Sloppy Mess Barbecue Chicken

Get ready to dive into the ultimate comfort food delight with this Sloppy Mess Barbecue Chicken recipe! Perfectly tender, juicy shredded chicken thighs are coated in a rich, tangy barbecue sauce made with smoky paprika, apple cider vinegar, and a hint of sweetness from brown sugar. This one-pan recipe is not only quick—coming together in just 45 minutes—but also incredibly versatile, with the option to serve it piled high on soft hamburger buns or sandwich rolls. Add a dollop of creamy coleslaw on top for the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether you're cooking for a casual weeknight dinner or a summer gathering, this easy and messy barbecue chicken dish is guaranteed to be a hit.

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 6 pieces boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 medium yellow onion (finely diced)
• 3 cloves garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 cup barbecue sauce
• 0.5 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 0.5 cup water or chicken broth
• 6 pieces hamburger buns or sandwich rolls (optional, for serving)
• 1 cup coleslaw (optional, for topping)

Directions

Step 1

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat.

Step 2

Season the chicken thighs on both sides with smoked paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper.

Step 3

Add the chicken thighs to the skillet and sear them for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken and set aside.

Step 4

In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 5

Reduce the heat to low. Pour in the barbecue sauce, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and water or chicken broth. Stir well to combine the ingredients into a smooth sauce.

Step 6

Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, making sure they are coated in the sauce.

Step 7

Cover the skillet with a lid and let the chicken simmer on low heat for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Ensure the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).

Step 8

Once cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the skillet. Mix the shredded chicken thoroughly into the sauce to create the 'sloppy mess'.

Step 9

Serve the barbecue chicken warm on hamburger buns or sandwich rolls, and optionally top with coleslaw for added texture and flavor.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1986.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3640.5

Total Fat 123.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 26.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 8.7g
Cholesterol 762.0mg	0%
Sodium 6660.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 434.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 22.5g	0%
Total Sugars 181.9g
Protein 198.9g	0%

Vitamin D 42IU	0%
Calcium 631.5mg	0%
Iron 21.9mg	0%
Potassium 3214.1mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 30.5%

Protein: 21.8%

Carbs: 47.7%