Maple Bourbon BBQ Chicken Sandwiches with Apple Slaw
Try this Maple Bourbon BBQ Chicken Sandwiches with Apple Slaw recipe
Try this Maple Bourbon BBQ Chicken Sandwiches with Apple Slaw recipe
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 teaspoons dijon mustard
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup bourbon
- 1 tablespoon molasses
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup non-fat greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon of maple syrup
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs trimmed of excess fat
- 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup (i recommend grade b)
- 1 tablespoon dijon mustard plus optional additional for serving
- whole wheat buns for serving
- 1 (10 ounce) bag of broccoli slaw
- 2 scallions, finely chopped
- 1 tart, firm apple such as granny smith, finely cut into thin, short matchsticks
- Carbohydrate 13.7968514839933 g
- Cholesterol 125.493889033333 mg
- Fat 6.21238955928881 g
- Fiber 0.313966162684305 g
- Protein 30.6715767147221 g
- Saturated Fat 1.54133001278546 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (231g)
- Sodium 652.744934519899 mg
- Sugar 13.482885321309 g
- Trans Fat 1.1502827591728 g
- Calories 280 calories
Step-by-step
- Place the chicken thighs in the bottom of a 5-6 quart slow cooker.
- In a mixing bowl or large measuring cup, whisk together the ketchup, bourbon, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, molasses, mustard, Worcestershire, onion powder, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes.
- Pour over the chicken.
- Cover and cook for 2 hours on high or 4-6 hours on low, until the chicken is cooked through.
- Transfer to a large bowl or plate and shred with two forks.
- While the chicken cooks, prepare the slaw. Place the broccoli slaw, scallions, and apple in a large mixing bowl.
- In a separate bowl or large measuring cup, whisk together the Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Pour over the slaw, toss to coat evenly, then refrigerate for 2 hours or up to 1 day.
- (The slaw tastes best when allowed to sit in the refrigerator for a few hours.)
- Assemble the sandwiches: Spread the buns with Dijon mustard (optional).
- Pile the shredded chicken onto the bottom bun, top with slaw, then add the top bun.
- Enjoy warm.
Maple Bourbon BBQ Chicken Sandwiches with Apple Slaw: A Busy Mom's Culinary Adventure
Life as a working mom is a whirlwind. Between school runs, work deadlines, and keeping the house (somewhat) tidy, finding time for anything beyond basic meal prep feels like a luxury. But let me tell you, even amidst the chaos, I've discovered a delicious secret weapon: slow cooking! And this Maple Bourbon BBQ Chicken Sandwich recipe is the star of my weeknight dinners. It's a flavour explosion, yet surprisingly simple to make, perfect for those nights when convenience and taste need to dance together.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its prep time. While the chicken simmers away in the slow cooker, I can focus on other things: helping with homework, catching up on emails, or even just enjoying a much-needed cup of tea. No frantic chopping or constant stirring; just set it and forget it (almost!). The result? Tender, juicy chicken with a rich, smoky-sweet BBQ sauce that’s bursting with flavour. The tangy apple slaw adds a refreshing crunch that perfectly balances the richness of the chicken, making each bite a delightful symphony of textures and tastes.
The ingredients are readily available, which is a significant win for busy schedules. I often find myself raiding my pantry for what I already have, and this recipe fits perfectly. I sometimes use whatever apple I have on hand; even the slightly bruised ones find their way into the slaw, adding a touch of rustic charm. The broccoli slaw is my secret weapon for quick prep. It requires no cutting, just a quick toss with the creamy dressing, saving me precious minutes.
My kids absolutely adore these sandwiches. It's a guaranteed way to get them to eat their veggies (sort of!). The sweetness of the maple syrup is a hit, and the slightly spicy kick from the red pepper flakes (a very small amount, don't worry!) adds a touch of excitement for their young palates. Even my husband, a self-proclaimed BBQ aficionado, raves about these sandwiches. It's a recipe that's pleased the entire family, a true testament to its deliciousness and simplicity.
Beyond the weeknight convenience, this recipe is incredibly versatile. I've used it for potlucks, casual gatherings with friends, and even packed it for lunch the next day (the flavors deepen even more!). Leftovers are also a lifesaver for busy mornings; simply reheat the chicken and assemble the sandwiches for a quick and easy breakfast or lunch.
So, if you're a busy mom, a stressed-out professional, or simply someone who appreciates a delicious and easy meal without sacrificing flavour, then this Maple Bourbon BBQ Chicken Sandwich recipe is a must-try. It's a celebration of simple ingredients coming together to create a masterpiece, a small pocket of deliciousness in the whirlwind of everyday life. It's more than just a recipe; it's a time-saver, a stress reliever, and a delicious way to show your loved ones you care, even amidst the chaos.
Tips and variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch more red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Go gluten-free: Use gluten-free buns or serve the chicken and slaw in lettuce cups.
- Add some crunch: Toasted pecans or walnuts would make a great addition to the slaw.
- Make it your own: Feel free to experiment with different types of apples or even add other vegetables to the slaw.
This Maple Bourbon BBQ Chicken Sandwich isn’t just a meal; it's a symbol of balance in the busy life of a working mom. A testament to the fact that delicious, home-cooked meals are achievable even with a packed schedule. It's about finding moments of joy in the everyday, and this simple sandwich, rich in flavor and easy to make, is my little slice of that joy. Enjoy!
