These pulled chicken sandwiches are a real crowd-pleaser! Made with tender, juicy chicken cooked low and slow, they’re packed with flavor and topped with your favorite sauce. Yum!
I love how easy they are to make. Just throw everything in a slow cooker, and let it do the work. Perfect for a busy day or a fun gathering with friends!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: The star of the show! Chicken breasts are lean and cook beautifully in the slow cooker. If you want more flavor, try using chicken thighs instead; they add a richer taste and remain juicy.
Barbecue Sauce: I recommend picking a sauce you love. You can also make a homemade version using ketchup, vinegar, honey, and spices if you want a personal touch. If you’re avoiding sugar, look for low-sugar or no-sugar barbecue sauces.
Chicken Broth: This adds moisture and depth to the chicken. If you’re short on broth, water works too, but broth enhances the flavor a lot! Feel free to use vegetable broth for a different twist.
Spices: The mix of smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder gives a great flavor. Adjust them to your liking—more garlic for a punch, less salt if you’re watching your intake.
How Can I Ensure My Chicken is Tender and Flavorful?
The secret to perfectly tender and flavorful pulled chicken lies in the cooking method. Here’s how to nail it:
- Don’t rush the cooking! Use the low setting on your slow cooker for the best results; the chicken gets tender over time.
- Always sear the chicken before slow cooking. This step locks in moisture and adds a nice, caramelized flavor.
- Shred the chicken while it’s still warm for the easiest shredding, and make sure it’s coated in the sauce before serving.
These simple steps will help you achieve juicy chicken every time! Enjoy your sandwiches!
How to Make Pulled Chicken Sandwiches
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Chicken:
- 2 pounds 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 smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- For Serving:
- 8 hamburger buns or sandwich rolls
- Optional: coleslaw for topping or serving on the side
Time Needed:
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare, and then you’ll need to let it cook in the slow cooker for 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. After cooking, serve immediately for a delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Spice Mix:
In a small bowl, combine the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. This simple spice mix will flavor the chicken beautifully!
2. Season the Chicken:
Rub the spice mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts. Make sure they’re well-coated for maximum flavor!
3. Sear the Chicken:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and sear them for about 2 minutes on each side until they are lightly browned. This adds a lovely flavor to the chicken!
4. Slow Cook the Chicken:
Transfer the seared chicken breasts to a slow cooker. Pour in the chicken broth and your barbecue sauce. Make sure the chicken is nicely coated. Cover the slow cooker with a lid.
5. Cook Until Tender:
Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken is done when it’s very tender and shreds easily with a fork. You can do this step while you go about your day!
6. Shred the Chicken:
Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker and place it on a large plate or cutting board. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
7. Mix with Sauce:
Return the shredded chicken back to the slow cooker and stir to coat it well with the sauce. This will keep it juicy and flavorful!
8. Assemble Your Sandwiches:
To serve, pile generous amounts of the pulled chicken onto the bottom half of each bun. If you like, add some coleslaw on top for an extra crunch. Then, place the top bun on each sandwich.
9. Enjoy Your Meal:
Serve your pulled chicken sandwiches warm with your favorite sides like coleslaw or pickles. Enjoy the delicious flavors!
These pulled chicken sandwiches are perfect for an easy dinner or a fun gathering. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just be sure to thaw it completely before cooking, which is best done in the fridge overnight. If you’re short on time, you can use the microwave to defrost it, but be sure to cook it right away afterward.
Can I Make This Recipe Spicy?
Absolutely! To add some heat, consider mixing in some cayenne pepper with the spice rub or using a spicy barbecue sauce. You can also add sliced jalapeños when assembling the sandwiches for an extra kick!
How to Store Leftover Pulled Chicken?
Store any leftover pulled chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave it or heat it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or extra barbecue sauce to keep it moist.
Can I Freeze Unused Pulled Chicken?
Yes! Pulled chicken freezes very well. Just let it cool completely, then place it in a freezer-safe container or bag, squeezing out as much air as possible. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
