chicken sandwiches with pomegranate BBQ and apple slaw... 1 hour and 30 minutes

the goods:

3 boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon paprika
2 teaspoons brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
crustini sandwich rolls, buttered and toasted

pomegranate BBQ sauce:
3/4 cup ketchup
2/3 cup pomegranate juice
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup pomegranate molasses (or regular molasses if you can't find it)
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons dijon mustard
1 teaspoon worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

apple slaw:
2 honeycrisp apples, julienned
2 scallions, thinly sliced
1/2 head napa cabbage, sliced into shreds
1/4 cup cilantro, finely chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
2 teaspoons honey
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Heat a medium saucepan over medium heat. Combine all the BBQ sauce ingredients, stir to combine, and bring to a boil. Then reduce to low and cook for 30-60 minutes, until thickened. Stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and let sit at room temperature to cool. Store in a jar in the fridge until ready to use.

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Whisk together the sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, chili powder, ground mustard, salt and pepper. Rub it all over the chicken. Add the olive oil and butter to the skillet. Place the chicken in the hot oil and cook until brown on both sides and deeply golden, about 5 minutes per side. Allow chicken to rest on a plate for 10 minutes before shredding. Return shredded chicken back to the skillet to coat in the pan drippings. Stir in 3 tablespoons BBQ sauce.

To make the apple slaw, toss the apples, scallions, cabbage, and cilantro in a bowl. Whisk together olive oil, vinegar, and honey. Drizzle it over the slaw and toss well to evenly coat. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and toss again.

Assemble sandwiches, by topping toasted buns with chicken, BBQ sauce, and apple slaw.