Easy Tender Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches
A simple, hands-off crockpot recipe for tender, juicy BBQ pulled chicken sandwiches perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with flavor and easy to prepare with pantry staples.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 7 hours (low) or 3 to 4 hours (high)
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes to 7 hours 10 minutes (low) or 3 hours 10 minutes to 4 hours 10 minutes (high)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 6 soft sandwich buns (brioche or potato buns recommended)
- Optional toppings: coleslaw, pickles, sliced red onions
Instructions
- Rinse and pat dry 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Trim any excess fat.
- In a small bowl, combine 1 cup BBQ sauce, 1/4 cup chicken broth, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar. Stir until well combined.
- Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the chicken, making sure each piece is covered. Do not stir.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours.
- When done, use two forks or tongs to shred the chicken directly in the crockpot. Stir the shredded chicken into the sauce.
- Lightly toast 6 sandwich buns while the chicken finishes cooking.
- Assemble the sandwiches by piling the pulled chicken on the buns and topping with optional coleslaw, pickles, or sliced red onions.
Notes
For gluten-free, swap buns for gluten-free rolls or lettuce wraps. Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce for spicier flavor. If sauce is too thin after shredding, cook uncovered on high for 15-20 minutes to reduce. Toast buns to prevent sogginess and improve texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pulled chicken san
- Calories: 350400
- Fat: 810
- Carbohydrates: 3035
- Fiber: 23
- Protein: 3035
Keywords: BBQ pulled chicken, crockpot chicken, slow cooker recipe, easy weeknight dinner, pulled chicken sandwiches, BBQ chicken, tender chicken