The barbecue is on, and you really feel like having something different. So why not check out our fantastic pulled chicken and root beer sauce sandwiches? The way the chicken thighs work with the root beer sauce is tremendous, and all the family will be begging you to make them again. Let’s get started with the recipe.
This recipe will make approximately 8 servings.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
Dry Rub for use with the Chicken
- 2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Root Beer BBQ Sauce from scratch
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 large yellow onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1/2 cup root beer
- 1 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoon molasses
- 8 rolls or buns
- coleslaw, optional
Instructions
That is a pretty large list of ingredients but the end result is so worth it. From here on out it really is a simple recipe. Firstly you need to get outside and get your grill heated up. You are looking to heat the grill to somewhere in the region of 4oo degrees Fahrenheit.
Whilst the grill is heating up take all the ingredients for the rub and combine them together in a bowl. Take your chicken thighs and cover each one with just a drizzle of olive oil. With the chicken oiled season both sides of the chicken and place in the fridge until your grill is up to temperature.
Making the Root Beer BBQ Sauce
This root beer sauce is seriously delicious and I am convinced you are going to love it. Get yourself a nice solid saucepan and place it on the heat. You can do this inside or on the grill if you like. Start by heating some olive oil and adding diced onion to it. Cook this down until it becomes translucent and soft. Keep an eye on it give it an occasional stir. When the onion is soft add the chili powder, garden powder, and cayenne pepper. Give it all a stir together.
Add to this the root beer and once again give it a stir. Finally put in the ketchup, lemon juice and molasses. Bring the entire sauce to a boil. Once the sauce is boiling you want to reduce the heat or move to a cooler part of the grill and simmer for about 15 minutes. This will be enough time for the sauce to have reduced and become a lot thicker.
Take your chicken and grill over direct heat until it is completely cooked through. Whilst you are grilling give the chicken a flip fairly often and when the juices run clear it will be done. Remove the chicken from the grill and let it cool for at least a few minutes. With the chicken cool you will need to shred it and then add the pulled chicken to the sauce. Mix it all together
Move the chicken to one side for a moment and toast your buns on the grill. With the buns toasted you can fill with the mixed chicken and you are ready to go. Personally I like to add coleslaw to mine to really take it up to the next level.
If you love this then you will love our Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich
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