These pulled chicken sandwiches are simply amazing! With tender chicken slowly cooked in a tasty sauce, they are perfect for any get-together.
There’s something about piling the juicy chicken on a soft bun that brings a smile to my face. I always add extra pickles because, why not? 😄
Making these sandwiches is super easy! Just slow cook the chicken, shred it, and pile it high. You’ll have a hit meal ready in no time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for shredding. If you want a lower-fat option, you can use chicken thighs, which stay juicy and tender.
Barbecue Sauce: Using your favorite barbecue sauce is key. If you prefer a healthier version, try making your own with tomato sauce, vinegar, and spices. If you’re avoiding sugar, look for a sugar-free BBQ sauce.
Coleslaw: I love a mix of green and purple cabbage for color and crunch. You can substitute with pre-packaged coleslaw mix or even use shredded carrots and apples for a different twist!
Buns: Soft buns like brioche add to the sandwich’s appeal. If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, whole grain or lettuce wraps work wonderfully too.
How Do I Get My Chicken Perfectly Shredded?
Shredding chicken might seem tricky, but it’s super simple once you know the process! Make sure to let the chicken cool a bit before handling it.
- Use two forks to pull the chicken apart, working against the grain for easier shredding.
- Mix the shredded chicken back into the sauce from the slow cooker for added flavor and moisture.
- For a faster method, you can also use a hand mixer on low speed—just be cautious not to over-shred!
With these tips, you’ll have delicious pulled chicken sandwiches that everyone will love! Enjoy making and sharing this easy-to-make meal.
Delicious Pulled Chicken Sandwiches
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite variety)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For the Sandwiches:
- 6 sandwich buns (soft and slightly sweet like brioche or potato buns)
- 2 cups coleslaw (mix of green and purple cabbage)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise (for coleslaw dressing)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (for coleslaw dressing)
- 1 tsp sugar (for coleslaw dressing)
- Salt and pepper to taste (for coleslaw dressing)
How Much Time Will You Need?
The total prep time for these delicious pulled chicken sandwiches is about 15 minutes, plus 4-6 hours of slow cooking or 2-3 hours on high in the slow cooker. Add in a short chilling time for the coleslaw, and you’ll be ready to serve a tasty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Chicken:
In a small bowl, combine the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Rub this wonderful spice mixture all over the chicken breasts to give them great flavor.
2. Cooking the Chicken:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat or use a slow cooker. If using the skillet, sear the chicken breasts on both sides until they are golden brown. After searing, transfer the chicken to the slow cooker. Pour the chicken broth and barbecue sauce over the chicken and cover. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until the chicken is nice and tender—perfect for shredding!
3. Making the Coleslaw:
While the chicken is cooking, let’s make the coleslaw! In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Then, toss in the shredded green and purple cabbage, making sure every piece is coated in the dressing. Chill the coleslaw in the fridge until you are ready to serve.
4. Shredding the Chicken:
Once the chicken is cooked, transfer the breasts to a large bowl. Use two forks to shred the chicken and mix it with the delicious juices from the slow cooker or skillet to keep it moist and flavorful.
5. Assembling the Sandwiches:
Now it’s time to put everything together! If you like, you can lightly toast the sandwich buns for extra flavor. Take the bottom half of each bun and pile on a generous amount of the pulled chicken. Top it off with a good serving of coleslaw. Finally, place the bun top on each sandwich and enjoy immediately!
These pulled chicken sandwiches are not just easy to make; they are packed with flavor, juicy, and perfect for sharing with family and friends. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure it’s completely thawed before cooking. The best way to thaw is by leaving it in the fridge overnight or using the defrost setting on your microwave. Make sure to pat it dry before seasoning!
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
If you love heat, you can add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the spice mixture. For a more unique flavor, consider adding a dash of hot sauce to the barbecue sauce, or serve the finished sandwiches with sliced jalapeños.
What Should I Do with Leftover Chicken?
Leftover pulled chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently over low heat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of barbecue sauce if it seems dry to keep it moist.
Can I Prepare This Recipe in Advance?
Absolutely! You can cook the chicken a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just warm it up before serving, and prepare the coleslaw just before assembling the sandwiches to keep it crunchy and fresh.
