Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience with these mouthwatering BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches! Imagine tender, juicy chicken bathed in rich BBQ sauce, nestled between soft Hawaiian rolls and topped with a creamy, crisp cole slaw that will make your family and friends beg for seconds. This recipe is not just a meal; it's a flavor explosion that combines the best of slow-cooked comfort food with a touch of tropical sweetness.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless chicken thighs
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/2 cup cole slaw mix
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 6 Hawaiian rolls
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by patting the boneless chicken thighs dry with paper towels and seasoning generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Place the seasoned chicken thighs into a slow cooker, ensuring they are spread evenly across the bottom of the cooking vessel.
- Pour the BBQ sauce evenly over the chicken thighs, making sure each piece is well-coated with the sauce.
- Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat. Cook for 5-6 hours, or until the chicken is extremely tender and can be easily shredded with two forks.
- While the chicken is cooking, prepare the cole slaw by mixing the cole slaw mix with mayonnaise in a separate bowl. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove the thighs from the slow cooker and use two forks to shred the meat completely.
- Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and mix with the remaining BBQ sauce to ensure even coating.
- Lightly toast the Hawaiian rolls to add a slight crispness to the bread.
- Assemble the sandwiches by placing a generous portion of pulled BBQ chicken on the bottom half of each Hawaiian roll, then top with a spoonful of cole slaw.
- Close the sandwiches with the top half of the rolls and serve immediately while warm.
Tips
- Choose the right cut: Boneless chicken thighs are ideal for this recipe because they stay moist and tender during the long, slow cooking process.
- Low and slow is the key: Cooking the chicken on low heat for 5-6 hours ensures the meat becomes incredibly tender and easily shreddable.
- Sauce matters: Use a high-quality BBQ sauce that complements the chicken's flavor. Don't be afraid to mix different BBQ sauces for a unique taste.
- Cole slaw preparation: Make the cole slaw ahead of time and let it chill in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Toasting the rolls: Lightly toasting the Hawaiian rolls adds a delightful crunch and helps prevent the bread from getting soggy.
- Customize your sandwich: Feel free to add extra toppings like pickles, sliced onions, or a dash of hot sauce for additional flavor complexity.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 120mg
