Print

Savory Smoked Pulled Chicken Sandwiches Easy Recipe with Melted Cheddar

smoked pulled chicken sandwiches - featured image
Print Recipe

These savory smoked pulled chicken sandwiches with melted cheddar combine smoky, tender chicken with gooey cheese for a delicious and easy-to-make meal perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 lbs / 900 g)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder (optional)
  • ½ cup chicken broth or water
  • 8 sandwich buns (brioche or potato rolls recommended)
  • 8 slices sharp cheddar cheese
  • Pickles or sliced jalapeños (optional)
  • Barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
  • Butter (for toasting the buns)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Drizzle olive oil over them, then sprinkle smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and chili powder evenly. Rub all the spices into the meat until fully coated.
  2. Preheat your smoker or grill to 225°F (107°C). Add wood chips (applewood or hickory recommended) to create smoky aroma. If using a grill, arrange coals on one side for indirect heat and place a drip pan under where the chicken will sit.
  3. Place the seasoned chicken breasts on the smoker grate or grill rack away from direct heat. Pour chicken broth or water into a small pan and place inside the smoker to maintain moisture. Smoke the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), checking with a meat thermometer.
  4. Remove the chicken from the smoker and tent loosely with foil. Let it rest for 10 minutes to keep juices locked in, then shred with two forks on a cutting board until tender and stringy.
  5. Butter the insides of the buns and toast them lightly in a skillet or on the grill. Pile on the pulled chicken, then layer a slice of cheddar cheese on top. For extra melty cheese, broil the open sandwiches for a minute or cover and let residual heat melt the cheese.
  6. Drizzle your favorite barbecue sauce over the cheesy chicken and top with pickles or jalapeños if desired. Close the sandwich and serve warm.

Notes

Keep a close eye on the smoker temperature to avoid drying out the chicken. Rest the chicken after smoking to keep it juicy. Use a pan of water or broth inside the smoker to maintain humidity. For melting cheddar, broil briefly or cover to trap steam. Variations include adding cayenne or chipotle powder for spice, mixing barbecue sauce into the chicken, or using lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.

Nutrition

Keywords: smoked chicken, pulled chicken, chicken sandwiches, smoked pulled chicken, cheddar cheese, barbecue, easy recipe, family dinner, comfort food

Find it online: https://forkifyfun.com/savory-smoked-pulled-chicken-sandwiches-easy-recipe-with-melted-cheddar/