MVP Pulled Chicken Sandwiches (Printable Version)
Shredded chicken coated in barbecue sauce, served on buns with fresh slaw and optional pickles.
# What You'll Need:
→ For the Pulled Chicken
01 - 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
02 - 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
03 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
04 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
05 - 1 teaspoon onion powder
06 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
07 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
→ For the Barbecue Sauce
08 - 1 cup barbecue sauce (store-bought or homemade)
09 - 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
10 - 1 tablespoon brown sugar
11 - 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
12 - 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce
→ For the Slaw
13 - 2 cups shredded green cabbage
14 - 1 cup shredded carrots
15 - 1/4 cup mayonnaise
16 - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
17 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
18 - 1/2 teaspoon sugar
19 - Salt and pepper, to taste
→ For Assembly
20 - 6 soft sandwich buns or brioche rolls
21 - Pickle slices
# How to Make It:
01 - Place the chicken breasts or thighs in a large saucepan or Dutch oven. Add chicken broth, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
02 - Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Cover and cook for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
03 - Transfer the chicken to a plate and let cool slightly. Shred with two forks.
04 - In the same pot, discard any excess liquid, then add the shredded chicken back. Pour in the barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce. Stir well to coat. Simmer on low heat for 5–10 minutes until heated through.
05 - While the chicken simmers, make the slaw: In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, sugar, salt, and pepper. Add the cabbage and carrots; toss to combine.
06 - Toast the sandwich buns lightly, if desired.
07 - To assemble, pile the pulled chicken onto the bottom half of each bun, top with slaw and pickle slices, then cover with the top bun.
08 - Serve immediately.
# Expert Insights:
01 -
- The chicken stays impossibly tender without hours of cooking
- You can customize the sauce sweetness or heat to match anyones taste
02 -
- Letting the chicken cool slightly makes shredding infinitely easier and prevents burned fingers
- The slaw can sit while the chicken finishes, giving the dressing time to soften the cabbage just right
03 -
- Liquid smoke added to the sauce gives that outdoor grill flavor without firing up anything
- Chicken thighs shred more easily and stay juicier than breasts if you have the choice