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To make slow cooker pulled BBQ chicken sandwiches, you need a few key items. Here’s what you will need: - 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup BBQ sauce - 1/2 cup chicken broth - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar - 1 tablespoon brown sugar - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - Salt to taste - 6 hamburger buns - Optional toppings: coleslaw, pickles Each ingredient plays an important role. The chicken is the star, tender and juicy after slow cooking. The BBQ sauce adds that beloved tang and sweetness. Chicken broth keeps the dish moist. Apple cider vinegar gives a nice zing. Brown sugar balances the flavors. Spices like smoked paprika and garlic powder elevate the taste. When you gather these ingredients, it’s like collecting magic for your meal. Ready to make something great? Let's dive into the next steps! To start, I place the boneless chicken breasts directly into the slow cooker. Make sure the chicken is fresh and fully thawed. Frozen chicken will not cook evenly. Good chicken leads to tasty pulled BBQ sandwiches. Next, I mix the BBQ sauce. In a bowl, I combine these ingredients: - 1 cup BBQ sauce - 1/2 cup chicken broth - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar - 1 tablespoon brown sugar - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - Salt to taste I mix well until everything blends. If you want to save time, store-bought sauce works fine. But homemade sauce adds a personal touch and flavor depth. Now it’s time to cook. I pour the sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker. I make sure every piece is coated. I then cover the slow cooker with its lid. For cooking times, I choose low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Covering the pot keeps moisture in and makes the chicken tender. Once the chicken is cooked, I take it out and place it on a plate. I use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. After shredding, I return the chicken to the slow cooker. I mix it with the remaining sauce and let it cook for an extra 15-30 minutes. For serving, I like to toast the hamburger buns. I place a generous portion of pulled chicken on each bun. I often top it with coleslaw and pickles for a tasty crunch. Serve while hot, with extra BBQ sauce on the side if anyone wants more flavor. To avoid dry chicken, choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts. The slow cooker keeps the chicken moist. Always use enough liquid. In this recipe, the BBQ sauce and chicken broth help. This adds flavor and keeps the chicken tender. For cooking times, I suggest these options: - Low setting: Cook for 6-8 hours for super tender chicken. - High setting: Cook for 3-4 hours if you’re short on time. You can boost the flavor with extra spices. Here are a few ideas: - Add cayenne pepper for heat. - Mix in some Worcestershire sauce for depth. - A splash of lemon juice brightens the taste. If you want to make your own BBQ sauce, here’s a simple mix: - Combine ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and spices. For great sides, try these options: - Baked beans add a smoky taste. - Corn on the cob is sweet and crunchy. - Potato salad is a classic pairing. To garnish your sandwiches, consider: - Coleslaw adds crunch and creaminess. - Pickles give a tangy kick. Enjoy your meal! {{image_2}} BBQ sauce can change your dish’s flavor. You can choose from sweet, tangy, or spicy sauces. Sweet sauces, like Kansas City style, are thick and rich. Tangy sauces, like South Carolina mustard sauce, have a zing. Spicy sauces, like Texas-style, add heat. If you want to try something new, make a homemade BBQ sauce. Start with basic ingredients like ketchup, vinegar, and brown sugar. Mix in spices like smoked paprika or garlic powder. Taste as you go and adjust it to your liking. This way, you get a unique sauce that fits your taste. You can switch the chicken for other meats or plant-based options. Pulled pork is a great choice. It cooks well and has a deep flavor. Turkey is another lean option that works nicely. If you prefer plants, use jackfruit or mushrooms. They soak up flavor and shred like meat. When cooking different proteins, adjust the cooking time. Pork and turkey may need longer, about 8 hours on low. For jackfruit, just a few hours will do. Always check for tenderness. While coleslaw and pickles are great, you can get creative with toppings. Try adding avocado or spicy jalapeños for a kick. Different cheeses, like sharp cheddar or pepper jack, can add a nice touch. You might also drizzle extra BBQ sauce or ranch dressing for more flavor. These toppings can change the meal and make it more fun. Experiment with different combinations to find what you like best. Each addition can create a new taste experience. To keep your pulled BBQ chicken fresh, store it in a cool place. Use an airtight container. Glass or plastic containers work well. Keep the chicken in the fridge for up to four days. This way, you can enjoy it later! When reheating chicken, be careful. I suggest using a microwave or stovetop. For the microwave, heat in short bursts. Stir between each burst to keep it juicy. If using the stove, add a splash of water. This helps keep the chicken moist. For buns, it’s best to toast them lightly. You can use a toaster or a skillet. This gives a nice crunch and keeps them from getting soggy. If you want to keep pulled BBQ chicken longer, freeze it. Place the chicken in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as you can. Label the bag with the date. It will stay good for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight. To reheat, warm it up on the stove or in the microwave. Just remember to add a bit of liquid to keep it moist. You can keep pulled BBQ chicken in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. If you want to enjoy it later, make sure to label it with the date. This way, you can track how long it has been stored. Yes, you can use frozen chicken in this recipe. The slow cooker will safely cook the chicken while it thaws. Just add a little extra time to the cooking process. If you use frozen chicken, cook it on high for about 4-5 hours, or on low for 7-8 hours. This ensures the chicken cooks well and stays tender. If you want to change the BBQ sauce, try using hot sauce or teriyaki sauce. You can also make a homemade version. Mix ketchup, vinegar, and a little brown sugar for a quick alternative. For those on special diets, use a sugar-free or low-sodium BBQ sauce. Just keep in mind that it might change the flavor. You can cook pulled BBQ chicken on the stovetop or in the oven. For stovetop cooking, use a large pot. Cook the chicken on medium heat for about 30-40 minutes. For oven cooking, place the chicken and sauce in a covered dish. Bake at 300°F for about 2-3 hours, until the chicken is tender. This recipe shows you how to make delicious pulled BBQ chicken with ease. We went through the ingredients, cooking steps, and tips to ensure great flavor. You learned how to customize your dish with different sauces and toppings. Remember, using fresh chicken and the right cooking times keeps it juicy. Enjoy your tasty sandwiches with family or friends. Try new flavors and have fun with it. Simple steps lead to great meals everyone will love.

Slow Cooker Pulled BBQ Chicken Sandwiches

Savor the deliciousness of Finger-Lickin’ Slow Cooker Pulled BBQ Chicken Sandwiches with this easy recipe! Just toss chicken and a tangy BBQ sauce in your slow cooker and let the magic happen. Perfect for busy days, this dish is packed with flavor and can be served with a tasty coleslaw topping. Click to explore the full recipe and impress your family with these mouthwatering sandwiches that are sure to be a hit at any gathering!
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Ingredients
  

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)

1/2 cup chicken broth

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

1 tablespoon brown sugar

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Salt to taste

6 hamburger buns

Coleslaw (for topping, optional)

Pickles (for garnishing, optional)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Chicken: Place the boneless chicken breasts into the slow cooker.

    Mix the Sauce: In a bowl, combine the BBQ sauce, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Mix well until all ingredients are incorporated.

      Combine in Slow Cooker: Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker, ensuring they are evenly coated.

        Cook: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

          Shred the Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and place it on a large plate. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.

            Return to Sauce: Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and mix it with the remaining BBQ sauce to coat the chicken well. Allow it to cook for an additional 15-30 minutes on low to absorb the flavors.

              Assemble the Sandwiches: Toast the hamburger buns if desired. Place a generous portion of the pulled BBQ chicken onto each bun. Top with coleslaw and pickles if you like.

                Serve: Serve immediately while hot, with extra BBQ sauce on the side for drizzling.

                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 6-8 hours | Servings: 6