These pulled chicken sandwiches are super tasty! They’re made with tender, shredded chicken smothered in a flavorful sauce, piled high on soft buns.
Perfect for a picnic or game day, I love adding pickles and coleslaw for a crunch. They’re so easy to make, you might just want to have them every week! 😉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the best for this recipe, as they cook up tender and shred easily. If you’re looking for a healthier option, skinless chicken thighs work well too.
Barbecue Sauce: Using your favorite store-bought barbecue sauce saves time. If you prefer homemade, a simple mix of ketchup, vinegar, and spices will do. For a spicy kick, add a bit of hot sauce!
Chicken Broth: Chicken broth adds flavor. If you don’t have it, feel free to use water. Vegetable broth is a great substitute if you want to keep it vegetarian.
Sandwich Buns: Brioche buns are soft and slightly sweet, but feel free to use any sturdy buns like whole wheat or hamburger rolls. Gluten-free buns are also widely available.
Coleslaw: I love using a mix of green and purple cabbage for color and crunch, but a simple store-bought coleslaw mix can save time. You can even add sliced apples or nuts for a twist!
How Do I Achieve Perfectly Shredded Chicken?
Getting that perfectly shredded chicken is key for your sandwiches. Follow these tips:
- Cook the chicken until it’s very tender; this is crucial for easy shredding. It should fall apart with little effort.
- Using two forks works best—simply pull apart the chicken in opposite directions.
- Don’t forget to mix in the barbecue sauce while the chicken is still warm! This keeps it juicy and packed with flavor.
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 garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Assembling the Sandwiches:
- 6 sandwich buns (brioche buns recommended)
- 2 cups prepared coleslaw (mix of green and purple cabbage with carrot)
- Optional: pickles for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious meal will take about 15 minutes to prepare. For cooking, you’ll need either 4-5 hours in a slow cooker or about 1.5-2 hours on the stovetop. After that, it’s just a matter of assembling the sandwiches, which takes about another 10 minutes. Total time: approximately 5-6 hours, including cooking time—perfect for a laid-back meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Chicken:
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts on both sides with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure they’re coated nicely for great flavor!
2. Sear the Chicken:
Heat some olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken breasts for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they are lightly browned. This adds a nice flavor to the chicken!
3. Cook the Chicken:
Transfer the seared chicken to a slow cooker or a covered pot. Pour in the chicken broth and your barbecue sauce. If using a slow cooker, cook on low for 4-5 hours. If using the stovetop, simmer gently for 1.5-2 hours until the chicken is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
4. Shred the Chicken:
When the chicken is done cooking, take it out of the liquid and use two forks to shred it. It should pull apart easily. For extra flavor, mix in a bit more barbecue sauce to coat the shredded chicken!
5. Assemble the Sandwiches:
If you like, toast the sandwich buns lightly. Pile a generous amount of pulled chicken on the bottom half of each bun. Top with coleslaw and add pickles if you want that extra crunch.
6. Serve:
Place the top bun on each sandwich and serve immediately. Enjoy your delicious pulled chicken sandwiches with friends or family!
Dive into this fantastic meal, packed with juicy, flavorful chicken and crunchy coleslaw—it’s sure to be a hit!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just ensure to thaw it completely before cooking. You can do this by placing it in the fridge overnight or using the cold water method: seal the chicken in a plastic bag and submerge it in cold water until thawed.
Can I Make This Sandwich Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can cook the pulled chicken ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave before assembling the sandwiches.
How Should I Store Leftover Pulled Chicken?
Store any leftover pulled chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm gently before serving.
What Other Toppings Can I Use on the Sandwiches?
You can customize your sandwiches with various toppings! Consider adding sliced jalapeños for heat, avocado slices for creaminess, or even cheese for extra flavor. Experiment with what you love!