Print

Tender Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken Sandwich Recipe with Homemade BBQ Sauce

slow cooker pulled chicken sandwich - featured image
Print Recipe

A foolproof slow cooker pulled chicken sandwich recipe featuring tender, juicy chicken and a balanced homemade BBQ sauce, perfect for easy and flavorful weeknight meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 pounds / 900g)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth or stock (low sodium if possible)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin (optional)
  • 1 cup (240ml) ketchup (no-sugar-added preferred)
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup (50g) brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder (optional)
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Sandwich buns or rolls (brioche buns recommended)
  • Coleslaw or pickles (optional)
  • Butter, for toasting buns (optional)

Instructions

  1. Season the chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and cumin. Place them in the slow cooker along with the chopped onion and minced garlic.
  2. Pour 1 cup (240ml) of chicken broth over the chicken to keep the meat moist and help flavors seep in.
  3. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender enough to shred easily.
  4. While the chicken cooks, whisk together ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  5. Remove the cooked chicken breasts from the slow cooker and shred them with two forks or meat claws.
  6. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, pour the BBQ sauce over the top, and stir to coat evenly. Cook on low for another 15-20 minutes to meld flavors.
  7. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Lightly butter the buns and toast until golden brown, about 1-2 minutes per side.
  8. Assemble sandwiches by piling pulled chicken onto toasted buns. Add coleslaw or pickles if desired.
  9. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

Add the BBQ sauce after shredding the chicken to avoid burning sugars. Toast buns to prevent sogginess. Use low and slow cooking for juiciest results. Adjust BBQ sauce sweetness and tanginess to taste. For gluten-free, use gluten-free buns and Worcestershire sauce. For dairy-free, use plant-based butter or skip butter when toasting buns.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker pulled chicken, BBQ chicken sandwich, homemade BBQ sauce, easy meals, comfort food, slow cooker recipes

Find it online: https://yumnode.com/tender-slow-cooker-pulled-chicken-sandwich-recipe-with-homemade-bbq-sauce-perfect-for-easy-meals/