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For this recipe, I use 2 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken breasts. This cut makes the chicken tender and easy to shred. You could also use thighs if you prefer. Thighs add a richer flavor, but breasts keep it lean. The BBQ sauce is crucial. I recommend using 1 cup of your favorite brand for the best taste. I also add ½ cup of chicken broth for moisture. To enhance the flavor, include 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of onion powder. Don’t forget salt and pepper to taste. This blend creates a tasty, smoky profile. I like to serve the pulled chicken on 4 whole wheat buns. Whole wheat adds a nutty flavor and good texture. For toppings, coleslaw is a great choice. It adds crunch and freshness. You can also add pickles for a tangy kick. These toppings make the sandwich more delicious and fun! Start by placing 2 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken breasts into your slow cooker. Pour ½ cup of chicken broth over the chicken. This keeps it moist. In a separate bowl, mix together 1 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce, 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of onion powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir until everything is well mixed. Pour this BBQ sauce mixture over the chicken. Make sure every piece of chicken is nicely coated. Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook. You can cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be very tender when it’s done. You can tell it’s ready when it easily shreds with a fork. This slow cooking allows all the flavors to blend perfectly. Once the chicken is cooked, take two forks and shred the chicken right in the slow cooker. Mix it well with the BBQ sauce. This makes every bite juicy and flavorful. If you want, toast the whole wheat buns lightly. Serve the pulled chicken on the buns. You can add coleslaw and pickles on top if you like. This adds crunch and flavor. For a nice touch, serve the sandwiches on a wooden board. Add extra BBQ sauce and coleslaw on the side for a great presentation. Enjoy your delicious meal! When picking a BBQ sauce, think about your taste. Do you like sweet, tangy, or smoky? Look for a sauce with natural ingredients. This makes the flavor fresh and clean. A thicker sauce sticks to the chicken well. I often use a honey BBQ sauce for a sweet twist. Try different brands to find your favorite! The right spices can make a big difference. Smoked paprika adds depth and warmth. Garlic powder and onion powder give a nice base. If you want a kick, add cayenne pepper or chili powder. You can even mix in some brown sugar for sweetness. Taste your sauce before cooking. Adjust it to suit your family’s preferences. Toasting your buns makes them even better. It adds a nice crunch and holds the filling well. Heat a pan over medium heat and add a little butter. Place the buns cut side down. Toast until golden brown. This simple step makes your sandwiches feel special. Plus, it keeps the buns from getting soggy! {{image_2}} You can switch the chicken for turkey or pork. Turkey makes a lighter meal. Use 2 lbs of boneless turkey breasts. For pork, try a pork shoulder. It gives a richer taste. Cook the same way, and shred when done. Each protein brings its own flavor to your BBQ pulled sandwiches. BBQ sauce comes in many styles. You can use sweet, tangy, or spicy sauces. Try a mustard-based sauce for a new twist. A smoky sauce adds depth to your dish. Choose your favorite and mix it with the chicken. Each sauce gives a unique taste that can change your meal. For a vegetarian option, use jackfruit instead of chicken. This fruit shreds easily and mimics meat. Use the same BBQ sauce and seasonings. Cook it in the slow cooker just like the chicken. You can also use mushrooms for a meaty texture. These options make delicious pulled sandwiches for everyone. You can freeze pulled chicken for up to three months. First, let it cool to room temperature. Then, place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as you can before sealing. Label the bag with the date. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. This keeps it safe and tasty. Store leftover pulled chicken in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to four days in the fridge. Make sure the chicken is cool before sealing it. If you want to enjoy it later, consider dividing it into smaller portions. This makes it easy to grab just what you need. Reheat your pulled chicken gently for the best flavor. You can use the microwave or stovetop. If using the microwave, heat it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. For the stovetop, warm it in a pan over low heat. Add a splash of BBQ sauce to keep it moist. Enjoy your delicious pulled chicken again! Yes, you can use an Instant Pot for this recipe. Place the chicken in the pot with the broth. Mix the BBQ sauce and seasonings in a bowl. Pour the sauce over the chicken. Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 10-12 minutes. Let the steam release naturally for about 5 minutes. Then, shred the chicken, mix it with the sauce, and serve. It's quick and easy! To spice up the chicken, add some cayenne pepper or hot sauce. A teaspoon of red pepper flakes can also work well. Mix these spices with the BBQ sauce before pouring it over the chicken. You can adjust the amount based on your heat preference. This will give you a great kick in every bite! Many sides pair well with BBQ pulled chicken sandwiches. Here are some tasty options: - Coleslaw: It adds crunch and freshness. - Sweet potato fries: They offer a nice sweetness. - Corn on the cob: A classic summer side. - Baked beans: They complement the BBQ flavor. - Potato salad: Creamy and satisfying. These sides balance the meal and enhance the flavors. Enjoy your feast! In this post, we explored how to make delicious BBQ pulled chicken sandwiches. We covered the main ingredients, from the chicken and sauce to tasty buns. You learned step-by-step instructions for prepping, cooking, and serving. We also shared tips for selecting sauces and creating variations with different proteins. Finally, we talked about storage and reheating methods. BBQ pulled chicken sandwiches are simple and fun to make. You can easily customize them to fit your taste. Enjoy your cooking journey!

Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches

Tender pulled chicken cooked in BBQ sauce, served on whole wheat buns.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 7 hours
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce
  • 0.5 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • to taste salt
  • to taste pepper
  • 4 whole wheat buns
  • optional coleslaw for topping
  • optional pickles for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker and pour the chicken broth over them.
  • In a separate bowl, mix the BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
  • Pour the BBQ mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker, ensuring the chicken is well coated.
  • Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
  • Once cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken inside the slow cooker and mix it with the sauce.
  • Toast the whole wheat buns lightly if desired.
  • Serve the pulled chicken on the toasted buns, topped with coleslaw and pickles if you like.

Notes

Serve the sandwiches on a wooden board with extra BBQ sauce and coleslaw on the side for a rustic, inviting appearance. Add a few pickles for color.
Keyword BBQ sandwiches, pulled chicken, slow cooker