Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches

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February 19, 2026

The smell of BBQ sauce simmering all afternoon feels like comfort waiting at the door. These Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches turn simple ingredients into juicy, saucy goodness with almost no effort. Just set it, cook it, shred it, and pile it high.


Why Youโ€™ll Love This Recipe

  • Hands-off slow cooker method
  • Tender, juicy shredded chicken
  • Perfect for parties or meal prep
  • Simple pantry ingredients
  • Family-friendly flavor

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4โ€“6 hours (LOW)
  • Total Time: About 4 hours 10 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 ยฝ cups thick BBQ sauce
  • ยฝ cup chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ยฝ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ยฝ teaspoon onion powder
  • ยฝ teaspoon black pepper
  • 6 sandwich buns

Optional Toppings

  • Coleslaw
  • Pickles
  • Sliced red onion
  • Jalapeรฑos

Swap: Use chicken thighs for richer flavor.


Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
  2. In a bowl, mix BBQ sauce, broth, brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper.
  3. Pour sauce over chicken.
  4. Cover and cook on LOW for 4โ€“6 hours or HIGH for 2โ€“3 hours.
  5. Shred chicken directly in the slow cooker using two forks.
  6. Stir shredded chicken into the sauce until fully coated.
  7. Spoon the Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches mixture onto toasted buns.
  8. Add toppings and serve warm.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with:

  • Classic coleslaw
  • Baked beans
  • Corn on the cob
  • Potato wedges

Add iced tea or lemonade for a casual BBQ feel.


Quick Tips or Variations

  • Toast buns to prevent sogginess.
  • Add a splash of apple cider vinegar for extra tang.
  • Stir in a little hot sauce for heat.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to cook pulled chicken in a slow cooker?

Cook on LOW for 4โ€“6 hours or HIGH for 2โ€“3 hours until it shreds easily.

Can you put raw chicken in a slow cooker for pulled chicken?

Yes. Add raw chicken with sauce and cook until it reaches 165ยฐF.

What is the best BBQ sauce for pulled chicken sandwiches?

Use a thick, smoky sauce. Sweet, spicy, or tangy styles all work.

What toppings go well on BBQ pulled chicken sandwiches?

Coleslaw, pickles, red onion, jalapeรฑos, and extra BBQ sauce add texture and flavor.


Conclusion

Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches make dinner easy and satisfying. Let your slow cooker do the work while you enjoy tender, saucy sandwiches that everyone loves.

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Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches


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  • Author: Laura Jennings
  • Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 6 sandwiches 1x

Description

Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches are tender, saucy, and easy to make in the crockpot.


Ingredients

Scale

2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts

1 1/2 cups BBQ sauce

1/2 cup chicken broth

1 tbsp brown sugar

1 tsp smoked paprika

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp onion powder

1/2 tsp black pepper

6 sandwich buns


Instructions

1. Place chicken in slow cooker

2. Mix sauce broth sugar and seasonings

3. Pour over chicken

4. Cook on LOW 4-6 hours

5. Shred chicken with forks

6. Stir into sauce

7. Serve on toasted buns

Notes

Chicken thighs work well

Toast buns before serving

Add hot sauce for spice

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4-6 hours
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Slow Cooker
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 sandwich
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 18g
  • Sodium: 650mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 32g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg

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