Tailgate Pulled Chicken Sandwiches (Printable)
Tender chicken in smoky barbecue sauce served with creamy slaw on soft buns for a flavorful meal.
# What You'll Need:
→ Chicken
01 - 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
02 - 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
→ Barbecue Sauce
03 - 1 1/4 cups barbecue sauce (store-bought or homemade)
04 - 2 tbsp brown sugar
05 - 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
06 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
07 - 1/2 tsp garlic powder
08 - 1/2 tsp onion powder
09 - 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
→ Sandwich Assembly
10 - 6 sandwich buns or brioche rolls
11 - 1 1/2 cups coleslaw mix
12 - 1/3 cup mayonnaise
13 - 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
14 - Salt and pepper, to taste
15 - Pickle slices (optional)
# How To Make It:
01 - Combine chicken breasts and chicken broth in a large saucepan or Dutch oven. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, cover, and cook for 18–20 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and shreds easily.
02 - Remove chicken from the pan and shred with two forks. Pour out any excess liquid from the pan.
03 - In the same pan, combine barbecue sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir and heat over medium-low until bubbling.
04 - Add shredded chicken back to the pan. Toss to coat in sauce and simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and flavorful.
05 - Meanwhile, in a bowl, toss coleslaw mix with mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper until well combined.
06 - Toast sandwich buns lightly, if desired.
07 - To assemble, pile pulled chicken onto buns, top with a scoop of slaw, and add pickles if desired. Serve warm.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The chicken stays impossibly tender whether you cook it fresh or use a store bought rotisserie bird
- You can make everything ahead and just reheat when the game starts
02 -
- Liquid smoke is worth keeping in your pantry if you want deep flavor without a smoker
- The sauce thickens as it rests, so do not panic if it looks thin right after mixing
03 -
- Use a stand mixer with the paddle attachment to shred chicken in seconds if you are making a big batch
- Butter the inside of the buns before toasting for an even better flavor