritious plate. Roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and carrots, are a flavorful and healthy option.
Grilled asparagus adds a touch of elegance. Corn on the cob is a summertime favorite. Coleslaw, as mentioned earlier, provides a creamy crunch. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different vegetables and cooking methods to find your perfect pairing.
Global Inspirations: Expanding Your Culinary Horizons
Pulled chicken is not limited to traditional American cuisine. It can be incorporated into a wide range of dishes from around the world.
Asian Flavors: Sweet and Savory
Pulled chicken can be transformed into a delicious Asian-inspired meal. Toss it with a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce and serve it over rice or noodles.
Add shredded carrots, cucumbers, and bean sprouts for a refreshing crunch. A sprinkle of sesame seeds adds a nutty flavor. Consider adding a spicy kick with a dash of chili garlic sauce. Pulled chicken spring rolls are a fun and flavorful appetizer.
Italian Delights: Pasta and Pizza
Pulled chicken can be incorporated into classic Italian dishes. Add it to your favorite pasta sauce for a hearty and flavorful meal.
Use it as a topping for pizza, along with your favorite cheeses and vegetables. Pulled chicken can also be used as a filling for ravioli or tortellini. Combine it with ricotta cheese and spinach for a delicious and satisfying filling.
Latin American Flair: Empanadas and Arepas
Take your pulled chicken south of the border with Latin American-inspired dishes. Use it as a filling for empanadas, along with cheese, beans, and spices.
Stuff arepas with pulled chicken, avocado, and black beans for a satisfying and flavorful meal. Consider adding a dollop of sour cream or Mexican crema. Pulled chicken can also be used as a topping for nachos.
Beyond the Plate: Creative Uses for Pulled Chicken
Pulled chicken is not just for sandwiches and side dishes. It can be incorporated into a wide range of other dishes, from soups and stews to salads and appetizers.
Soups and Stews: Comfort in a Bowl
Add pulled chicken to your favorite soup or stew for a boost of protein and flavor. Chicken noodle soup is a classic choice, but you can also add it to chili, tortilla soup, or even a creamy potato soup.
Consider adding vegetables such as carrots, celery, and onions for added flavor and nutrition. Season with your favorite herbs and spices. A hearty pulled chicken stew is perfect for a cold winter day.
Appetizers: Bites of Deliciousness
Pulled chicken can be used to create a variety of delicious appetizers. Use it as a filling for mini tacos or quesadillas.
Top crackers with pulled chicken, cheese, and your favorite toppings. Create pulled chicken sliders on Hawaiian rolls. Use it as a topping for nachos. The possibilities are endless.
Sauce Sensations: The Key to Flavor
The sauce is arguably the most important element of a pulled chicken dish. It adds moisture, flavor, and depth to the chicken. Experiment with different sauces to find your perfect pairing.
BBQ Sauce: A Classic Choice
BBQ sauce is a classic pairing for pulled chicken. Choose your favorite flavor, from sweet and tangy to smoky and spicy.
Consider making your own BBQ sauce to customize the flavor to your liking. There are countless BBQ sauce recipes available online, ranging from traditional to more experimental.
Other Sauces: Expanding Your Palate
Don’t limit yourself to BBQ sauce. Experiment with other sauces to create unique and flavorful pulled chicken dishes. Honey mustard sauce adds a touch of sweetness and tanginess.
Sriracha mayo adds a spicy kick. Teriyaki sauce provides a sweet and savory flavor. Pesto adds a fresh and herbaceous flavor. Don’t be afraid to get creative and try different combinations.
Cheese, Please: Adding Richness and Flavor
Cheese is a welcome addition to almost any pulled chicken dish. It adds richness, flavor, and texture.
Classic Pairings: Cheddar and Jack
Cheddar and Monterey Jack are classic choices for pulled chicken. They melt well and have a mild flavor that complements the chicken.
Consider using a sharp cheddar for a more pronounced flavor. Monterey Jack is a good choice for a milder flavor.
Beyond the Basics: Exploring Other Cheeses
Don’t limit yourself to cheddar and Jack. Experiment with other cheeses to create unique and flavorful pulled chicken dishes.
Provolone adds a nutty flavor. Swiss adds a slightly sweet flavor. Pepper jack adds a spicy kick. Blue cheese adds a pungent and tangy flavor.
The Ultimate Pulled Chicken Meal: Putting it All Together
Creating the ultimate pulled chicken meal is all about choosing the right combinations of flavors and textures. Consider the following factors when planning your meal:
Flavor profile: What type of pulled chicken are you making? BBQ, Asian, Italian? Choose side dishes and sauces that complement the flavor profile of your chicken.
Texture: Consider the textures of the different components of your meal. Do you want a creamy side dish, a crunchy topping, or a refreshing salad?
Balance: Aim for a balanced meal that includes protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables.
Experimentation: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different combinations of flavors and textures. The best way to find your favorite pulled chicken meal is to try different things.
Ultimately, the best thing to eat with pulled chicken is whatever you enjoy the most. With so many delicious options to choose from, the possibilities are truly endless. Happy cooking!
What are some classic side dishes that pair well with pulled chicken?
Classic side dishes like coleslaw, baked beans, and cornbread are excellent companions to pulled chicken. The creamy coleslaw offers a refreshing contrast to the savory, smoky flavors of the chicken, while baked beans provide a hearty and slightly sweet complement. Cornbread, with its slightly crumbly texture and subtle sweetness, rounds out the meal, making for a satisfying and traditional barbecue experience.
For a slightly different take, consider potato salad or macaroni and cheese. Both are comforting and familiar sides that many people enjoy with barbecue. Potato salad adds a creamy, tangy element, and macaroni and cheese provides a rich and cheesy indulgence, both working harmoniously with the pulled chicken’s robust flavor.
Can I use pulled chicken in salads, and if so, what kind of salad dressings work best?
Absolutely! Pulled chicken makes a fantastic addition to salads. It provides a protein-packed boost and adds a savory element that can transform a simple salad into a more substantial and satisfying meal. Consider adding it to a base of mixed greens, romaine lettuce, or even a spinach salad.
When it comes to salad dressings, lighter vinaigrettes often complement the smoky flavor of pulled chicken without overpowering it. A tangy vinaigrette with herbs or a honey-mustard vinaigrette can be particularly delicious. Creamy dressings like ranch or blue cheese can also work, especially if the pulled chicken has a sweeter or spicier barbecue sauce.
What are some creative sandwich ideas featuring pulled chicken?
Beyond the classic barbecue pulled chicken sandwich, there are numerous creative variations you can explore. Think beyond just the bun and barbecue sauce. Consider incorporating different toppings, cheeses, and sauces to elevate your sandwich game. For example, try a pulled chicken sandwich with caramelized onions, Gruyere cheese, and a Dijon aioli on a toasted brioche bun.
Another option is a Southwestern-inspired pulled chicken sandwich with pepper jack cheese, avocado, a spicy chipotle mayo, and crunchy tortilla strips. For a tangy and refreshing twist, try a Hawaiian-style pulled chicken sandwich with grilled pineapple, coleslaw, and a teriyaki glaze. Experiment with different bread types too, such as ciabatta rolls or even waffles!
What are some unexpected or non-traditional dishes that go well with pulled chicken?
Pulled chicken isn’t just for barbecue; it’s surprisingly versatile and can be incorporated into various global cuisines. Think about using it as a filling for empanadas or tacos, offering a smoky, savory element to these already delicious dishes. You can even use it to top nachos, adding a protein punch alongside cheese, salsa, and guacamole.
Beyond that, consider adding pulled chicken to a hearty chili, using it as a pizza topping, or even mixing it into a creamy pasta dish. The smoky flavor can add depth and complexity to these dishes. Don’t be afraid to experiment and see how pulled chicken can elevate your favorite meals.
Can pulled chicken be paired with fruit-based sides or sauces?
Yes, absolutely! The sweetness and acidity of fruits can create a delightful contrast to the savory and smoky flavors of pulled chicken. Consider pairing it with a fruit salsa, such as mango salsa or pineapple salsa, for a refreshing and vibrant side. These salsas offer a tangy sweetness that complements the richness of the chicken.
Similarly, fruit-based sauces, like a cherry barbecue sauce or an apple chutney, can also be delicious. The sweetness of the fruit balances the smokiness of the chicken, creating a complex and satisfying flavor profile. Grilled peaches or a side of cranberry sauce can also provide a similar effect.
What types of starches or grains complement pulled chicken well?
Pulled chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of starches and grains, offering a hearty and satisfying complement. Rice is a classic choice, whether it’s plain white rice, fluffy brown rice, or flavorful cilantro-lime rice. The rice absorbs the sauces and juices from the chicken, creating a delicious and cohesive bite.
Beyond rice, consider other grains like quinoa or couscous. These grains offer a slightly nutty flavor and a pleasant texture that pairs well with the smoky pulled chicken. Polenta is another great option, especially when served creamy and cheesy. Don’t forget about pasta salads; a cold pasta salad with a vinaigrette dressing can provide a refreshing contrast to the warm, savory chicken.
How can I adapt the accompaniments to suit different dietary restrictions (e.g., gluten-free, vegetarian)?
Adapting accompaniments to suit dietary restrictions is entirely possible and often quite simple. For gluten-free diners, ensure that all sauces and dressings are gluten-free. Cornbread can be easily made gluten-free using gluten-free flour blends, and rice or quinoa are naturally gluten-free starches. Opt for gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps for sandwiches.
For vegetarian diners, you can focus on creating flavorful side dishes that complement the pulled chicken for others while providing satisfying options for them. Offer dishes like grilled vegetables, a hearty bean salad, or a flavorful mac and cheese (without bacon or meat). Ensure these sides are substantial and filling enough to stand alone as a main course option.