Saucy Chicken Sandwiches with Pomegranate BBQ Sauce and Crunchy Apple Slaw
Ingredients:
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 teaspoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
brioche buns for serving
pomegranate BBQ sauce
3/4 cup ketchup
2/3 cup pomegranate juice
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup pomegranate molasses
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
apple slaw
2 apples, thinly sliced
2 scallions, thinly sliced
1 head napa cabbage, sliced into shreds
1/4 cup cilantro, finely chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
2 teaspoons honey
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
Directions:
Heat a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Whisk together the sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, chili powder, ground mustard, salt and pepper. Rub it all over the chicken. Add the olive oil and butter to the skillet. Place the chicken in the oil once hot and brown on both sides until deeply golden, about 3 to 4 minutes per side. I sometimes cover the skillet while doing this and it helps cook the chicken through.
Once browned, remove the chicken and shred it (I use my stand mixer). Return the chicken to the skillet with the drippings and toss well to coat. Stir in 2 to 3 tablespoons BBQ sauce. Serve the chicken on the brioche with extra BBQ sauce and apple slaw.
pomegranate BBQ sauce
Place all ingredients in a saucepan and whisk together until combined. Heat oven medium heat and bring to a boil, then reduce to low heat and cook for 30 to 60 minutes, until thickened. Stir occasionally. Taste and if it seems too tart, stir in a little extra honey and cook for a few minutes. Remove from the heat and let sit at room temperature until it cools and thickens even more.
Store in a jar or sealed container in the fridge. Note: if you want a lot of extra sauce, I'd double this.
apple slaw
Toss the apple, scallions, cabbage and cilantro together in a bowl. Whisk together the olive oil, vinegar and honey. Drizzle it over the slaw and toss well to evenly coat. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and toss again. Top your sandwiches!
