These pulled chicken sandwiches are the perfect mix of tender, juicy chicken and tasty sauce, piled high on a soft bun. They’re super easy to make and oh-so-satisfying!
Honestly, who can resist that mouthwatering smell while they cook? I love piling on extra toppings like pickles or slaw for a fun crunch. Yum!
Making these sandwiches is a breeze! Just cook the chicken, shred it, mix in the sauce, and serve. It’s great for a quick dinner or a backyard BBQ!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for tenderness. You can also use thighs for extra flavor, or even rotisserie chicken for a quicker option. Just shred it and mix with the sauce!
Barbecue Sauce: Your choice of barbecue sauce can make or break the flavor. If you prefer homemade, just mix ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, and spices! For a different twist, try mustard-based or vinegar-based sauces.
Chicken Broth or Water: Chicken broth adds depth, but if you’re out, water works just fine. You can also use vegetable broth if you want a lighter flavor or have dietary preferences.
Spices: Smoked paprika adds a nice smoky flavor, but regular paprika will do if you don’t have it. Add a pinch of cayenne for heat, or switch garlic and onion powders for fresh minced garlic and onions for an extra kick!
Sandwich Buns: Brioche adds a buttery softness, but feel free to use whole wheat or gluten-free buns to fit your needs. Toasting them just gives a delightful crunch!
How Do I Get My Chicken Perfectly Shredded?
Shredding chicken can be tricky if you don’t know the right approach. After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then use two forks to pull it apart. This works best when the chicken is still warm!
- Hold a fork in each hand, one on the chicken and the other pulling it away.
- Shred in a direction that follows the grain of the meat for easier pulling.
- Don’t stress about keeping it pretty; it’s meant to be piled on a sandwich!
Now you can prepare those delicious sandwiches with confidence! Happy cooking!
How to Make Pulled Chicken Sandwiches
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pulled Chicken:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
For Assembling the Sandwiches:
- 6 sandwich buns (brioche or soft hamburger buns)
- 1 cup coleslaw (shredded cabbage and carrots with a light dressing)
- Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for prep and 4-5 hours for cooking in a slow cooker (or 2-3 hours on high). So, you can prep it, set it and forget it until dinnertime!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Chicken:
In a small bowl, mix together smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Rub the spice mixture evenly over the chicken breasts to add flavor.
2. Sear the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and sear each side for about 3-4 minutes until they’re lightly browned. This step gives them a nice flavor!
3. Slow Cook the Chicken:
Transfer the chicken to a slow cooker. Pour in the chicken broth or water and cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is very tender and can be easily shredded.
4. Shred the Chicken:
Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a plate. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
5. Mix in the Sauce:
Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, then add your barbecue sauce. Stir everything together until the chicken is well-coated. Allow it to heat for an additional 15-20 minutes to meld the flavors.
6. Prepare the Buns:
While the chicken is warming up, lightly toast the sandwich buns until they are golden brown. A little crunch makes all the difference!
7. Assemble the Sandwiches:
Take the bottom half of each toasted bun and load it with a generous amount of pulled chicken. Top it off with coleslaw for an extra crunch, and add fresh cilantro if you like!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Place the top buns on your sandwiches and serve immediately. Enjoy your delicious pulled chicken sandwiches with your favorite sides!
There’s nothing like a warm, flavorful pulled chicken sandwich topped with tangy coleslaw to satisfy your taste buds. Happy eating!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just make sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator before cooking. If you’re short on time, you can cook it directly from frozen in the slow cooker, but it may need extra cooking time.
Can I Prepare the Chicken in Advance?
Absolutely! You can cook the chicken a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it on the stove or microwave, then mix in the barbecue sauce before serving.
How to Store Leftover Pulled Chicken?
Store any leftover pulled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the chicken for longer storage, just make sure to place it in a freezer-safe container.
What Can I Serve with Pulled Chicken Sandwiches?
These sandwiches pair well with a variety of sides! Consider serving them with potato chips, a fresh salad, baked beans, or corn on the cob to complete the meal.