Sandwiches & Wraps
BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches
BBQ pulled chicken sandwiches are the easiest crowd-pleasing dinner you can make with a slow cooker and five ingredients. Chicken breasts simmer low and slow in barbecue sauce and broth until they shred effortlessly, then get piled onto soft buns with a scoop of coleslaw for crunch. It's a set-it-and-forget-it dinner that works just as well for a casual family meal as it does for game day.
Why you'll love this recipe
- Just 5 main ingredients
- Fully hands-off slow cooker method
- Great for feeding a crowd
- Freezes well for future easy dinners
Ingredients
Full ingredient list below — check off items as you shop or cook.
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Add 1 cup of the BBQ sauce, the chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder and salt.
- Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours, or high for 3 hours, until the chicken shreds easily with a fork.
- Remove the chicken and shred it using two forks, then return it to the slow cooker.
- Stir in the remaining 1/2 cup BBQ sauce and toss to coat the shredded chicken evenly, letting it sit for 10 minutes to soak up flavor.
- Pile the pulled chicken onto toasted buns and top with coleslaw, if using, before serving.
Tips for success
- Shredding the chicken while it's warm and still in the sauce keeps every bite juicy and well-coated.
- Toast the buns for 1-2 minutes to keep them from getting soggy under the saucy chicken.
- Choose a BBQ sauce you'd happily eat on its own — since it's the main flavor, quality matters here.
- This recipe doubles easily for parties; just use a large 6-quart or bigger slow cooker.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless thighs work beautifully and stay extra moist; the cook time stays about the same.
Can I make this on the stovetop?
Yes, simmer covered in a pot over low heat for about 25-30 minutes, until the chicken is tender enough to shred.
How long does pulled chicken keep in the fridge?
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
What sides go well with BBQ pulled chicken sandwiches?
Classic picks include coleslaw, baked beans, corn on the cob, or a simple potato salad.
Nutrition (per serving)
| Calories | 362 |
| Protein | 34g |
| Carbs | 36g |
| Fat | 8g |
| Sodium | 820mg |
| Sugar | 19g |
Nutrition values are estimates and will vary based on exact ingredients and brands used.
You might also like
Sandwiches & WrapsBuffalo Chicken Wraps
Buffalo chicken wraps take everything great about buffalo wings — spicy, tangy sauce and cooling…
Sandwiches & WrapsChicken Salad Sandwich
This chicken salad keeps things classic — tender diced chicken, crunchy celery, a touch of sweet…
Sandwiches & WrapsGrilled Chicken Sandwich
This is a straightforward, classic grilled chicken sandwich — a quick marinade, a hot grill or s…