Ingredients
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 teaspoons red-pepper flakes, plus more to taste
1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon ground sweet paprika
¼ teaspoon ground smoked paprika
Kosher salt and black pepper
¼ cup honey
2 teaspoons cider vinegar, plus more to taste
2 heaping cups shredded green cabbage (about 8 ounces or 1/4 medium green cabbage)
¼ cup mayonnaise, plus more for the buns
3 scallions, sliced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
4 rolls or buns (preferably onion rolls)
Vinegary hot sauce, for serving
Directions
1
In a 6- to 8-quart slow cooker, combine the chicken, oil, 1 teaspoon red-pepper flakes, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, the onion powder, sweet paprika and smoked paprikas. Season with 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt and several generous grinds of black pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients. Cover and cook on low until the chicken is very tender, 4 to 5 hours. (The chicken will keep well on warm for another 3 hours.)
2
At any time before serving, combine the honey with the remaining 1 teaspoon red-pepper flakes and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder in a liquid measuring cup or a small bowl. Cover and reserve at room temperature until the chicken is done.
3
Using two forks, finely shred the chicken with its cooking liquid. Pour in the spiced honey and the cider vinegar and toss to coat. Taste; it may need a little more salt, to sharpen the flavor. Also add more red-pepper flakes and vinegar, if you like.
4
In a medium bowl, combine the cabbage, mayonnaise, scallions and lemon juice; season the slaw to taste with salt and pepper.
5
Toast the buns, then spread with mayonnaise and a few shakes of hot sauce. Mound the chicken on the bottom buns and top with the slaw.