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Football Sunday Pulled BBQ Chicken Sandwiches - featured image

Football Sunday Pulled BBQ Chicken Sandwiches

  • Author: Rhea
  • Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

A forgiving, slow-cooker pulled BBQ chicken recipe that is perfect for game day. The chicken thighs stay juicy and tender while absorbing a smoky, sweet, and tangy barbecue sauce, making it easy to feed a crowd with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs (900g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 1 cup (240ml) BBQ sauce
  • 2 tbsp (30ml) apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tbsp (30ml) honey
  • 1 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp brown sugar
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • Sandwich buns, toasted

Instructions

  1. Slice the onion into thin half-moons and mince the garlic.
  2. Place the sliced onions at the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker to create a rack.
  3. Place the chicken thighs on top of the onions.
  4. In a small bowl, mix the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, salt, and pepper to create a dry rub.
  5. Sprinkle the dry rub evenly over the chicken thighs.
  6. Pour the BBQ sauce and apple cider vinegar over the chicken, then drizzle the honey on top.
  7. Cover and cook on High for 4-6 hours or on Low for 6-8 hours, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and shreds easily.
  8. Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks.
  9. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker pot and stir to coat in the sauce.
  10. Simmer on High for 10-15 minutes to thicken the sauce until it is sticky, not soupy.
  11. Toast the sandwich buns lightly in a skillet with butter or in the oven.
  12. Pile the hot pulled chicken onto the bottom half of the bun and serve immediately.

Notes

Chicken thighs are recommended over breasts to prevent dryness. Toasting the buns is crucial to prevent them from getting soggy. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. For a spicy variation, add cayenne pepper and hot sauce.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4-6 hours
  • Category: Main Course
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 sandwich with ½ cu
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 25
  • Sodium: 800
  • Fat: 12
  • Saturated Fat: 3
  • Carbohydrates: 40
  • Fiber: 2
  • Protein: 35

Keywords: pulled BBQ chicken, slow cooker chicken, game day food, football snacks, easy chicken recipe, BBQ sandwiches, crowd pleaser

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Find it online: https://dailydinnerecipes.com/football-sunday-pulled-bbq-chicken-sandwiches-best-game-day-snack/