BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches: Easy Recipe for a Crowd

Ready for the Easiest, Most Delicious BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches Ever?

Imagine sinking your teeth into a juicy, flavorful pulled chicken sandwich, piled high with your favorite toppings and dripping with tangy barbecue sauce. Sounds amazing, right? Well, BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches makes that dream a reality, and it’s so easy, anyone can do it! Prepare to be amazed by how simple and impressive this dish is.

Why You’ll Love It

• Incredibly flavorful, with a perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and tangy notes.
• Super easy to make – requires minimal hands-on time, mostly passive cooking.
• Perfect for feeding a crowd, whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering.
• The pulled chicken is incredibly tender and juicy, thanks to slow oven cooking.
• Highly customizable – you can easily adjust the flavors to your liking with different sauces and toppings.

What Makes This Recipe Unique?

What sets this BBQ pulled chicken recipe apart is its simplicity paired with incredible flavor. Instead of using a smoker or slow cooker, we’re utilizing the oven for a hands-off approach that yields exceptionally juicy and tender chicken. The use of bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs provides extra flavor and prevents the chicken from drying out during cooking. Plus, we add a secret touch – a little apple cider vinegar – that really brightens up the flavor and helps tenderize the chicken. It’s a fuss-free way to get that incredible, fall-apart texture every single time.

Ingredient List

• 3 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (These provide the best flavor and keep the chicken moist!)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar (This tenderizes the meat and adds a tang)
• 1 1/2 cups your favorite BBQ sauce
• 8 hamburger buns
• Optional Toppings: Coleslaw, pickles, sliced onions, extra BBQ sauce

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss the chicken thighs with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Ensure each thigh is evenly coated.
3. Arrange the chicken thighs in a single layer in a large baking dish or Dutch oven.
4. Pour the apple cider vinegar over the chicken.
5. Cover the dish tightly with a lid or aluminum foil.
6. Bake for 2 hours, or until the chicken is incredibly tender and easily pulls apart with a fork.
7. Remove the chicken from the oven and let it cool slightly.
8. Using two forks, shred the chicken, removing the bones and skin.
9. Pour the BBQ sauce over the shredded chicken and mix well to coat every piece.
10. Serve the BBQ pulled chicken on hamburger buns with your favorite toppings.

Optional Toppings/Variations

The beauty of this recipe is how easy it is to customize! Here are some delicious ideas:

• Coleslaw: Add a spoonful of creamy or vinegar-based coleslaw for a refreshing crunch.
• Pickles: Top with dill or sweet pickles for an extra layer of tang.
• Sliced Onions: Add a few slices of red or white onions for some sharpness.
• Extra BBQ Sauce: Drizzle some additional BBQ sauce over the top for an extra saucy sandwich.
• Spicy Kick: Add a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce for a little heat.

Expert Tips

• Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for the most flavorful and juicy pulled chicken.
• Don’t skip the apple cider vinegar – it’s the secret to extra tender meat.
• Make sure to cover the baking dish tightly to keep the moisture in during cooking.
• Don’t overcook the chicken, start checking at 2 hours. You want it to fall apart easily.
• Adjust the amount of BBQ sauce to your liking – some people love a saucier sandwich!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs? While you can, bone-in, skin-on thighs provide better flavor and prevent the chicken from drying out. If using boneless, reduce the cooking time slightly and check for doneness sooner.
• Can I make this in a slow cooker? Yes, you can! Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, then shred and add BBQ sauce.
• Can I use a different type of vinegar? Yes, white vinegar or even a splash of lemon juice can be used as a substitute, but apple cider vinegar is highly recommended for its unique flavor profile.
• How long does leftover pulled chicken last? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Can I freeze this pulled chicken? Yes, you can freeze the pulled chicken for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat thoroughly before serving.

Variations and Customization Options

Let your creativity shine with these variations:

• Spicy BBQ Pulled Chicken: Add a teaspoon of chipotle powder or a few drops of hot sauce to your BBQ sauce for a spicy kick.
• Sweet & Tangy BBQ Pulled Chicken: Use a combination of BBQ sauce and a bit of honey or maple syrup for extra sweetness.
• Asian Inspired BBQ Pulled Chicken: Use a hoisin or teriyaki based BBQ sauce and add some fresh ginger and sesame oil to the mix.
• Hawaiian BBQ Pulled Chicken: Add a few chunks of pineapple to the baking dish during the last 30 minutes of cooking and top with it for serving.
• Mini Sandwiches: Use slider buns instead of hamburger buns for smaller, snack-sized portions.

Serving Suggestions

These BBQ pulled chicken sandwiches are a crowd-pleaser, perfect for casual gatherings, picnics, or a simple weeknight meal. Serve them alongside classic sides like potato salad, coleslaw, corn on the cob, or your favorite chips. They’re also great with a simple green salad or some fresh sliced fruit.

Conclusion

This BBQ pulled chicken sandwich recipe is a game-changer. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, bursting with flavor, and completely customizable to your taste. You get the delicious taste of a slow-smoked barbecue without all the effort and you’ll have people asking for the recipe for sure! Give it a try and experience the best, most delicious BBQ pulled chicken sandwiches you’ve ever had! Share your creations with us – we’d love to see how your version turned out! And don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more easy and tasty recipes!