The Best Real Smoked Barbecue Pulled Chicken Recipe :: The Meatwave

Ingredients

• For the Chicken and Rub
• 3 tablespoons kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 2 whole chickens, halved and backbones discarded or reserved for another use
• For the Sauce
• 2 tablespoons canola or vegetable oil
• 1 cup finely chopped yellow onion (about 1 medium onion)
• 2 teaspoons freshly minced garlic (about 2 medium cloves)
• 1 1/2 cups ketchup
• 1 cup apple juice
• 1/3 cup dark brown sugar
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 fist-size chunk of light smoking wood, such as apple or cherry
• Sandwich rolls, for serving (optional)
• Coleslaw, for serving (optional)