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Flavorful Smoked Pulled Chicken Sandwiches Recipe with Easy Tangy Slaw

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Tender, smoky pulled chicken thighs paired with a bright, tangy slaw and served on soft sandwich buns. This recipe is easy to prepare and perfect for casual gatherings or family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Wood chips for smoking (hickory or applewood recommended)
  • 3 cups shredded green cabbage
  • 1 cup shredded carrot
  • ½ cup thinly sliced red onion
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt as substitute)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Optional: 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley or cilantro
  • 8 soft sandwich buns or brioche rolls
  • Optional: pickle slices

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels.
  2. In a small bowl, mix smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and black pepper.
  3. Rub the chicken thighs evenly with olive oil, then coat thoroughly with the spice mix.
  4. Let the chicken rest for 15-30 minutes to let flavors settle.
  5. Preheat the smoker or grill to 225°F (107°C). Add wood chips (hickory or applewood).
  6. Place chicken thighs skin side up on the smoker grate and smoke for 2.5 to 3 hours until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  7. While chicken smokes, prepare the slaw by tossing shredded cabbage, carrots, and red onion in a large bowl.
  8. In a smaller bowl, whisk apple cider vinegar, honey, mayonnaise, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  9. Pour dressing over veggies and toss until evenly coated. Chill in fridge.
  10. Remove chicken from smoker and let rest for 10 minutes.
  11. Shred the chicken using two forks or fingers. Optionally mix in pan juices or BBQ sauce.
  12. Toast or steam sandwich buns just before serving.
  13. Assemble sandwiches by piling smoked pulled chicken on bottom bun, topping with tangy slaw, adding pickles if desired, and crowning with top bun.
  14. Serve immediately.

Notes

If slaw gets too wet, drain excess liquid before assembling. Drizzle BBQ sauce or reserved juices on chicken if dry. Use chicken thighs for juiciness. Smoking temperature should be steady at 225°F. Rest chicken after smoking for juicier meat. Can substitute mayo with Greek yogurt or dairy-free mayo. For no smoker, use slow cooker and finish under broiler.

Nutrition

Keywords: smoked pulled chicken, pulled chicken sandwiches, tangy slaw, smoked chicken recipe, easy smoked chicken, backyard cookout, family dinner

Find it online: https://sofiaspice.com/flavorful-smoked-pulled-chicken-sandwiches-recipe-with-easy-tangy-slaw/