MVP BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches (Print Version)
Tender BBQ pulled chicken on soft buns, topped with crisp slaw. A perfect crowd-pleaser for any casual event.
# What You Need:
→ Chicken
01 - 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
02 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
03 - 1 tsp garlic powder
04 - 1/2 tsp onion powder
05 - 1 tsp salt
06 - 1/2 tsp black pepper
07 - 2 tbsp olive oil
→ BBQ Sauce
08 - 1 cup barbecue sauce (store-bought or homemade)
09 - 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
10 - 1 tbsp brown sugar
11 - 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
→ Sandwich Assembly
12 - 6 soft sandwich buns
13 - 2 cups classic coleslaw (store-bought or homemade)
14 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter (optional, for toasting buns)
15 - Dill pickle slices (optional)
# Directions:
01 - Preheat your oven to 350°F.
02 - In a sizable mixing bowl, combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Thoroughly coat the chicken breasts or thighs with this spice blend.
03 - Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the seasoned chicken for 2-3 minutes per side until a golden-brown crust forms.
04 - In a separate small bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Pour this prepared sauce evenly over the seared chicken in the skillet.
05 - Cover the skillet tightly with a lid or aluminum foil and carefully transfer it to the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and tender enough to be easily shredded with a fork.
06 - Carefully remove the skillet from the oven. Using two forks, shred the chicken directly within the skillet, then toss it with the sauce to ensure each piece is well coated.
07 - Optionally, butter the cut sides of the soft sandwich buns and toast them in a clean skillet over medium heat until lightly golden.
08 - Generously pile the BBQ pulled chicken onto the bottom half of each toasted bun. Top with a ample scoop of classic coleslaw and dill pickle slices, if desired. Complete the sandwich with the top bun and serve promptly.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- It's a secret weapon for busy weeknights, delivering huge flavor with surprisingly little effort.
- This dish practically begs to be shared, making it perfect for casual get-togethers where good food and easy conversation are the main event.
02 -
- Don't be afraid to really sear that chicken; that golden crust contributes immensely to the final flavor, even if it's going into the oven.
- The apple cider vinegar and brown sugar in the sauce are not just suggestions; they perfectly balance the richness and acidity, so definitely include them for the best results.
03 -
- Always let the chicken rest for a few minutes after taking it out of the oven before shredding; this allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring incredibly moist results.
- If you're making this for a crowd, you can shred the chicken, coat it in sauce, and keep it warm in a slow cooker on the "warm" setting for up to a couple of hours.