These pulled chicken sandwiches are simply tasty and super easy to make! Tender chicken is cooked with BBQ sauce, then piled high on soft buns for a meal that everyone will love.
Eating these makes me feel like a BBQ master, even if my secret is just throwing everything in a pot. I love serving them with some crunchy pickles on the side—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I prefer using boneless thighs for more tenderness, but chicken breasts work well too. If you’re short on time, rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut; just shred it and skip the cooking step!
Barbecue Sauce: Your choice makes a big difference! I like to use a sweet and tangy sauce. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can make a homemade sauce using ketchup, vinegar, and spices. Feel free to experiment with other flavors!
Coleslaw: While I love the classic cabbage slaw, you can mix it up! Broccoli slaw, or even a simple salad with shredded carrots and a vinaigrette, also works. For a different twist, add crushed pineapple to the mix!
How Do I Get the Chicken Really Tender?
The trick to super tender pulled chicken is in the cooking method. Low and slow is the way to go! Use a slow cooker or a pot on the stove. Either way, it’s essential to cook with some liquid (like chicken broth or BBQ sauce) to keep the chicken juicy. Here’s how:
- For the slow cooker: Set it on low for 6-7 hours. Don’t rush this; low heat breaks down the chicken fibers wonderfully.
- For stovetop cooking: Cover and simmer on low for about 1 to 1.5 hours, adding water as needed to prevent drying out.
- Always let the chicken rest a bit before shredding; it helps keep the juices inside. Use two forks to shred while the chicken is still warm for the best texture.
Delicious Pulled Chicken Sandwiches
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pulled Chicken:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for smoky flavor)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Serving:
- 6 sandwich buns (brioche or soft hamburger buns recommended)
- Coleslaw (about 2 cups) for topping:
- 2 cups shredded cabbage (green and purple for color)
- 1/4 cup shredded carrot (optional)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation time, plus 6-7 hours for slow cooking (or 1 to 1.5 hours for stovetop cooking). Add some time to make the coleslaw and toast the buns if you desire. Overall, you can expect a flavorful meal that’s well worth the wait!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Chicken:
Start by seasoning your chicken breasts or thighs. Lightly sprinkle salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika on both sides of the chicken for great flavor!
2. Cooking the Chicken:
Place the seasoned chicken in a slow cooker or a large pot. Pour in the chicken broth (or water) and add the barbecue sauce over the top. If you want a richer flavor, drizzle a bit of olive oil as well.
3. Slow Cooking or Simmering:
Let the magic happen! If using a slow cooker, set it on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is super tender and easy to shred. If you’re on the stovetop, simply cover and simmer on low for about 1 to 1.5 hours, adding more water if needed to keep it moist.
4. Shredding the Chicken:
Once the chicken is cooked and tender, carefully remove it from the slow cooker or pot. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir it well to coat in the delicious sauce. Keep it warm while you prepare the coleslaw.
5. Making the Coleslaw:
In a medium bowl, mix the shredded cabbage, optional shredded carrot, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is combined nicely. Adjust the seasoning to suit your taste!
6. Toasting the Buns:
For added flavor, lightly toast your sandwich buns in a skillet or under the broiler until golden. This step is optional but a nice touch!
7. Assembling the Sandwiches:
Now for the fun part! Take a bun and pile a generous amount of the pulled chicken on the bottom half. Top it with a scoop of your coleslaw, then place the bun top over everything.
8. Serve Immediately:
Your delicious pulled chicken sandwiches are ready! Serve them warm with extra barbecue sauce on the side if anyone wants more. Enjoy your meal with family and friends!
These sandwiches are perfect for any casual gathering or weeknight dinner, providing flavor and comfort in every bite!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just remember to thaw it completely before cooking. The best way to do this is to leave it in the fridge overnight or place it in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water for a few hours.
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
If you’d like to add some heat, consider mixing in a spicy barbecue sauce or adding some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix. Adjust the amount according to your spice preference!
Can I Prepare the Coleslaw Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can make the coleslaw a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld beautifully, and it’ll be ready to go when you assemble your sandwiches!
How Should I Store Leftover Pulled Chicken?
Store any leftover pulled chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can warm it gently in a pan on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or barbecue sauce to keep it moist.