Description
A simple and delicious slow cooker recipe for tender, juicy BBQ pulled chicken sandwiches that are perfect for casual dinners and gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 6 sandwich buns
- Optional toppings: coleslaw, pickles, sliced red onion, extra BBQ sauce
Instructions
- Step: Prepare the sauce: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Step: Season the chicken: Lightly season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper and place them in the slow cooker in a single layer.
- Step: Pour the sauce: Spoon the prepared BBQ sauce evenly over the chicken breasts, coating each piece well.
- Step: Cook low and slow: Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours until the chicken is tender and shreds easily.
- Step: Shred the chicken: Remove the chicken breasts and shred them directly in the slow cooker using forks or shredding claws. Stir well to coat the shredded chicken in the sauce. If the sauce is too thin, cook uncovered on high for 15-20 minutes to thicken.
- Step: Prepare the buns and toppings: Toast the sandwich buns lightly and prepare any toppings like coleslaw or pickles.
- Step: Assemble the sandwiches: Pile the pulled chicken onto the toasted buns, add toppings and extra BBQ sauce if desired.
- Step: Serve warm with sides like baked fries or a simple salad.
Notes
If chicken is dry, add a splash of chicken broth or more BBQ sauce to restore moisture. Avoid opening the slow cooker lid frequently to maintain heat. Use chicken thighs for richer flavor but adjust cooking time. To thicken sauce, cook uncovered on high for 15-20 minutes after shredding.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
Keywords: BBQ pulled chicken, slow cooker chicken, pulled chicken sandwiches, easy dinner, comfort food, BBQ chicken recipe