Smoky Tender BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches
A quick and easy recipe for smoky, tender BBQ pulled chicken sandwiches perfect for summer BBQs, featuring a tangy homemade sauce and crunchy pickles.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes stovetop or 4-5 hours slow cooker or 12 minutes Instant Pot
- Total Time: 30 minutes stovetop or 4-5 hours slow cooker or 22 minutes Instant Pot
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 cup dill pickle slices or chips
- 4 sturdy sandwich buns or brioche buns
- Optional add-ons: coleslaw, sliced red onions, hot sauce
Instructions
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Rub them evenly with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Cook the chicken using one of the following methods:
- – Stovetop: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a drizzle of oil. Sear chicken thighs for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C).
- – Slow Cooker: Place seasoned chicken in the slow cooker, cover, and cook on low for 4-5 hours.
- – Instant Pot: Use the sauté function to brown chicken, then pressure cook on high for 12 minutes with 1/2 cup water or broth.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then shred using two forks or meat claws until no large chunks remain.
- Transfer shredded chicken to a mixing bowl. Stir in 3/4 cup BBQ sauce (reserve some for serving if desired) and pickles.
- Lightly toast the sandwich buns on the grill or in a pan with a bit of butter until golden and warm.
- Assemble the sandwiches by piling the saucy pulled chicken onto the buns. Add more pickles or optional coleslaw on top if desired. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
If BBQ sauce is thick, add a splash of apple cider vinegar or water to loosen before mixing with chicken. Rest chicken after cooking to keep it tender. Toast buns to prevent sogginess. Use smoked paprika for smoky flavor if no smoker is available. Chicken thighs preferred for juiciness; breasts can be used but watch cooking time to avoid dryness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: One sandwich
- Calories: 450500
- Fat: 1520
- Carbohydrates: 4045
- Fiber: 23
- Protein: 3540
Keywords: BBQ pulled chicken, pulled chicken sandwiches, smoky chicken, summer BBQ, easy chicken recipe, pulled chicken, BBQ sauce, sandwich recipe