These pulled chicken sandwiches are a tasty treat that’s super easy to whip up! With tender, seasoned chicken piled high on soft buns, they are sure to please everyone.
What’s better than a messy sandwich that’s fun to eat? I love adding my favorite toppings, like crunchy pickles and tangy BBQ sauce. Who doesn’t enjoy a good napkin challenge? 😂
Making these sandwiches is a breeze! Just cook the chicken, shred it, and pile it all on a bun. Perfect for quick lunches or casual dinners with friends. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this recipe as they easily shred. If you prefer, chicken thighs can be used for extra flavor and moisture.
Barbecue Sauce: Use your favorite brand or make a homemade version for a personal touch. If you want a healthier option, look for low-sugar barbecue sauce or use a mix of ketchup and vinegar.
Chicken Broth: Chicken broth adds moisture and depth. Water can work in a pinch, but broth will enhance the flavor of the chicken.
Spices: Garlic and onion powders are essential for flavor. If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika or chili powder can give a nice kick instead. Adjust seasoning to your taste!
Coleslaw: I love adding coleslaw for a crunchy texture. You can use store-bought or make your own. Swap it out for pickled veggies if you like a tangy bite.
How Do You Make Sure Your Chicken is Perfectly Shredded?
The key to shredding chicken perfectly is ensuring it’s cooked until tender. When it’s done, it should shred easily with two forks. Here are my tips to nail it:
- Cook the chicken thoroughly until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking before shredding to keep it juicy.
- Use two forks to pull the chicken apart. If you want smaller pieces, chop with a knife after shredding.
Finally, merging the shredded chicken with the barbecue sauce back in the cooker helps keep it flavorful and moist before serving!
How to Make Pulled Chicken Sandwiches
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 6-8 soft sandwich buns
- 1 cup coleslaw (store-bought or homemade, for topping)
- Optional: sliced pickles or cheddar cheese
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and requires 4-5 hours of slow cooking if on low or 2-3 hours if on high in the slow cooker. After cooking, you’ll need a few minutes to shred the chicken and assemble your sandwiches. In total, plan for about 4-5 hours, but most of it is hands-off time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts. Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper evenly over the chicken to add flavor. You can massage the spices into the chicken for better coverage.
2. Cook the Chicken:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet or use a slow cooker if you prefer easier cooking. If you’re using a skillet, cook the chicken over medium heat by browning it on both sides for about 2-3 minutes each. This helps seal in some flavor before we add the sauce.
3. Add Liquid and Sauce:
Once the chicken is browned, move it to a slow cooker if it’s not already in one. Pour in the chicken broth and your barbecue sauce. Make sure to turn the chicken to coat it well in the sauce.
4. Slow Cook:
Cover the slow cooker with a lid and set it to cook. If you’re cooking on low, it will take about 4-5 hours. If you’re short on time, cook on high for 2-3 hours. The chicken is done when it’s tender and easy to shred with a fork.
5. Shred Chicken:
Carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. After shredding, return the chicken back to the slow cooker, mixing it well with the sauce so it soaks up all the flavor.
6. Assemble Sandwiches:
If you want a little crunch, toast the buns lightly. Spoon a generous portion of pulled chicken onto each bottom bun, so it’s nice and piled high!
7. Add Toppings:
Top off the chicken with coleslaw for some crunch! If you’re feeling adventurous, add some sliced pickles or cheddar cheese for an extra kick.
8. Serve:
Place the top bun over the sandwich and get ready to enjoy! These sandwiches are best served right away while everything is warm and fresh.
Enjoy your delicious pulled chicken sandwiches—they’re perfect for a casual meal with family or friends!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just make sure to adjust the cooking time. If cooking in a slow cooker, you may need to increase the time by an hour or so, ensuring the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Can I Make This Recipe in an Instant Pot?
Absolutely! To make pulled chicken in an Instant Pot, season the chicken and add it along with the barbecue sauce and broth. Cook on high pressure for 10-12 minutes, then use a quick release. Shred the chicken and mix in the sauce!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pulled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of barbecue sauce to keep it moist.
How Can I Customize the Flavor?
You can easily customize the flavor by using different barbecue sauces or adding your favorite spices. For a spicy kick, mix in some cayenne pepper or hot sauce. You could also try adding honey or brown sugar for a sweeter touch!
