Vinegar Pulled Chicken and Coleslaw Sandwich
This pulled chicken sandwich is packed with tangy flavor thanks to the addition of apple cider vinegar! Homemade sweet rolls and homemade coleslaw makes this a truly unique and incredible meal! Option to use pork instead of chicken!
Ingredients
For the homemade Lightly Sweetened Dinner Rolls
- 5 cups white flour option to replace ¾ cup with wheat flour
- ⅓ cup + 5 tablespoon + 1 tsp white sugar equals ⅓ cup + half of ⅓ cup
- 1 ½ tablespoon instant yeast
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 cup warm water
- 4 tablespoon unsalted butter for brushing on rolls
For the Chicken
- 1 ½ tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup sliced yellow onion about ½ an onion
- 2 tablespoon garlic about 4 cloves
- 2 - 2 ½ lbs. chicken thigs or pork tenderloin *
For the Marinade
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 ½ tablespoon tomato paste unsalted
- 1 ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ⅛ teaspoon sea salt or more to taste
- 1 ½ teaspoon garlic powder/granules
- 1 tablespoon blackstrap molasses
- 3 tablespoon water
For the Coleslaw
- 1 cup shredded raw Brussel sprouts option to replace this with 1 cup shredded cabbage
- 2 cups shredded green cabbage
- 3 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- ½ cup finely diced celery
- ¼ cup finely chopped celery leaves
- ½ cup diced yellow onion about ¼ of an onion
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- 2 teaspoon raw honey
- ½ cup plain full fat Greek yogurt
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
Make the Marinade
- In a small bowl, combine the apple cider vinegar, tomato paste, chili powder, sea salt, garlic powder, molasses, and water. Combine well with a chopstick or fork. Set aside.
Cook the Chicken
- In a casserole dish or large sauce (I use a 3 qt. Corning Ware) add 1 ½ tablespoon olive oil. Heat to medium-low heat (level 3). Once hot, add diced onion and garlic. Sauté for 5 minutes. Add the marinade and continue to heat for 2-3 minutes. Add the chicken thighs or cut up pork. Pierce the chicken/pork with a knife several times to decrease cook time and help the marinade soak in. Cover and cook for 1 hour 40 min. Meanwhile, make rolls and coleslaw (while rolls are rising and/or baking).
- Make the homemade Lightly Sweetened Dinner Rolls
Make the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl combine all dry ingredients. Combine well with a fork. Add water and oil and combine again using fork and your hands. Knead the dough for at least 3-4 minutes. Form into a ball and cover with a tea towel to let rise for about 45 minutes or until doubled in size.
Forming the Rolls and Baking
- Preheat oven to 350℉. Melt 4 tablespoon butter on stovetop or in microwave and set aside.
- Once risen, transfer dough to a clean lightly floured surface and roll out into an evenly portioned log. Using a sharp knife cut the log in half. Cut each half into 5 equal portions to equal 10 total.
- Form each portion into a ball and using two hands gently roll the dough under slightly to create a smooth top surface (like the motion of folding socks together). Ensure that the bottoms are smooth as well by gently pressing and rocking it into your palm or a flat surface to evenly seal off the bottom.
- Place rolls on a cookie sheet (lightly sprayed with olive oil or covered in parchment paper). Give about 3” space between each roll. I end up using 1 large cookie sheet and 1 smaller, placing them long ways in the oven on the same rack. You can cook 2 separate batches if needed. Option to use a pizza stone.
- Cover rolls with a tea towel and let rise again for at least 10 minutes to increase size slightly before baking.
- Baste each roll with melted butter (you should have some left over for after the bake).
- Bake for 30 minutes at 350℉. If you prefer a bit darker, leaving the rolls in oven at 30 minutes and increase temp to 375℉ to bake for another 5 minutes.
- Baste rolls again with melted butter after bake if you wish for a smoother texture and golden color.
While the Rolls are Rising and/or Baking, Make the Coleslaw
- Shred the brussels sprouts and cabbage using large holes of a cheese grater and add to a large mixing bowl. Add all remaining ingredients and combine well using a fork. Store in the fridge until ready to serve.