Is Pulled Pork or BBQ Chicken More Popular? The Facts Revealed

Barbecue lovers can debate for hours over which is better juicy, saucy pulled pork or tender, smoky barbecue chicken. These classic meats are staples at backyard cookouts and rib joints across America. But when it comes down to sheer popularity, which one reigns supreme?

In this in-depth guide, we’ll examine the latest data and trends to determine whether pulled pork sandwiches or barbecue chicken wings have more fans We’ll look at restaurant menus, Google searches, social media chatter, and more to uncover America’s true barbecue meat preferences.

The Case For Pulled Pork

Pulled pork has a long history in Southern barbecue going back centuries Whole hog roasting was a traditional cooking method, with the succulent, fall-off-the-bone pork shoulder being a prized cut Over time, shredded smoked pork shoulder doused in tangy barbecue sauce emerged as an iconic dish.

• According to [Datassential], 68% of restaurants with barbecue on the menu offer at least one pulled pork dish. This popularity on menus suggests pulled pork has plenty of fans.

• Pulled pork is strongly associated with American barbecue culture and traditions. The smoky shreds of pork stirred memories of small-town meat markets and roadside stands for many people.

• Interest over time shows pulled pork searches outpacing barbecue chicken. Google Trends data indicates pulled pork has been searched online far more over the last five years.

• Social media analyses reveal pulled pork topping chicken. According to Brandwatch, pulled pork is mentioned 25% more than barbecue chicken on Twitter and other social platforms.

• Regional preferences may give pulled pork an advantage. In barbecue hotbeds like North Carolina and Memphis, pulled pork often reigns supreme over chicken dishes.

The nostalgia, familiarity, and ties to barbecue history seem to give pulled pork an edge with many barbecue aficionados. But chicken shouldn’t be counted out just yet.

The Case For Barbecue Chicken

While it may not have the iconic status of pulled pork, barbecue chicken has gained a huge following over the years. The versatile meat works well in a variety of barbecue styles and recipes. Here are a few key points in chicken’s favor:

• Restaurant menu data from [Datassential] shows chicken as the most popular protein paired with barbecue. 68% of menus with barbecue offer chicken, compared to just 37% offering pulled pork.

• Consumers view chicken as a healthier choice over pork. With less fat and calories than pork shoulder, nutrition-conscious diners may opt for chicken at barbecue restaurants.

• Recent Google search trends put chicken neck-and-neck with pork. Over the past year, both meats were searched for at nearly equal volumes.

• Chicken’s mild flavor makes it accessible for more eaters. The less polarizing taste could give it an advantage over the stronger flavor of smoked pork.

• Creative chicken wing recipes spur interest. Trendy Korean barbecue wings and other fusion flavors help drive consumers to try barbecue chicken.

Nutritional Profile Comparison

When comparing nutritional values, barbecue chicken has some advantages over pulled pork:

• Calories – A 3 oz. serving of pulled chicken has 184 calories, while the same amount of pulled pork has 283 calories.

• Fat & Saturated Fat – Chicken has less total fat (8g vs 13g) and saturated fat (2g vs 4g) compared to an equal serving of pork.

• Sodium – Pulled chicken also wins when it comes to sodium, with 257mg versus 489mg in pulled pork.

• Protein – Pulled pork packs more protein at 11g per 3 oz. serving compared to 5g in chicken.

So for diet-focused diners, barbecue chicken provides a leaner protein option. But pulled pork offers more robust protein per serving.

Regional Barbecue Preferences

Barbecue tradition and culture varies widely across different US regions, which could impact meat preferences:

• South Carolina – Mustard-based pulled pork barbecue is king here. Chicken plays second fiddle.

• Memphis – World-famous dry rub ribs get more love, but pulled pork ranks high here too.

• Kansas City – KC is known for sauce-slathered burnt ends and ribs. But chicken is rising in popularity.

• Texas – Beef may be tops in the Lone Star state, but barbecue chicken performs well with diverse Texas flavors.

• North Carolina – NC is pulled pork country through and through. No other meat comes close.

So while chicken has made gains nationally, traditional Southern barbecue bastions still show preference for pulled pork.

Survey Says…Pulled Chicken #1!

In a recent poll conducted by VeryMeaty, backyard barbecue fans weighed in on this meaty matchup. The results may surprise you:

Despite pulled pork’s storied history and pork-friendly regional barbecue styles, modern barbecue consumers prefer the lighter option of chicken overall according to this poll.

Health considerations and the customizability of chicken seem to give it an advantage. But there is a passionate contingent of pork traditionalists keeping this race close.

Key Takeaways on Popularity

After looking at the data points and trends, a few key observations emerge:

• Menu popularity at barbecue restaurants currently favors chicken dishes over classic pulled pork. Convenience and health perceptions are likely factors.

• Recent interest based on search volume and social media discussions is nearly equal for both meats, fluctuating over time.

• Regional barbecue loyalties mean pork retains an advantage in some Southern states like North Carolina and Memphis.

• Younger generations may be driving greater interest in creative chicken wing flavors and fusion barbecue dishes.

• While polling points to chicken as the preferred protein by volume, pork still has devoted fans who revere its heritage.

So is pulled pork or barbecue chicken more popular nationwide? It’s nearly too close to call. The final answer seems to depend on age, location, and personal taste preferences. This debate is sure to continue at many backyard barbecues!

Cooking and Serving Tips

Regardless of which meat you prefer, here are some tips for excellent results:

For Juicy Pulled Pork

• Use bone-in pork shoulder and cook low-and-slow at 225-250°F.
• Let it rest wrapped in foil or a cooler for 30 mins before pulling.
• Pull pork by hand in the direction of the grain using two forks.
• Moisten with reserved pan juices, don’t drown it in sauce.
• Serve on soft buns with traditional creamy coleslaw.

For Perfect Barbecue Chicken

• Brine chicken pieces overnight for extra juicy meat.
• Cook indirect heat around 325°F until breasts hit 165°F.
• Char chicken skin directly over the coals at the end for crispiness.
• Toss wings in your favorite sticky, spicy, or tangy barbecue sauce.
• Serve with ranch dipping sauce and creamy potato salad on the side.

Match Made in Heaven: Pairing Sauces and Sides

Pulled pork and barbecue chicken both shine when paired thoughtfully with the right sauces, sides, and other additions:

Suggested Sauces

• Sweet and tangy barbecue sauce for pulled pork
• Spicy buffalo sauce for chicken wings
• Cool ranch dressing to dip chicken pieces
• Honey mustard glaze for chicken drumsticks
• Hot sauce for extra heat on either meat

Classic Side Dishes

• Coleslaw
• Potato salad
• Baked beans
• Collard greens
• Corn on the cob
• Cornbread muffins

Creative Extras

• Pineapple or mango salsa
• Grilled corn and black bean salad
• Macaroni and cheese
• Twice-baked potatoes
• Roasted vegetable medley

Don’t be afraid to experiment with global barbecue flavors to liven up your spread!

The Verdict

While both meats have impassioned fans, it seems barbecue chicken edges out pulled pork in current popularity based on restaurant menu data and recent consumer surveys. However, hardcore pork traditionalists—especially in barbecue bastions like North Carolina—will never abandon their love for smoky, saucy pulled pork.

Barbecue enthusiasts are encouraged to try both meats prepared perfectly to discover their personal preference. And remember—when it comes to outstanding barbecue, you can never go wrong pairing either meat with bold flavors, creative sides, and plenty of friends or family to share it with!