### How to Make Delicious BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches
Creating mouthwatering BBQ pulled chicken sandwiches is easier than you think! Follow these detailed steps to make a delicious batch of this classic comfort food. This recipe is perfect for family gatherings or casual dinners, and it's packed with flavor and ease.
#### Ingredients:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 slices of bread
- 8 slices of provolone cheese (optional for a melt-in-your-mouth experience)
#### Equipment:
- Large pan or grill
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
### Step-by-Step Guide:
#### 1. Preparing the Chicken
- **Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).** This step ensures even cooking and helps keep the chicken juicy.
- Rinse the chicken thighs under cold water, pat them dry with paper towels, and place them on a cutting board.
- Using a sharp knife, make several cuts in the chicken thigh meat. These slashes help the BBQ sauce to penetrate and flavor the meat evenly.
#### 2. Marinating the Chicken
- In a large bowl, mix together 1/4 cup of BBQ sauce with olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Place the marinated chicken thighs into a resealable plastic bag or cover them with cling film and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes but preferably up to several hours. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful your chicken will be.
#### 3. Cooking the Chicken
- Preheat an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil.
- Once hot, add the marinated chicken thighs and sear them on both sides until they are well-browned, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and cook for another 15-20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
#### 4. Pulling the Chicken
- Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Once rested, shred the meat using two forks.
- Return the shredded chicken to the skillet with any accumulated juices. Add an additional 2 tablespoons of BBQ sauce, stirring gently until well-coated.
#### 5. Assembly and Serving
- Preheat your grill pan or skillet over medium heat.
- Spread a small amount of BBQ sauce on each slice of bread.
- Place a generous amount of pulled chicken on the bread, then add a slice of provolone cheese if using.
- Top with another piece of bread to form a sandwich. Repeat for all remaining ingredients.
#### 6. Grilling (Optional)
- Place the sandwiches in your preheated grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat and cook until the cheese is melted and the bread is lightly browned, about 3-4 minutes per side.
#### Tips and Variations:
- **For extra flavor:** Add a few dashes of liquid smoke to the marinade for that authentic smoky BBQ taste.
- **Sauce preference:** Experiment with different types of BBQ sauce or blend your own mix using ketchup, molasses, and spices.
By following these steps, you can create delicious BBQ pulled chicken sandwiches that will impress your guests. Enjoy!
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This recipe is not only easy to follow but also versatile. Feel free to adjust it according to your taste preferences!