Paula Deen Pulled BBQ Chicken Sandwich

Paula Deen pulled BBQ chicken sandwich takes 20 minutes of hands-on work and chicken thighs, ketchup and brown sugar to make a tender, saucy pulled chicken sandwich that feeds 10. This easy skillet pulled chicken dinner fits potluck night, weeknight dinner, cookout season and Southern comfort food cravings.

Sear the thighs until they are golden brown before they ever touch the sauce, because that browning builds the deep flavor the whole pot is based on. Skip it and the chicken tastes flat and boiled.

Paula builds the sauce right in the same skillet, so the browned bits from the chicken and the onions end up in every bite. She finishes with a slow 40-minute simmer under a lid, then shreds the meat right in the pan so it soaks up the sauce.

Paula Deen Pulled BBQ Chicken Sandwich

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Course: DinnerCuisine: American, SouthernDifficulty: Easy

Servings

10

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

55

minutes

Calories

420

kcal

Thighs sear first, then simmer in a tangy ketchup and brown sugar sauce until the meat falls apart with a fork. Shredded right in the skillet, it soaks up every bit of sauce before it hits a whole-wheat bun.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
  

• 2 tablespoons Canola oil
  

• 1 finely chopped onion
  

• 2 cloves finely chopped garlic
  

• 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  

• 1 cup ketchup
  

• 1/2 cup water
  

• 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
  

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  

• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  

• Kosher salt
  

• ground Black pepper
  

• 6 whole-wheat hamburger rolls
  

• optional coleslaw
  

Directions

• Season and sear: Season 2 pounds of boneless skinless chicken thighs on both sides with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons of canola oil in a large high-sided skillet over medium high heat, then sear the chicken until golden brown, about 4 minutes on each side.
• Cook the onion: Move the chicken to a plate, then add 1 finely chopped onion and 2 finely chopped garlic cloves to the skillet. Sauté for about 3 minutes until tender.
• Deglaze the pan: Stir in 3 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar. Scrape up the browned bits on the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon, since they carry a lot of flavor.
• Build the sauce: Add 1 cup ketchup, 1/2 cup water, 2 tablespoons light brown sugar, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce and 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper. Season with salt and pepper, then bring it to a boil and reduce to a simmer.
• Simmer the chicken: Return the chicken to the pan along with any juices that collected on the plate. Turn the heat to low, cover and cook for 40 minutes.
• Shred the meat: Shred the chicken with a fork right in the skillet once it is cooked through. Toss the meat through the sauce so every strand is coated.
• Build the sandwiches: Divide the pulled chicken between 6 whole-wheat hamburger rolls. Serve with coleslaw on the side or piled on top, if you like.

Tools for this recipe

• Lodge 10.25-inch cast iron skillet, OXO wooden spoon set, OXO 12-inch locking tongs, Diamond Crystal kosher salt, 3 lb. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

You can, but thighs stay juicier through a 40-minute simmer. Breasts dry out faster, so check them around 25 minutes and shred as soon as they pull apart easily.

How long do leftovers keep?

Store the pulled chicken with its sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Reheat it gently in a skillet with a splash of water so the sauce loosens up.

Can I make the pulled chicken ahead of time?

Yes, the meat is even better after sitting in the sauce. Make it a day ahead, keep it covered in the fridge, and warm it on the stove before building the sandwiches.

Can I cook this in a slow cooker?

Sear the chicken and build the sauce in the skillet first, then move everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for about 4 hours, then shred and toss with the sauce.

How do I make it less or more spicy?

The 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne gives a mild background heat. Leave it out for a kid-friendly version, or double it if you want a little more kick.