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Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches

These Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches are tender, smoky, and effortless! Perfect for family dinners or game day with wholesome ingredients and tasty BBQ sauce.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time6 hours
Total Time6 hours 15 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: BBQ, Comfort Food, Easy, Pulled Chicken, Slow Cooker
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts fresh or thawed
  • 1 cup pork-free BBQ sauce
  • 1 medium onion sliced, yellow or white
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 4 whole wheat sandwich buns
  • coleslaw optional, classic creamy or vinegar-based

Instructions

Prepare the Aromatics

  • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened and slightly caramelized. Toss in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring constantly to avoid burning.

Assemble in the Slow Cooker

  • Place the 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts into the slow cooker. Sprinkle with paprika, salt, and black pepper evenly on top. Add the sautéed onion and garlic mixture. Pour 1 cup of pork-free BBQ sauce over the chicken, ensuring the breasts are well coated.

Slow Cook to Perfection

  • Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours. Chicken should be tender enough to shred easily with forks. The low and slow method gives the best texture and flavor, but if you’re short on time, the high setting works well too.

Shred the Chicken

  • Remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and place on a large plate or cutting board. Use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir well to coat it in the BBQ sauce and juices.

Assemble the Sandwiches

  • Lightly toast the whole wheat buns for extra texture and warmth. Pile generous portions of the pulled chicken onto each bun. Top with coleslaw if desired for a refreshing crunch that balances the smoky, saucy chicken.

Serve and Enjoy

  • Serve these sandwiches hot alongside your favorite sides or a simple green salad. They’re perfect for casual dinners, weeknight meals, or even entertaining guests.

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker
  • Skillet
  • Forks or shredding claws
  • Cutting Board
  • Knife
  • Measuring spoons
  • Measuring cups

Notes

  • Store leftover pulled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Freeze pulled chicken for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers or bags.
  • Reheat gently with a splash of water or BBQ sauce to keep the chicken moist.
  • Toast buns fresh before serving to prevent sogginess after storage.