Description
BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches feature tender shredded chicken slow-cooked in a smoky, tangy barbecue sauce and piled high on soft toasted buns. These sandwiches are an easy, flavorful meal perfect for casual family dinners or summer gatherings, combining juicy chicken with classic BBQ flavors and crunchy coleslaw for the perfect bite.
Ingredients
Chicken and Sauce
- 2 lbs (900 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 1/2 cups BBQ sauce
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Assembly
- 6 hamburger buns
- Coleslaw, for serving
- Pickles, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken and Sauce: Place the chicken breasts or thighs in your slow cooker or a large pot. Add the thinly sliced onion, minced garlic, BBQ sauce, chicken broth, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper, distributing the ingredients evenly over the chicken.
- Cook the Chicken: Set your slow cooker to LOW and cook for 5 to 6 hours, or on HIGH for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender enough to shred easily with a fork.
- Shred the Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken from the slow cooker and shred it thoroughly using two forks, breaking the meat into fine, stringy pieces.
- Combine Chicken with Sauce: Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir it well into the sauce to ensure all pieces are coated. Let the chicken cook for an additional 10 to 15 minutes to absorb the flavors fully.
- Prepare the Buns: While the chicken is finishing cooking, toast the hamburger buns if desired to add a slight crispness and warmth.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Spoon a generous portion of the BBQ pulled chicken onto the bottom half of each bun. Top with a scoop of coleslaw and a few pickles for added crunch and flavor. Place the top bun on each sandwich.
- Serve: Serve the sandwiches warm and enjoy immediately for the best flavor and texture experience.
Notes
- Chicken thighs yield a richer, juicier pulled chicken compared to breasts.
- For a spicy kick, add hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the sauce mixture.
- These sandwiches pair well with classic sides like coleslaw, potato salad, corn on the cob, or baked beans.
- Store any leftover pulled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- You can alternatively cook the chicken covered in the oven at 325°F (165°C) until tender as a substitute for slow cooking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Category: Main Course, Sandwich
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
