Shredded BBQ Chicken Sandwich has been my go-to for a quick and satisfying meal ever since I discovered how easy it is to make in the slow cooker. I remember one particularly hectic Tuesday when I needed dinner fast, and I threw some chicken breasts in the pot with a jar of BBQ sauce. The aroma that filled my kitchen as it cooked was incredible – sweet, smoky, and utterly inviting. By dinnertime, I had tender, juicy chicken ready to be piled onto toasted buns. This Pulled BBQ Chicken Sandwich is so simple, making it the perfect Slow Cooker Shredded BBQ Chicken Sandwich for busy weeknights. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Shredded BBQ Chicken Sandwich
This recipe is an absolute winner for so many reasons. You’ll adore the incredible flavor, the perfect tender texture of the chicken, and how incredibly quick it is to get dinner on the table. It’s truly an Easy Shredded BBQ Chicken Sandwich to whip up, even on the busiest weeknights.
- Incredibly tender and flavorful chicken
- Minimal prep time – just dump and go!
- A budget-friendly meal that feeds a crowd
- Kid-approved and family-favorite
- Versatile for various occasions
- The ultimate comfort food
- Hands-down, the Best Shredded BBQ Chicken Sandwich you’ll ever make
Ingredients for Shredded BBQ Chicken Sandwich
Gathering your ingredients for this delicious BBQ Chicken Sandwich pulled meat is super simple. You only need a few pantry staples to create this flavorful dish. The magic happens with just a few key components that transform plain chicken into a mouthwatering sandwich filling.
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts – the base for our pulled chicken
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand) – choose a sauce with a flavor profile you love, whether it’s sweet, smoky, or spicy
- 1/2 cup chicken broth – adds moisture and helps create the perfect saucy consistency
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar – this little bit of acidity balances the sweetness of the BBQ sauce and tenderizes the chicken
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – for that essential savory depth
- 1 teaspoon onion powder – enhancing the overall flavor profile
- Salt and pepper to taste – season generously to bring out all the flavors
- 4 hamburger buns – the perfect vehicle for our shredded chicken
- Coleslaw (optional, for topping) – adds a cool, creamy crunch
- Pickles (optional, for serving) – for a tangy bite
How to Make Shredded BBQ Chicken Sandwich
Whipping up a fantastic Homemade BBQ Chicken Sandwich is incredibly straightforward, and the slow cooker does most of the work! You’ll be amazed at how tender the chicken becomes, soaking up all that delicious BBQ flavor. Let’s get cooking!
- Step 1: Prepare your slow cooker. While this recipe doesn’t require preheating an oven, ensure your slow cooker is clean and ready to go.
- Step 2: Combine all the main ingredients in your slow cooker. Place the 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts directly into the slow cooker. Pour over the 1 cup barbecue sauce, 1/2 cup chicken broth, and 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar. Sprinkle in the 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, and season generously with salt and pepper. The aroma of these spices mingling is already promising!
- Step 3: Cook until tender. Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on the low setting for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The chicken is ready when it’s fall-apart tender and can be easily shredded with two forks. You’ll know it’s done when you can easily pull it apart.
- Step 4: Shred the chicken. Carefully remove the cooked chicken breasts from the slow cooker and place them on a clean cutting board or in a large bowl. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. This is where the magic of BBQ Chicken Sandwich pulled meat really comes to life.
- Step 5: Return chicken to the sauce. Add the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker with the remaining liquid and sauce. Stir everything together thoroughly to ensure every piece of chicken is coated in that rich, savory BBQ sauce. This step is key to making a truly delicious Shredded BBQ Chicken Sandwich.
- Step 6: Toast your buns. While the chicken is getting its final coating, lightly toast your 4 hamburger buns. You can do this in a toaster, under the broiler, or on a grill until they’re golden brown and slightly crisp.
- Step 7: Assemble your sandwiches. Spoon a generous amount of the saucy shredded chicken onto the bottom half of each toasted bun. This is the moment you’ve been waiting for to create your perfect sandwich.
- Step 8: Add toppings and serve. If you like coleslaw, pile it high on top of the chicken. Add pickles for a bit of tang if you desire. Place the top half of the bun on, and your amazing Homemade BBQ Chicken Sandwich is ready to enjoy!
Pro Tips for the Best Shredded BBQ Chicken Sandwich
I’ve learned a few tricks that elevate this simple sandwich from good to absolutely amazing. These tips ensure your chicken is perfectly tender and packed with flavor every single time.
- Use a good quality barbecue sauce. The sauce is the star here, so pick one you truly love for the best flavor.
- Don’t skip the apple cider vinegar! It adds a touch of tang that balances the sweetness and really tenderizes the chicken.
- Shred the chicken while it’s still warm. It’s much easier to pull apart and soak up the sauce when it’s hot.
What’s the secret to perfect Shredded BBQ Chicken Sandwich?
The secret to a perfect Shredded BBQ Chicken Sandwich is slow and low cooking. This method ensures the chicken is incredibly tender. For the absolute Best Pulled Chicken Sandwich recipe, use chicken thighs for extra moisture and flavor, though breasts work wonderfully too.
Can I make Shredded BBQ Chicken Sandwich ahead of time?
Yes! You can absolutely cook the chicken and shred it ahead of time. Store the shredded chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Then, you can quickly reheat it for a Quick Shredded BBQ Chicken Sandwich when you’re ready to eat.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Shredded BBQ Chicken Sandwich?
A common pitfall is overcooking the chicken, which can make it dry. Stick to the recommended cooking times. Also, don’t over-shred; leave some texture. Finally, ensure you use enough sauce to coat all the shredded chicken for maximum flavor.
Best Ways to Serve Shredded BBQ Chicken Sandwich
One of my favorite things about this Shredded BBQ Chicken Sandwich is how versatile it is! It’s perfect piled high on a toasted bun, of course, but I also love serving it with a side of creamy coleslaw for that classic combination. This BBQ Chicken Sandwich with coleslaw offers a delightful mix of textures and temperatures. For a lighter option, you can even serve the shredded chicken over a fresh green salad or skip the bun altogether for a delicious BBQ Chicken Sandwich no bun option.
Nutrition Facts for Shredded BBQ Chicken Sandwich
Here’s a nutritional breakdown for one serving of this delicious Shredded BBQ Chicken Sandwich, making it easy to track your intake. These figures are based on the ingredients listed and typical serving sizes.
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 28g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
How to Store and Reheat Shredded BBQ Chicken Sandwich
Leftovers of this delicious Shredded BBQ Chicken Sandwich are a lifesaver for meal prep or when you just want a quick meal later. Once cooked, let the shredded chicken cool down slightly before storing. For the best results, transfer the chicken and its sauce into an airtight container. This keeps it fresh in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days, perfect for making a Quick Shredded BBQ Chicken Sandwich on demand.
If you want to store it even longer, you can freeze the shredded chicken in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, in the microwave, or even briefly in the oven until heated through. You might need to add a splash more BBQ sauce or broth if it seems a bit dry after storage.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shredded BBQ Chicken Sandwich
What is a Shredded BBQ Chicken Sandwich?
A Shredded BBQ Chicken Sandwich is a classic American sandwich featuring tender, slow-cooked chicken that’s been shredded and mixed with a flavorful barbecue sauce. It’s typically served on a toasted bun, often with optional toppings like coleslaw or pickles, creating a hearty and satisfying meal that’s easy to customize.
Can I make a Spicy Shredded BBQ Chicken Sandwich?
Absolutely! To create a Spicy Shredded BBQ Chicken Sandwich, simply choose a spicier BBQ sauce or add some heat to your existing sauce. You can also mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or even some chopped jalapeños into the slow cooker with the chicken. This adds a wonderful kick that complements the sweet and smoky flavors.
What makes this a Simple BBQ Chicken Sandwich?
This recipe is designed to be incredibly straightforward, making it a truly Simple BBQ Chicken Sandwich. The magic happens in your slow cooker with minimal prep – just a few minutes of combining ingredients. The slow cooker does all the hard work, resulting in perfectly tender, flavorful pulled chicken with very little effort on your part.
How do I make Shredded BBQ Chicken Sandwich without a bun?
If you’re looking for a BBQ Chicken Sandwich no bun option, you’re in luck! This shredded chicken is incredibly versatile. You can serve it over a bed of rice, as a topping for baked potatoes or sweet potatoes, mixed into a salad, or even as a filling for lettuce wraps. It’s a delicious way to enjoy the flavor in a lighter format.
Variations of Shredded BBQ Chicken Sandwich You Can Try
Once you’ve mastered the basic Shredded BBQ Chicken Sandwich, you’ll love experimenting with different flavor profiles and cooking methods. These variations offer exciting ways to enjoy this classic sandwich.
- Spicy Shredded BBQ Chicken Sandwich: For those who love a kick, amp up the heat by using a spicy BBQ sauce or adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the slow cooker. You could even mix in some chopped jalapeños for an extra layer of flavor and heat.
- Smoked Shredded Chicken Sandwich: If you have a smoker, try smoking the chicken breasts before shredding and saucing them. This imparts a deep, smoky flavor that’s truly irresistible and makes for an amazing Smoked Shredded Chicken Sandwich.
- BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwich with a Twist: Experiment with different sauces! Try a honey BBQ, a mustard-based sauce, or even a Carolina-style vinegar-based sauce for a unique flavor profile.
- Dietary Adaptations: For a gluten-free option, simply serve the shredded chicken on gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps. You can also find sugar-free BBQ sauces to make it a lower-carb meal.
Shredded BBQ Chicken Sandwich: 3 Keys to Amazing Flavor
- Total Time: 6-8 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A delicious and comforting sandwich made with tender shredded chicken coated in rich barbecue sauce, served on a toasted bun. This easy slow cooker recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 hamburger buns
- Coleslaw (optional, for topping)
- Pickles (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- In a slow cooker, combine the chicken breasts, barbecue sauce, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.
- Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to combine with the sauce.
- Toast the hamburger buns until golden brown.
- Assemble the sandwiches by piling the shredded BBQ chicken onto the bottom half of each bun.
- Top with coleslaw if desired, and add pickles for an extra crunch.
- Place the top half of the bun on each sandwich and serve warm.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of barbecue sauce according to your taste.
- Feel free to add additional toppings such as jalapeños or onions.
- This recipe can easily be doubled for larger gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
