Tender Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches
An easy slow cooker recipe for juicy, tender BBQ pulled chicken sandwiches perfect for busy weeknights and casual gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 sandwiches 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 to 1 ½ cups BBQ sauce (240 to 360 ml)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 to 6 hamburger buns or sandwich rolls
- Optional toppings: coleslaw, pickles, sliced red onion, cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Pat dry 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts.
- Sprinkle 1 teaspoon each of onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper evenly over both sides of the chicken.
- Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the slow cooker in a single layer.
- Pour 1 to 1 ½ cups of BBQ sauce over the chicken, coating evenly.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours without lifting the lid.
- Check if the chicken is tender enough to shred; if not, cook an additional 30 to 60 minutes.
- Shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker using two forks or tongs and mix well with the sauce.
- Lightly toast buns in a skillet or toaster and prepare any optional toppings.
- Assemble sandwiches by piling pulled chicken onto buns, adding toppings, and serving immediately.
Notes
For gluten-free, use gluten-free rolls or lettuce wraps. To keep low-carb, serve over greens or with creamy scalloped potatoes. Stir in mayonnaise or Greek yogurt after shredding for extra creaminess. Avoid lifting the slow cooker lid during cooking to maintain heat. Toast buns to prevent sogginess. If sauce is too thick, add a tablespoon of water or broth; if too thin, cook uncovered on high for 15-20 minutes to reduce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 350400
- Sugar: 1015
- Sodium: 600800
- Fat: 57
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 3540
- Fiber: 23
- Protein: 3035
Keywords: slow cooker, BBQ pulled chicken, sandwiches, easy recipe, comfort food, crockpot chicken