If there’s one thing that screams “BBQ” it has to be pulled pork. Well that, and in my house, pulled chicken as well!
And with Memorial Day just a few days away (and the summer season right around the corner!), I’ve been playing around with some fun ways to use both of these BBQ staples.
Related: How to Throw the Ultimate Backyard BBQ
Whether you use pork or chicken, you can typically find a good selection in your local store. And when you have your meat on hand, you can get to cooking!
I wanted to share a few of my favorite ways to use pulled pork and chicken for dinner with my family. These meals are so easy to throw together, they’re great for those super busy nights or those evenings where you just need a break!
5 Meal Ideas Using BBQ Pork and Chicken
The nice thing about the pulled pork and chicken is that they’re easy to make ahead of time and reheat when you’re ready to use them.
Meaning that whatever you cook up, you can easily prep it beforehand to alleviate some pre-meal busyness.
The obvious meal is an old-fashioned BBQ sandwich (with extra sauce). Go ahead… slather it on!
Any pizza lovers out there? Another way I love to use pulled bbq chicken is on a store-bought pizza crust.
Related: My Lasagna Pizza Cups
I brush some bbq sauce on the crust, add the pulled chicken, a little red onion and some mozzarella cheese, and bake until the cheese is melted.
This is such an easy way to pull together a meal when your kids are telling you how STARVING they are!
When I’m in the mood for something super easy and quick, nachos are one of my go-tos. And while ground beef is a typical option you may find in a restaurant, I’m a huge fan of pulled pork or pulled chicken nachos.
Related: Easy-to-Make Pork Tenderloins with Apples
Just top some classic tortilla chips with your favorite toppings and use your pulled meat as the protein. I make these more than I’d like to admit… but they’re just so good!
Macaroni and cheese is often a side dish with ribs and barbecue. But what if we put pulled pork in the macaroni and cheese? Oh yeah. We’re doin’ it!
So I totally cheat when I make this for dinner… usually for my son, Trevor. He’s always liked food combinations, so this one was an easy sell!
I do have a homemade macaroni and cheese recipe, but when I make this BBQ version I usually buy a couple of containers of frozen mac and cheese by Stouffers.
I heat up the mac and cheese in the microwave, then when it’s done, I layer about 2/3 of it in a baking dish with the pulled pork, which has been heated through, on top. After I add a little more sauce, then add the rest of the mac and cheese.
AND THEN?
I add some French fried onions on top. I put it in the oven for about 15 minutes at 350º to basically warm through and get those onions toasty on top. It’s totally indulgent… but excellent comfort food on a chilly winter night!
One of my new favorite ways to use pulled BBQ chicken is to make “rice bowls.” I just heat up the chicken, and start bowl building! These are a great way to use things in your fridge or pantry. There are no rules, just layer in what you love!
Related: Not Your Average Grilled Cheese
I like using quinoa as well as rice when I make these bowls. Beans, corn, cheese, tomatoes, cucumbers… they’re all staples for me. And to kick up your dressing… try mixing half ranch with half BBQ sauce. It’s a zesty, creamy kick that really makes the bowl taste great!
Desserts That Will Make Your Tastebuds Sing
No meal is complete without dessert. If you ask me…
Is it just me or does pineapple taste even better when summer rolls around? Well, I can tell you it tastes outrageously good in my crushed pineapple upside down cake.
What gathering is complete without some cookies? I like these no-bake oatmeal chocolate peanut butter cookies because they don’t get all melty. Something to be aware of during the summer!
But if you do want to go with the homemade route, I recommend my No-Bake Blueberry Cheesecake. It takes very little time to make and it’s a great option if you need something last-minute.
Find the recipe HERE.
I hope you enjoy making these BBQ favorites for your next get-together. Whether it’s for Memorial Day, the Fourth of July or any sunshine-filled weekend!
From my kitchen to yours,
Jill
Did you know I have my own online shop? Check it out HERE!
Corky’s BBQ and Corky’s BBQ.
