Pulled BBQ Chicken Sammies w/ Apple & Brussels Sprouts Slaw

I was trying out this recipe for mini BBQ pulled chicken sandwiches to serve at a Sunday football party, and needed a cole slaw to go on top.

I did not want to serve a mayo based slaw, since it's no longer summer and I just wasn't in the mood.

I thought this recipe for an apple and Brussels slaw would pair perfectly with the pulled chicken.

This was very light, fresh and crisp. I even ate it for lunch as a salad.

Since I picked my own apples, there was no need to peel them, and I like the look of the red color in the slaw anyway.

It was the perfect combination and everyone loved it with the sammies!

Apple & Brussels Sprout Cole-Slaw: (adapted from A Cozy Kitchen)

8 Brussels sprouts, outer leaves removed and thinly sliced
1 apple, peeled, cored and julienned (I left my peels on)
1 1/2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon whole grain mustard
sea salt & pepper
pinch of ground ginger

Trim the ends and outer leaves off the sprouts and slice them into slivers.

Julienne the apple and mix with the sprouts.

Whisk the dressing ingredients with a fork and pour over salad.
Taste for seasonings and season w/ salt & pepper.

For the Pulled Chicken: (adapted from Dinner a Love Story)

1 cup barbecue sauce (you can buy your favorite brand or make homemade)
1/2 cup cider vinegar
1 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 bay leaf
1 chipotle pepper in adobo (not adobo sauce, just a single saucy pepper)
6 to 8 boneless chicken breasts (2 lbs.), halved if they are large, seasoned w/ salt & pepper
Potato Rolls (sliders or sandwich size) or Brioche Rolls

In a large heavy pot, mix together barbecue sauce, cider vinegar, onion, garlic, bay leaf, and chipotle. Add chicken and enough water to cover (about 2 cups of water), whisking water with barbecue mixture until it’s blended.

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until chicken is cooked through, about 15-20 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and shred with two forks, like you would if you were making pulled pork.

Place the chicken back in the pot with the sauce and simmer a minute or two.

Place some of the BBQ pulled chicken on the open rolls and top with the apple slaw.

Can you say YUM?????

SO good!

Enjoy!