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In the realm of comfort food, few dishes can rival the allure of smoky pulled BBQ chicken sandwiches. These hearty sandwiches are not only a feast for the taste buds but also a symbol of gatherings and shared meals. Whether it's a backyard BBQ, a family dinner, or a casual get-together with friends, the rich flavors and satisfying textures of pulled BBQ chicken make it a crowd-pleaser. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility and ease of preparation, especially when utilizing a slow cooker or Instant Pot. This method allows you to infuse your chicken with smoky flavors and tenderize it to perfection, all while freeing you up to enjoy the company of your guests or family.

Smoky Pulled BBQ Chicken Sandwiches

Indulge in the irresistible flavors of smoky pulled BBQ chicken sandwiches, perfect for any gathering! This recipe highlights juicy chicken thighs cooked to perfection in a slow cooker or Instant Pot, infused with rich BBQ sauce and aromatic spices. Topped with crunchy coleslaw on toasted buns, these sandwiches are a comforting delight that will have friends and family coming back for seconds. Enjoy easy preparation and delicious results with this crowd-pleaser dish!
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Ingredients
  

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs

1 cup BBQ sauce (preferably smoky or chipotle-flavored)

1 medium onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)

1 tablespoon olive oil

Salt and pepper, to taste

4-6 hamburger buns

Coleslaw (for topping, optional)

Pickles (for topping, optional)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Chicken: Start by seasoning the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, cumin, and cayenne pepper. Make sure to rub the spices evenly over the chicken.

    Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

      Cook the Chicken: In a slow cooker or instant pot, add the sautéed onion and garlic. Layer the seasoned chicken thighs on top. Pour the BBQ sauce over the chicken, ensuring they're well coated.

        Slow Cook:

          - Slow Cooker: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.

            - Instant Pot: Secure the lid and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes. Allow for a natural release for about 10 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure.

              Shred the Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks or a hand mixer on low speed. Return the shredded chicken to the pot, stirring it into the remaining sauce for added flavor.

                Toast the Buns: At this point, you can toast your hamburger buns on a grill or in a toaster until they're golden brown.

                  Assemble the Sandwiches: Spoon a generous amount of the smoky pulled BBQ chicken onto each bun. Top with coleslaw and pickles if desired. Serve immediately.

                    Enjoy! Dig into your smoky pulled BBQ chicken sandwiches with your favorite side dishes, such as potato chips or baked beans.

                      Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 min | 7 hrs | 4-6 servings