Pulled BBQ Chicken Québécois Style - recette canadienne de poulet
Easy

Pulled BBQ Chicken Québécois Style

(286)
6 hr 15 min8420 cal

By Chef Marco Deluca·Red Seal Certified Chef|April 1, 2024

Le poulet effiloché BBQ est l'un des plats les plus populaires au Québec durant la saison du BBQ — de la fête des Patriotes jusqu'à l'Action de Grâce. La sauce BBQ maison est sucrée au sirop d'érable plutôt qu'au sucre brun comme la version américaine, ce qui donne un goût distinctement québécois. Cuisez les hauts de cuisse à la mijoteuse pendant 6 heures avec de l'oignon, de l'ail et du bouillon, puis effilochez et mélangez avec la sauce érable-BBQ. Servez dans des pains briochés du IGA avec une salade de chou crémeuse. C'est le genre de repas qu'on prépare le dimanche matin et qu'on mange dehors sur la terrasse avec une Boréale ou une Fin du Monde bien froide.

bbq-smokedbbqquébécoismijoteuse

Ingredients

Servings:
8

Instructions

👨‍🍳Chef's Notes

Mise en Place Saves Time

Even for quick recipes, spend 3 minutes measuring and prepping everything before you turn on the heat. It sounds counterintuitive, but it actually speeds up cooking because you're never scrambling mid-recipe.

Use a Meat Thermometer

The only reliable way to know chicken is safe and perfectly cooked is an instant-read thermometer. Pull at 74°C (165°F) in the thickest part. No guessing, no cutting into it and losing juices.

The Two-Zone Setup

I always set up my grill with a hot zone and a cooler zone. Start chicken skin-side down over direct heat to get that char, then move to indirect heat to finish cooking through without burning.

About This Recipe

Pulled BBQ Chicken Québécois Style is a dish that embodies the spirit of summer gatherings across Quebec. The rich, smoky flavor of the chicken, enhanced by the sweet notes of pure maple syrup, creates a uniquely Canadian twist on a classic barbecue favorite. This dish is often prepared for festive occasions, from the Fête des Patriotes to Thanksgiving, making it a staple in many homes. The tender, fall-apart chicken pairs beautifully with the tangy, maple-infused BBQ sauce, inviting everyone to gather around the table and share in the joy of good food and company.

There's something wonderfully comforting about serving this dish on a warm afternoon, where the smoky aroma wafts through the air and mingles with laughter. The combination of succulent chicken, a touch of smoky paprika, and the creamy, crunchy coleslaw on soft brioche buns creates a delightful contrast of textures and flavors. It's no wonder that Canadian home cooks cherish this dish, as it brings together the best of BBQ culture with a distinctly Quebecois flair.

Tips for the Best Pulled BBQ Chicken Québécois Style

For the best results when making Pulled BBQ Chicken, ensure that you cook the chicken thighs low and slow in the slow cooker for a full 6 hours. This not only guarantees juicy meat but also allows the flavors from the onion, garlic, and broth to permeate the chicken. To avoid dryness, check the internal temperature towards the end; it should reach at least 74°C (165°F) before shredding. Give the meat a good mix with the maple BBQ sauce to enhance its flavor profile right before serving.

What to Serve With It

Serve your Pulled BBQ Chicken in soft brioche buns from IGA, which perfectly soak up the delicious sauce. Pair it with a creamy coleslaw that adds crunch and freshness, balancing the richness of the dish. For a true Canadian experience, enjoy this meal outdoors with a cold Boréale or Fin du Monde beer, celebrating the flavors of Quebec with friends and family.

Storage & Reheating

Leftovers of Pulled BBQ Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, gently warm it in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent drying out. For longer storage, this dish freezes well for up to 3 months; simply thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating to enjoy it again at a later date.

Nutrition Per Serving

420
Calories
34g
Protein
14g
Fat
38g
Carbs
Fiber2g
Sugar20g
Sodium680mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this recipe?+

While you can use chicken breasts, I recommend sticking with thighs for their higher fat content, which keeps the meat moist during the slow cooking process. Thighs also have a richer flavor that complements the maple BBQ sauce beautifully.

What if I don't have a slow cooker?+

If you don't have a slow cooker, you can make this dish in a Dutch oven. Cook it covered in the oven at 150°C (300°F) for about 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.

How can I make this dish spicier?+

To add some heat, consider mixing in a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or your favorite hot sauce into the BBQ sauce. Adjust according to your spice tolerance for an extra kick.

Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time?+

Absolutely! You can cook the chicken a day in advance, shred it, and mix it with the BBQ sauce. Store it in the fridge and reheat it just before serving for a hassle-free meal.

What sides pair best with Pulled BBQ Chicken?+

In addition to coleslaw, consider serving baked beans or corn on the cob as sides. These classic BBQ staples complement the flavors of the chicken and round out your meal nicely.

Reviews

4.8 / 5 (286 reviews)
Daniel R.
May 28, 2025

My family loved this recipe. Will definitely make again!

Tyler G.
Dec 1, 2025

Easy to follow and turned out amazing. A new favourite.

Daniel K.
Jan 4, 2025

Absolutely delicious! The whole family devoured it.

David Z.
Feb 4, 2025

Made this for a dinner party and everyone asked for the recipe.

Recipe at a Glance

Prep:
15 min
Cook:
6 hr
Total:
6 hr 15 min
Servings:
8
Difficulty:
Easy

Pro Tips

  • 1Utilisez du vrai sirop d'érable du Québec — le sirop de table n'a pas la même profondeur de saveur et ne caramélise pas correctement.
  • 2Les hauts de cuisse sont meilleurs que les poitrines pour l'effilochage — ils restent juteux même après 6 heures de cuisson lente.
  • 3Préparez une double batch et congelez le surplus dans des sacs Ziploc — ça se réchauffe parfaitement pour les soupers de semaine.

Variations

  • Version au four: couvrez le plat d'aluminium et cuisez à 300°F pendant 3 heures.
  • Version piquante: ajoutez 2 c. à soupe de sauce Sriracha à la sauce BBQ.
  • Servez sur du riz au lieu des pains pour un bol de poulet BBQ.

BBQ & Smoked Chicken

Pulled BBQ Chicken Québécois Style

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by ChickenRecipes.ca

Pulled BBQ Chicken Québécois Style - recette canadienne de poulet
Chef Marco Deluca

Chef Marco Deluca

Head Chef & Recipe Developer

Marco is a Red Seal certified chef with over 15 years of professional kitchen experience across Canada. After training at George Brown College in Toronto and working in acclaimed restaurants from Vancouver to Montreal, he founded ChickenRecipes.ca to share his expertise with home cooks. Marco specializes in making restaurant-quality chicken dishes accessible for everyday Canadian kitchens.

Red Seal Certified ChefGeorge Brown College Culinary Arts Graduate15+ years professional kitchen experience

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