PULLED CHICKEN SANDWICHES WITH ROOT BEER BBQ SAUCE

Amazing Pulled Chicken Sandwiches tossed with a glorious barbecue sauce made with root beer and molasses are sure to delight friends and family this summer! Chicken thighs are generously seasoned with a simple 4 ingredient rub recipe, grilled, and then tossed with an easy from-scratch barbecue sauce that will have you licking your fingers in delight. Enjoy!

A quick drizzle of olive oil really helps the rub adhere to the chicken. You can apply the chicken rub up to 24 hours in advance.

Tips for the Best Pulled Chicken

• I love using chicken thighs because they just have so much more flavor and don’t dry out quickly like chicken breasts can do.
• It’s all about the layers of flavor here. I start with the chicken rub and that creates a base flavor. Grilling adds even more flavor and then that root beer bbq sauce – yassss!
• I let my chicken cool for a few minutes before pulling. It makes it a little easier and if you prefer to pull by hand instead of with two forks, you definitely will want it to be cool enough to handle.
• If you are short on time, both the rub and bbq sauce can be made ahead of time. In fact, I recommend it 

PULLED CHICKEN SANDWICHES WITH ROOT BEER BBQ SAUCE RECIPE 

Pulled Chicken Sandwiches tossed with a glorious barbecue sauce made with root beer and molasses are sure to delight friends and family this summer! Chicken thighs are generously seasoned with a simple 4 ingredient rub recipe, grilled, and then tossed with an easy from-scratch barbecue sauce that will have you licking your fingers in delight! 

Ingredients

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

Dry Rub for Chicken

• 2 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp kosher salt

Root Beer BBQ Sauce

• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 large yellow onion, diced
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/8 tsp ground cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1/2 cup root beer
• 1 cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 2 tbsp molasses
• 8 rolls or buns
• coleslaw, optional

Instructions

1. Heat grill to 400F or thereabouts.
2. Combine the ingredients for the rub. 
3. Drizzle chicken with olive oil and generously season both sides with the rub. Chill until ready to grill.

Root Beer BBQ Sauce

1. Heat olive oil in a 3 quart saucepan over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook, stirring frequently, until soft and translucent.
2. Stir in chili powder, garlic powder and cayenne pepper.
3. Pour in root beer and stir to combine.Stir in ketchup, lemon juice and molasses.
4. Bring sauce to a boil over medium-high heat and then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 15 minutes or until sauce has thickened. 
5. Place chicken on the prepared grill and grill over direct heat until cooked through, flipping once or twice. Keep the lid closed while grilling. Juices should run clear when done.
6. Let chicken cool for a few minutes and then shred the chicken. Add the pulled chicken the barbecue sauce and stir to combine.
7. Top toasted buns with chicken mixture and coleslaw if you like.

Recipe Adapted : PULLED CHICKEN SANDWICHES WITH ROOT BEER BBQ SAUCE @ momontimeout