Print

Smoked Pulled Chicken Sandwiches Recipe with Easy Carolina BBQ Sauce

smoked pulled chicken sandwiches - featured image
Print Recipe

Tender smoked pulled chicken combined with a tangy, slightly sweet Carolina BBQ sauce, served on soft buns for a comforting and flavorful sandwich perfect for gatherings or quick meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 2 tbsp paprika (smoked paprika optional)
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 cup apple cider vinegar
  • ¼ cup ketchup
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp hot sauce
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Soft sandwich buns or brioche buns
  • Optional toppings: pickles, coleslaw, sliced onions, extra BBQ sauce

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Mix together the dry rub spices: paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Rub evenly all over the chicken. (About 10 minutes)
  2. Preheat smoker or grill to 225°F (107°C). If using charcoal grill, set up for indirect cooking and add soaked wood chips.
  3. Smoke the chicken on grill grates away from direct heat for 1.5 to 2 hours until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  4. While chicken smokes, whisk together apple cider vinegar, ketchup, brown sugar, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper in a saucepan. Simmer over medium-low heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Transfer smoked chicken to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes. Shred the meat using two forks.
  6. Pour most of the Carolina BBQ sauce over shredded chicken and stir gently to coat. Reserve some sauce for serving.
  7. Toast buns lightly on grill or in a pan. Assemble sandwiches by piling pulled chicken on buns, adding optional toppings and extra sauce if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

If chicken feels dry after shredding, add more sauce or a splash of chicken broth. Keep smoker temperature steady to avoid drying out meat. Use instant-read thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F. If no smoker, use charcoal grill with soaked wood chips or slow cooker with smoked paprika in sauce. Sauce heat can be adjusted by varying hot sauce and cayenne pepper amounts.

Nutrition

Keywords: smoked pulled chicken, Carolina BBQ sauce, pulled chicken sandwiches, smoked chicken recipe, BBQ chicken, easy chicken sandwich, backyard barbecue

Find it online: https://forkifyfun.com/smoked-pulled-chicken-sandwiches-recipe-with-easy-carolina-bbq-sauce/